Thursday, 30 Apr 2026

Written Answers Nos. 161-180

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Rail Network

Questions (161)

Peter Roche

Question:

161. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is aware of the decision by the National Transport Authority to withdraw the 6.50 a.m. Athenry–Galway train service; if any assessment has been carried out on the impact this decision will have on commuters, students and workers who rely on early-morning public transport; if this proposal has been considered in the context of national sustainability targets and the commitment to increase public transport usage, given the importance of retaining this service to meet growing commuter demand in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31118/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. As Minister of State I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.

In light of the NTA and Irish Rail's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Public Transport

Questions (162)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

162. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport for the provision of a park and ride service in Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31336/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is leading the development and rollout of strategic park and ride sites nationwide through the Park and Ride Development Office.

In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Bus Éireann

Questions (163)

Edward Timmins

Question:

163. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Transport for an update on both the reliability and the promised increase in service on the 132 Bus Éireann regional /commuter route, which was scheduled for April 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31164/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.

Ireland’s public transport system is at a pivotal point. Growing passenger demand, worsening urban congestion, and increasing reliance on public transport for commuting and essential travel highlight the need for reliable and sustainable services. At the same time, the public transport sector is currently experiencing a significant workforce shortage, particularly among drivers, mechanics, and craftworkers.

This challenge is already affecting service performance across the network. Bus operators are actively engaging with the NTA to identify and implement solutions to address these resource constraints. In this context, maintaining and strengthening the existing network is essential to safeguard the delivery of high-demand services to ensure they can operate effectively, while supporting longer-term reforms to enhance capacity, accessibility, and efficiency across the system.

The PSO funding allows the NTA to operate the Network on a sustainable basis and to prioritise any necessary changes in line with operational capacity and passenger needs.

The focus for 2026 is on stabilising the PSO position, ensuring services already in place can operate reliably and sustainably, and progressing improvements that are already in train. We are therefore focused on consolidating and strengthening the current network, while progressing improvements already underway, including Phase 7 BusConnects route adjustments and the new Mullingar town service. Within its allocated resources, the NTA will continue to prioritise operational improvements, where possible within its €940 million current allocation. Decisions on service changes or enhancements are a matter for the NTA, taking account of available funding, operational readiness, and driver availability.

Haulage Industry

Questions (164)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

164. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport in light of the significant nationwide protests and blockades that occurred between 7 and 14 April 2026, which caused widespread disruption nationally, including critical fuel infrastructure (details supplied), the status of negotiations with grassroots transport operators regarding their demands for Government-subsidised fuel price reductions and a cap on diesel prices; whether his Department intends to extend the temporary derogation of driving hours for hauliers beyond the current emergency period to help stabilise the national supply chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31298/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Government has agreed to establish a support scheme for the road transport sector. The scheme will support both the licenced and own account haulage sectors, as well as licenced passenger operators, subject to eligibility requirements.

The support package has been carefully considered following ongoing engagement between the Ministers, officials in the Department of Transport and haulage and passenger representative bodies over a number of weeks.

The support package complements the reduction in excise rates, the NORA levy, and the increased rebate rate allowed under the Diesel Rebate Scheme administered by the Revenue Commissioners, provided by Government at the end of March and beginning of April. The overall supports provided by Government reflect the needs communicated by the sector over many engagements and demonstrate Government is listening to the needs of the sector.

Payments will be backdated to 01 March 2026, with additional payments made for April and May, if the national average price of diesel exceeds €1.90 per litre in the month. Coach operators providing Local Link and school transport services will have a separate support measure introduced through the contractual arrangements in place with these providers.

Details of how to apply for the scheme will be made available shortly.

In relation to driving hours, the Minister for Transport introduced a temporary derogation to driving hours for professional drivers involved in the delivery of goods across Ireland on 13 April 2026.

The temporary relaxation of the rules reflected the exceptional circumstances faced by Irish hauliers due to the fuel protests, which brought about widespread road closures across the main motorways and national roads, and interruptions at ports.

The temporary relaxation was granted for an initial period of eight days, from 13-21 April 2026 inclusive, with the possibility to extend the relaxations for a further period if necessary. It applied to all drivers of vehicles undertaking the transport of goods within Ireland, irrespective of their nationality.

