Thursday, 30 Apr 2026

Written Answers Nos. 222-241

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An Garda Síochána

Questions (222)

Emer Currie

Question:

222. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if all Gardaí now have full access to the same data contained in the driver file database as those Gardaí recently involved in a pilot project in Kildare/Carlow in December 2025 (details supplied); if so, the way in which this system works with regard to the many drivers convicted in court on penalty point offences and or were disqualified in court but no record of their driver number was recorded on the national driver file database to apply the points to a licence/ permit or to allocate a disqualification to a driver's record; and the way in which Gardaí identify this cohort of drivers. [31493/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that full access to the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF), with the exception of photographic records which are currently under consideration, is provided to An Garda Síochána. The data are provided in real time by my Department to An Garda Síochána.

Any decision regarding the national roll-out and subsequent management of the NVDF data is a matter for An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice. My understanding is that An Garda Síochána pilot new technology or data by rolling these outs to certain Roads Policing units initially, before wider use. This is likewise a matter for An Garda Síochána.

Bus Services

Questions (223)

Séamus McGrath

Question:

223. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the details of his engagement with the NTA in relation to the ongoing reliability issues with the local bus service in Cork; and the plans to address these longstanding issues. [31531/26]

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. As Minister, I continue to engage with all public transport operators on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards.

The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Transport Policy

Questions (224)

Séamus McGrath

Question:

224. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on plans to establish a strategic, integrated transport office in Cork. [31532/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has responsibility for planning and developing public transport infrastructure, and for developing the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040, or CMATS.

CMATS was developed by the NTA in collaboration with Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. It is a plan to deliver an accessible, integrated transport network that enables the sustainable growth of the Cork Metropolitan Area.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a detailed direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply.

Pending this detailed response, I note that in order to support its role in the development of public transport, the NTA has established an office in Cork City, located at 1 Horgan’s Quay, Waterfront Square.

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

Vehicle Registration Tax

Questions (225)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

225. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether vehicles imported into the State as personal cars for individuals who hold a protection order are legally required to have motor tax or pay vehicle registration tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31550/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I would like to advise that the registration of vehicles, VRT and exemptions associated with same, are the responsibility of the Revenue Commissioners under the remit of the Department of Finance. Once an imported vehicle is re-registered in Ireland, the vehicle owner must pay motor tax if using the vehicle on public roads.

Driver Test

Questions (226)

Erin McGreehan

Question:

226. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether it is reasonable that drivers with substantial international driving experience are required to display L plates, undertake mandatory lessons and face insurance penalties, despite having previously held full Irish or equivalent licences abroad. [31574/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I wish to advise that Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. Licence formats, vehicle categories and driving test standards are all set at EU level. As all Member States test drivers to the same standards, there can be mutual recognition of driving licences.

Someone who is resident in Ireland must hold an Irish or EU/EEA driving licence to drive here. A visitor to Ireland can use a non-EU/EEA licence during their visit, provided it is current and valid, but on taking up normal residence here they must exchange their licence or apply for an Irish licence.

A driving licence may be exchanged for an Irish licence where Ireland has a driving licence exchange agreement with the other jurisdiction. A person with a full but non-exchangeable licence must go through the normal driver learning process, but can avail of shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons, instead of 12, and does not have to be a learner for the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.

Driver Licences

Questions (227)

Erin McGreehan

Question:

227. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has examined licence exchange practices in other EU member states that unilaterally recognise non-EU licences; and if so, if he will publish that analysis and indicate the reason Ireland has not adopted a similar model. [31575/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I wish to advise that Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law, the legislation with which all member states must comply. It is important to remember that driver licensing law exists to ensure that people licensed to drive on our roads meet high standards of safety. The standards for testing drivers are set at EU level and EU driving licences are exchangeable when a person moves from one member state to another.

In order to uphold these standards and ensure the safety of road users, it is vital that Ireland only exchange licences following a detailed examination of the relevant country's licensing and testing regime. Engagement with the relevant licensing authority is required in order to conduct such an examination, in addition, formal engagement is required with the other country during the licence exchange process itself in order to verify the licence. Bilateral agreements are utilised to ensure that both of these steps may be undertaken effectively.

Road Safety

Questions (228)

Jen Cummins

Question:

228. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce speed limits in urban areas from 50km/h to 30km; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31581/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Following my direction, the Department of Transport issued a Circular to local authorities on 16 October 2025 requesting that they:

• conclude the adoption of special speed limit bye-law process for the built-up and urban area speed limit changes no later than 30 October 2026; and

• install all new poles and signs in advance of the new speed limits effective date, to ensure implementation of all urban speed limit changes by 31 March 2027.

As part of this process each local authority is required to undertake a statutory public consultation process and consider all representations, in accordance with the requirements of the ‘Road Traffic Act 2004’, as amended. This period of public consultation will provide an opportunity for members of the public and all stakeholders to engage with the process and to make representations to the local authorities and the elected members on the proposed speed limit changes. As the making of ‘special speed limit bye-laws’ is a reserved function, the speed limits on roads in built-up and urban areas will only be changed where a majority of the elected members vote to do so.

This approach recognises and respects the positive and important role local authorities, and the elected members, fulfil in setting speed limits in urban areas. It will allow local authority engineers, familiar with the roads and the local traffic conditions in their respective administrative areas, to review the existing speed limits, and to recommend changes to these speed limits, if appropriate, and with due regard to the procedures and the criteria set out in the ‘Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland’.

Responsibility to commence and manage the statutory public consultation for the proposed speed limit changes and to ensure the aforementioned deadlines are met, is a matter for the local authorities. The Department of Transport will provide funding support to local authorities to assist with the implementation of urban speed limits changes.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (229)

Ryan O'Meara

Question:

229. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport for an update on any engagements he and his Department have had with the Garda Commissioner regarding roads policing staffing levels, with regards to the Road Safety Strategy, if an increase in staffing levels has been discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31585/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. This includes all operational policing matters, such as the allocation and deployment of Garda resources, and determining the manner in which Garda resources are to be distributed throughout the state and allocated to specific Garda units. Under Section 34(1) of the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2024, the Garda Commissioner is independent in the performance of his or her functions. In that regard, questions in relation to enforcement, including Garda staffing levels should be directed to the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

As the Deputy will be aware the current national framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. The Phase 2 Action Plan 2025–2027 under this Strategy was published in July 2025 and comprises 12 primary transformative actions and 77 supporting actions. The Action Plan is being delivered through partnership and collaborative working by road safety stakeholders including An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, the Courts Service, Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Health and Safety Authority and the Local Authorities.

Implementation of the Phase 2 Road Safety Action Plan is overseen at Ministerial level by the Road Safety Leadership Group (RSLG), which meets quarterly. I chair this Group which is attended by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. This Group also comprises senior officials from all key road safety partners including An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, the Courts Service, Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Health and Safety Authority and the Local Authorities.

While the primary function of this Group is to oversee implementation of the Road Safety Action Plan it also provides a mechanism for ongoing engagement, at a senior level, on road safety matters including in relation to Garda road safety enforcement activities.

Legislative Process

Questions (230)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

230. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport whether, before bringing the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 to Cabinet, his Department conducted any assessment of the Bill's impact on Ireland's obligations under the Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC), the EIA Directive (2011/92/EU), Regulation 598/2014 on the Balanced Approach, the EU Effort Sharing Regulation, or the Aarhus Convention; whether independent legal advice has been obtained on whether promoting legislation that permanently removes the only enforceable constraint on airport growth, while simultaneously being responsible for Ireland's compliance with the environmental directives that growth engages, creates a conflict of interest; and if no such assessments were conducted, the basis on which the Bill was presented to Cabinet as consistent with Ireland's EU obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31621/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The passenger cap at Dublin Airport is a planning condition that was put in place by the planning authority in 2007 as a condition to the construction of Terminal 2 and extension works to Terminal 1, to mitigate surface access constraints around the airport at that time. It is not a targeted climate or environmental measure.

The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to work with stakeholders to achieve the objective of lifting the passenger cap at Dublin airport as soon as possible.

In line with that commitment, on 10 February this year I secured Government approval for the legislative approach to be taken to address the Dublin Airport passenger cap planning condition and to proceed to the formal drafting of a Bill. The proposed legislative approach which was developed having taken account of extensive legal advice, will empower me, as the Minister for Transport, to make an order to amend or revoke the 32 million passenger cap planning condition.

While no assessments were carried out prior to the preparation of the Bill, I have included provisions that require me to engage with An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) in advance of making any order to amend or revoke the passenger cap. ACP will have the ability to screen for and if necessary, carry out a full Environmental Impact Assessment, an assessment under the Habitats Directive and an assessment under the Water Framework Directive. Where full assessments are carried out, public consultation will be undertaken as part of those assessments, and I will take the outcome of those assessments into account when making an order. As such, all of Ireland's obligations under EU law will be met.

Once I have made an order, taking account of any environmental assessments, I will notify Fingal County Council who are designated as the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) under section 3 of the Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation Act 2019. ANCA must take the making of an Order into account when carrying out their functions under the Act of 2019. This means that ANCA may carry out a noise assessment in relation to the making of an Order where it is of the view that such an Order may result in a noise problem.