Industry did not request to have the derogation extended beyond its expiry date, and the temporary arrangements elapsed after 21 April.

Rail Network

Questions (165)

Naoise Ó Cearúil

Question:

165. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the annual passenger census is used by Iarnród Éireann and the National Transport Authority to inform decisions on carriage allocation on the Kildare commuter line; whether additional data sources are used to capture day-to-day variations in demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31272/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Bus Services

Questions (166)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

166. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will expand public service obligation local bus routes, so that the provision of these services is based on social and regional need rather than financial viability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31207/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and TFI Local Link services. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Rail Network

Questions (167)

Louis O'Hara

Question:

167. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if PSO funding will be provided to maintain the 6.50am train from Athenry to Galway beyond August 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30004/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. As Minister of State I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.

In light of the NTA and Irish Rail's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Public Transport

Questions (168)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

168. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he will reconsider his position and introduce free public transport, in the light of the recent fuel crisis, the need to reduce fossil fuel and to address the cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31342/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I fully recognise the considerable pressures currently affecting the public transport sector, arising from recent global developments and increased fuel costs. My Department will continue to monitor these impacts to determine whether they are temporary in nature or indicative of longer-term trends. In this context, Government has already stepped in with a significant package of supports, including approximately €120m specifically for the transport sector covering haulage, coach, TFI Local Link and school transport services.

Sustained and increasing investment in the PSO programme over the last few years has led to record public transport usage in 2025, with passenger numbers more than 23% above pre-Covid levels, alongside expanded network coverage connecting over 240 towns and villages.

Public transport fares in Ireland remain comparatively low due to a range of targeted measures, including the Young Adult Card, the 90-minute fare and free travel for those aged above 66 or those under in receipt of qualifying payments, plus for children under the age of nine. While these initiatives have improved affordability and accessibility, they also increase reliance on subsidy, and fare revenue remains a vital part of maintaining a financially sustainable PSO model.

In line with international best practice and to bolster the State’s capacity to invest in service expansion, network improvements, and operational resilience, it is essential we prioritise a reinvestment of fare revenue, ensures that we can maintain a well-funded reliable system and deliver greater long term benefit rather than reducing fares to unsustainable levels.

For this reason, the PSO Programme is kept under continuous review by my Department's PSO Oversight Group to ensure the network remains financially sustainable, resilient, and responsive to passenger needs amid rising costs and ongoing fuel price volatility. Therefore, maintaining a stable funding base is essential to protect service levels, support future expansion, and to ensure public transport continues to meet the needs of passengers.

Bus Services

Questions (169)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

169. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of ongoing issues with the provision of bus services by Go-Ahead in Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31204/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Go Ahead.

In terms of the performance of public transport operators, this is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

National Transport Authority

Questions (170, 179)

Grace Boland

Question:

170. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has assessed delivery capability and performance on the Train Management System project; the outcome of any such assessment; the contingency or alternative delivery options under consideration; the measures being taken to mitigate further cost escalation and delivery risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30627/26]

Grace Boland

Question:

179. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the National Train Control Centre and Train Management System project; the revised timeline for commissioning phase 1 and overall completion; the total cost to date and estimated final cost; the actions being taken to ensure delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30626/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 179 together.

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the National Train Control Centre, or NTCC.

The NTCC, project aims to deliver a modern, safe and efficient rail traffic management system that can effectively meet the needs of a growing railway over the coming decades.

The NTCC building near Heuston Station was completed in November 2022, close to its initial target date and budget despite the significant disruption to the construction sector caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during its construction. Bringing the centre into full operation has been delayed by slower than projected progress in developing and rolling out the new traffic management system, or TMS, which is the software that integrates a range of complex railway systems, such as signalling and communications.

As a result of these delays, last August I met with the NTA and the contractor responsible for the TMS, Indra Sistemas. I expressed my dissatisfaction at the rate of progress with the TMS and emphasised the importance of project delivery. My Department and I will continue to keep the project under close review, including with reference to the revised target commissioning dates, with a view to it bringing its benefits to railways users as soon as possible.