Departmental Policies

Questions (231)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

231. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport whether he considers it consistent with his responsibilities that the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026, at Head 12, exempts itself from section 15 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, which requires public bodies to take account of national climate objectives; whether this is the first piece of legislation brought forward by his Department that has included such an exemption; whether Cabinet was informed that the Bill would disapply the Act; the way this exemption is consistent with his Department's Statement of Strategy 2025-2028 which identifies sustainability as a strategic goal; the signal this sends to other sectors about the Government's commitment to the statutory emissions ceilings his Department is responsible for enforcing,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31623/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The passenger cap at Dublin Airport is a planning condition that was put in place by the planning authority in 2007 as a condition to the construction of Terminal 2 and extension works to Terminal 1, to mitigate surface access constraints around the airport at that time. It is not a targeted climate or environmental measure.

The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to work with stakeholders to achieve the objective of lifting the passenger cap at Dublin airport as soon as possible.

In line with that commitment, on 10 February this year I secured Government approval for the legislative approach to be taken to address the Dublin Airport passenger cap planning condition and to proceed to the formal drafting of a Bill. The General Scheme that was presented to cabinet included Head 12.

I have received a significant amount of legal advice in relation to using a legislative solution to address the passenger cap. This advice has been provided through the office of the Attorney General and included advice in relation to an exemption from the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. The General Scheme published for pre-legislative scrutiny was developed having regard to all of that legal advice.

While the passenger cap at Dublin Airport is not a targeted climate measure and international aviation emissions are outside the scope of Climate Action Plan targets, I am committed to balancing the clear benefits of the aviation sector to the country with sustainability actions in line with my Department's Statement of Strategy. This includes the commitment to enhance international connectivity to maintain our global economic competitiveness, while striving to ensure that our transport system is integrated, resilient and decarbonised in a manner that is just, as well as economically and socially sustainable.

As part of that commitment, in August 2025 I published Ireland’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Policy Roadmap, which recognises the important contribution that SAFs can make toward decarbonising the aviation industry, and aims to provide the building blocks for the deployment of SAF in Ireland.

Other actions being taken are aligned with the global approach to decarbonisation of the aviation industry, which is based on the International Civil Aviation Organisation's ‘basket of measures’, and includes airlines continuing to adopt newer and more efficient aircraft, mandated increased use SAFs at EU level under the EU ReFuel Aviation Regulation, the EU emissions trading scheme and the CORSIA Scheme at international level

All of these measures are designed to ensure aviation meets the challenge of decarbonisation.

Departmental Reviews

Questions (232)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

232. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport whether the periodic review of in-house aviation expertise recommended by the Air Accident Investigation Unit in Safety Recommendation IRLD2021029 of the Rescue 116 Final Report (Report No. 2021-008, published 5 November 2021) has ever been conducted; (details supplied); whether he considers it appropriate that his Department is promoting the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026, which concerns complex interactions between aviation regulation, EU environmental law, and slot coordination, while his Department has confirmed through two successive FOI responses (TRA-FOI-2025-0121 and TRA-FOI-2026-0086) that it holds no records of aviation qualifications among its staff and has never conducted the periodic expertise review it accepted four and a half years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31625/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The safety recommendation IRLD2021029 referred to by the Deputy specifically relates to the periodical review the availability of in-house expertise, to ensure that the Department retains the necessary technical capabilities to intelligently oversee and review all activities associated with Search and Rescue aviation operations. It is a separate and distinct matter from the progression of legislation to implement Government policy.

The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to work with stakeholders to achieve the objective of lifting the passenger cap at Dublin airport as soon as possible. In line with that commitment, on 10 February this year I secured Government approval for the legislative approach to be taken to address the Dublin Airport passenger cap planning condition and to proceed to the formal drafting of a Bill. I have received a significant amount of legal advice in relation to using a legislative solution to address the passenger cap. The General Scheme published for pre-legislative scrutiny was developed having regard to that legal advice and my officials worked in conjunction with office of the Attorney General and with colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to develop Heads of Bill.

As the Deputy is aware, pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill is underway by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport. As part of that process, the Committee invited submissions from members of the public, aviation stakeholders and other interested parties. Several stakeholders including the daa, industry regulators, airlines and residents’ groups appeared before the Committee as part of this process. I expect the Committee’s report to be finalised next week, and I will take the recommendations of the report into account in finalising the Bill.

The Deputy may also wish to note that the safety recommendation that makes reference to ensuring that my Department has sufficient specialist aviation expertise to enable it to discharge effective oversight of the full range of IAA activities is IRLD2021031. On foot of this recommendation in the Air Accident Investigation Unit’s (AAIU) final report into the Rescue 116 accident, the previous Minister for Transport commissioned an independent review of aviation expertise utilised by EU ministries with responsibility for civil aviation. The oversight of aviation safety regulation in other jurisdictions was carried out by aviation consultants AQE (Aerospace Qualified Entity). The review concluded that the Department has resources and expertise that are comparable to those Ministries in other European states with an independent aviation safety regulator. The Department’s arrangements for the oversight of the IAA were found to be comprehensive, robust, covering the full range of aspects of the work of the IAA.

The Department also conducted an in-house review of the oversight of safety regulation in other sectors in Ireland. The review found that the Department of Transport has comparable personnel, expertise and resources allocated to the oversight of the IAA to that of other government departments overseeing an independent safety regulator. Similar to the other departments, the Department of Transport relies on its independent regulator for technical expertise and advice when appropriate.

When an external view is required, my Department contracts aviation expertise and draws on advice. There are significant advantages to the approach of externally contracting specialist aviation expertise as necessary. It gives access to a greater range, depth and quantum of expertise compared to a standing appointment of a single expert on contract or otherwise.

In addition, periodic review of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) by the Department is provided for in the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993. Section 32 of the 1993 Act requires me to appoint an independent person or body to carry out an examination of the performance by the IAA of its functions in so far as they relate to the application and enforcement of technical and safety standards in relation to aviation safety. The section 32 examination is undertaken periodically, is independent from ICAO and EASA audits, and the audit is undertaken by contracted industry experts. A Section 32 examination is currently underway.

Driver Licences

Questions (233, 234)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

233. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person must be an Irish citizen to hold an Irish driving licence, even where they have passed an Irish driving test; if he will consider amending the rule in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31643/26]

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

234. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person must be an Irish citizen to hold an Irish driving licence even where they have passed an Irish driving test; if he will consider amending the rule in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31644/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.

I wish to advise that there is no requirement to be an Irish citizen to hold an Irish driving licence.

However, since 19 May 2025, a person must provide proof of a legal right to reside in the State, in order to apply for a Learner Permit or a Driving Licence, as laid out in regulation 54A of S.I. 537/2006 - Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers Regulations 2006, as amended by S.I. No. 193/2025 - Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations 2025.

Question No. 234 answered with Question No. 233.

Driver Licences

Questions (235)

Michael Cahill

Question:

235. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to assist the Irish abroad with the current driving licence exchange process, whereby, returning Irish citizens and US arrivals face an unnecessarily burdensome process for obtaining an Irish driving license (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31664/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I wish to advise that Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. Licence formats, vehicle categories and driving test standards are all set at EU level. As all Member States test drivers to the same standards, there can be mutual recognition of driving licences.

Someone who is resident in Ireland must hold an Irish or EU/EEA driving licence to drive here. A visitor to Ireland can use a non-EU/EEA licence during their visit, provided it is current and valid, but on taking up normal residence here they must exchange their licence or apply for an Irish licence.

A driving licence may be exchanged for an Irish licence where Ireland has a driving licence exchange agreement with the other jurisdiction. A person with a full but non-exchangeable licence must go through the normal driver learning process, but can avail of shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons, instead of 12, and does not have to be a learner for the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.

Ireland may make bilateral licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. This is a technical, road safety-based process and reaching an agreement is not a matter of political will. In considering whether to enter such an agreement, the authorities on each side compare the two licensing regimes and must be satisfied that they are compatible.

As licence exchange agreements protect public safety by ensuring that people licensed to drive on our roads have reached recognised standards, the most important element in reaching an agreement is that the other jurisdiction's licensing regime applies standards for obtaining a licence which are comparable with our own. Where these standards are not met, no agreement is possible, no matter how desirable an agreement with that jurisdiction may be. For Ireland, this task is carried out by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

US driver licensing operates at state, rather than federal, level. Accordingly, there are 50 licensing systems, with widely varying standards and road safety performance. Agreement with any one state would mean taking into account the exchange relationships between that state and the other 49.

In line with Programme for Government commitments regarding the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, the RSA has been directed to engage with the state licencing authorities for three US states - New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. The assessment process for a possible licence exchange agreement is technical in nature between the licencing authorities and this process is ongoing at present.

Once the review process is complete, the RSA will make a recommendation to my Department.

Bus Services

Questions (236)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

236. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to increase frequency on the L52 local bus service between the Blanchardstown centre and Adamstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31671/26]

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 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.