Finally, it is important to note traffic management continues to operate out of Connolly Station currently and there is no impact on railway safety as a result of delays in the new TMS.

Public Transport

Questions (171)

Barry Heneghan

Question:

171. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether the introduction of a temporary free public transport scheme, for a defined period such as two months, has been considered as a measure to alleviate the impact of rising petrol and diesel costs on households; the estimated cost of implementing such a scheme for a two month period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31297/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I fully recognise the considerable pressures currently affecting the public transport sector, arising from recent global developments and increased fuel costs. My Department will continue to monitor these impacts to determine whether they are temporary in nature or indicative of longer-term trends. In this context, Government has already stepped in with a significant package of supports, including approximately €120m specifically for the transport sector covering haulage, coach, TFI Local Link and school transport services.

Sustained and increasing investment in the PSO programme over the last few years has led to record public transport usage in 2025, with passenger numbers more than 23% above pre-Covid levels, alongside expanded network coverage connecting over 240 towns and villages.

Public transport fares in Ireland remain comparatively low due to a range of targeted measures, including the Young Adult Card, the 90-minute fare and free travel for those aged above 66 or those under in receipt of qualifying payments, plus for children under the age of nine. While these initiatives have improved affordability and accessibility, they also increase reliance on subsidy, and fare revenue remains a vital part of maintaining a financially sustainable PSO model.

In line with international best practice and to bolster the State’s capacity to invest in service expansion, network improvements, and operational resilience, it is essential we prioritise a reinvestment of fare revenue, which ensures that we can maintain a well-funded reliable system and deliver greater long term benefit rather than reducing fares to unsustainable levels.

For this reason, the PSO Programme is kept under continuous review by my Department's PSO Oversight Group to ensure the network remains financially sustainable, resilient, and responsive to passenger needs amid rising costs and ongoing fuel price volatility. Therefore, maintaining a stable funding base is essential to protect service levels, support future expansion, and to ensure public transport continues to meet the needs of passengers.

In light of their responsibility in this area, I have also forwarded the question regarding the estimated cost of implementing such a scheme directly to the National Transport Authority, so that they may address this aspect of the query. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Greenways Provision

Questions (172)

Michael Cahill

Question:

172. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport in view of the fact that two sections of the South Kerry Greenway are now open, if he will provide the necessary funding to get Glenbeigh village and Caherciveen town greenway ready; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31448/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. I note that there has been significant investment in Greenway schemes in County Kerry, with €9,950,000 allocated in 2026 alone.

Under the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Road Network

Questions (173)

Brian Brennan

Question:

173. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department will authorise release of emergency funding to Wicklow and Wexford local authorities to address the cost of repairing significant damage to the roads network impacted during storm Chandra, which has been quantified and applied for to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30631/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

My Department has liaised with those local authorities affected by Storm Chandra on damage caused and remediation needed and is now looking at means to address it.

For 2026, €718 million was allocated, through State road grants, for the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, with approximately 90% of this funding allocated to road maintenance and renewal. This will facilitate an increase in funding allocation of €26 million this year for road protection and renewal works.

All funding available through the 2026 Regional and Local Road Grant Programme was allocated to local authorities in February this year. It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. Further, local authorities are advised to set aside a contingency, from Department allocations and their own resources, for severe weather events.

Wexford County Council was allocated a total of €23,317,100. Of this, €22,747,100 was for the protection and renewal of regional and local roads. This was an increase from the initial 2025 allocation of €21,958,850 for protection and renewal grants.

Wicklow County Council was allocated a total of €14,908,200 for the protection and renewal of regional and local roads. This was an increase from the initial 2025 allocation of €14,602,800 for protection and renewal grants.

In accordance with Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, as amended, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority. Work on such roads is funded from Councils' own resources, supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of work to be funded is a matter for local authorities.

Public Transport

Questions (174)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

174. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport his plans for recruitment given the current shortage of drivers and mechanics in Dublin Bus and Go Ahead, and the planned expansion of the service with the next phase of Bus Connects [31341/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead.