Road Network

Questions (237)

Michael Cahill

Question:

237. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport when works will be carried out to a bridge (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31680/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I understand that Kerry County Council is examining options for Listry Bridge, considering the needs and objectives, and deciding how best to progress to ensure value for money.

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.

In 2026, Kerry County Council was allocated a total of €31,367,325. Of this, €28,917,325 was for the protection and renewal of regional and local roads and €2,450,000 was for new roads and road improvement.

Any new road projects that seek funding are assessed by my Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and my Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility.

Driver Licences

Questions (238)

Carol Nolan

Question:

238. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving licences issued or renewed in each year from 2017 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31707/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I wish to advise that the Road Safety Authority, which has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service, holds the data requested. Therefore I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply.

I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

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

Road Safety Authority

Questions (239)

Emer Currie

Question:

239. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of permanent driver testers the RSA has fully trained since his Department sanctioned an additional 70 in September 2024; the current number of driver testers working in each driving test centre; the number of overtime tests delivered each month in 2025 and to date in 2026, by driver testers; and the number of car driving test centres currently in operation. [31727/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. Therefore, the information requested by the Deputy is held by the Authority. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days. The Deputy may wish to note that detailed statistics on the National Driver Testing Service are made available on the CSO website on a monthly basis and can be accessed via the following link: https://data.cso.ie/product/rsadts.

Pending this response, I am informed by the RSA that as of 18 April, 193 testers were in place, which marks a significant increase on the 151 available at the beginning of 2025. The RSA is working to reach its full complement of 200 testers later this year subject to the training and onboarding of new recruits, which is continuing.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders

Bus Services

Questions (240)

Conor Sheehan

Question:

240. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport for an update and timeline on the rollout of Bus Connects in Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31740/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities, including Limerick. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA)Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply with 10 days.

Pending this detailed response, the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan published by my Department last November has allocated significant funding to the NTA to progress BusConnects in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick and Waterford, including electrification of the bus fleets and the installation of charging infrastructure. The NTA will publish a more detailed plan later this year setting out the elements of the BusConnects programmes to be advanced within available funding, including in Limerick.

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

Departmental Schemes

Questions (241, 242)

Brendan Smith

Question:

241. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in rolling out a local area hackney scheme; if further consideration will be given to the provision of hackney services in rural communities where it is not feasible to have a bus service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31771/26]

Brendan Smith

Question:

242. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the supports that will be provided towards the provision of hackney services in rural communities where it is not feasible to have a bus service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31772/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the local area hackney, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.

The NTA recently introduced new Regulations regarding the local area hackney license (LAH), which came into effect on 2 April 2026 following a public consultation that ran from 16 October 2025 to 28 November 2025. In these Regulations:

• Up to five drivers are permitted to operate the local area hackney. This marks a significant change from the previous requirement, which allowed only one driver to operate the hackney.

• The NTA has also launched a new online map showing all areas eligible for the scheme. Previously, applicants only learned if an area was eligible after submitting an application. The new system increases clarity and addresses concerns raised during consultation.

• Local area hackney licences can be granted where local communities can demonstrate to the NTA that transport needs are not being adequately met by existing public transport and SPSV services. Previously, local area hackney applications could not displace existing SPSV services in an area.

• The maximum licence period for vehicles and drivers is extended from 3 years to 5 years. This reduces the costs and administrative burdens on continuing LAH drivers.

• Licence holders must demonstrate that they are providing satisfactory service to their community when renewing their licence.

• The time-period in which a licence holder must complete their licence renewals is reduced from 12/24 months following expiration to within 3 months of their licence expiry, to ensure that a community is not without the required services.

• A new Fixed Penalty Notice offence for picking up passengers outside of their permitted local area has also been introduced. This safeguard is an important part of the scheme’s design. It ensures that the LAH licence serves its intended purpose, which is to provide essential transport in communities that do not have enough commercial taxi or hackney services to meet local needs. The restriction also protects the earning potential of fully licensed taxi and hackney drivers operating in nearby towns and urban centres, who have invested significantly more in their licences and meet wider regulatory requirements.

It is important to note that a resident of the area in respect of which the local area hackney licence is sought, is not required to undertake the Industry Knowledge or Area Knowledge tests normally applying to SPSV driver licences. LAH drivers nevertheless must be licensed, and their vehicles must be licensed and insured. Further information on the LAH license and how to apply is available here: [www.nationaltransport.ie/taxi/localhackney/].

Given the NTA's responsibility in relation to the local area hackney license, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders

• Written Answers Nos. 212-221
• Written Answers Nos. 242-252