Further, I can assure the Deputy that I recognise the importance of maintaining an adequately resourced workforce to support the delivery of public transport services. The Programme for Government commits to enhancing and supporting a skilled workforce to maintain and operate public transport vehicles.

To advance this commitment, my Department chairs the Public Transport Workforce Taskforce, which brings together representatives from the relevant Departments, agencies, public transport operators, including Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead, and training bodies. The Taskforce is tasked with identifying the key factors contributing to recruitment challenges and developing practical measures to support a sustainable pipeline of drivers, mechanics, and craftworkers. My Department will continue to engage with stakeholders, with a view to producing an action plan in the coming months.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Road Network

Questions (175)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

175. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport whether the roads allocation for Louth County Council will be increased this year in view of the rise in costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31245/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

My Department continues to work closely with all local authorities on this matter and is aware that oil price increases may impact contracts, contract prices, and outputs. Where applicable, mechanisms within contracts for price variation can be utilised by contracting authorities. Road maintenance and rehabilitation is heavily dependent on oil products and bitumen and it is acknowledged that this work is affected by the increasing cost of materials.

In accordance with Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, as amended, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority. Work on such roads is funded from Councils' own resources, supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of work to be funded is a matter for local authorities.

For 2026, €718 million was allocated, through State road grants, for the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, with approximately 90% of this funding allocated to road maintenance and renewal and the remainder directed towards new roads, bridges, and road realignments. This total allocation will facilitate an increase in funding of €26 million this year for road protection and renewal work.

Louth County Council was allocated a total of €10,810,650. Of this, €10,040,650 was allocated for the protection and renewal of Louth's regional and local roads. This is an increase from the initial 2025 allocation of €9,714,550 for protection and renewal grants.

I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to our National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 and in line with our National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the national roads allocation for Louth County Council in 2026.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Rail Network

Questions (176)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

176. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be made available to add on an earlier Boyle to Sligo train to support students and those attending Sligo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29894/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. As Minister for Transport I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.

In light of the NTA and Irish Rail's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Bus Services

Questions (177)

Shane Moynihan

Question:

177. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the delivery of standalone bus services for Clonburris and Adamstown; to outline any engagements he had has with the NTA on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30064/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Bus Services

Questions (178)

Peter Roche

Question:

178. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered seeking additional funding in Budget 2027 to support the expansion of local link services into further areas, including County Galway, to enhance the frequency, capacity and accessibility of existing services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31117/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the vital role that enhanced connectivity plays in supporting communities across rural Ireland, including in County Galway.

To support this objective, under Budget 2026, the Department of Transport secured €940 million of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services providing a significant 43% uplift from 2025. This package includes €31 million for continued investment in our rural transport service provision.

Galway has seen considerable investment in rural transport in recent years with funding increasing by 18% between 2024 and 2025, to over €4.2m. Passenger numbers on Rural Regular Service routes in Galway also increased by 103% from 2024 to 2025.

As with all plans, any additional funding for Local Link services in 2027 would be subject to the annual Budgetary and Estimates process. As is standard in all budgetary deliberations between Departments and State agencies, such as the NTA, submissions covering all aspects of service provision are reviewed as part of the annual estimates process.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally including allocating funding to Transport Coordination Units. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and Local Link services.

Planning for future new and enhanced rural services are a matter for the NTA, taking account of available funding, operational readiness, and driver availability.

Question No. 179 answered with Question No. 170

Aviation Industry

Questions (180)

Naoise Ó Muirí

Question:

180. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on plans to request that duties on sustainable aviation fuel from the US be removed on an exceptional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31319/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I can confirm that I have written to the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Mr. Dan Jørgensen, to request consideration of the temporary suspension or reduction of import duties on Sustainable Aviation Fuel originating from the United States into the EU, in light of the ongoing impact of fuel market developments in the Middle East on the aviation sector.

It is important to note that Ireland’s fuel supply chain remains robust and reliable. The National Oil Reserves Agency maintains strategic stocks of petroleum products in Ireland, including jet fuel, to meet 90-day stockholding obligations required by the EU and International Energy Agency.

• Written Answers Nos. 141-160
• Written Answers Nos. 181-191