Written Answers Nos. 187-206
187. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department provides direct or indirect funding to rural transport initiatives to strengthen rural transport provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33498/26]
View answerAs 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 Department of Transport is responsible for policy and overall funding for the strategic development and expansion of transport services.
Ireland’s public transport system is, however, 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.
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.
188. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will review correspondence (details supplied); if he will examine the exclusion of a village in County Leitrim from a rural transport route that provides connectivity to a neighbouring county town which has traditionally served as the primary service centre for that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33447/26]
View answerAs 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. 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.
189. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider the proposals arising from the Drivers Licence Exchange Committee Report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33483/26]
View answerI note the recommendations of the Irish-US Driver's Licence Exchange Campaign Committee, as outlined in their recent report.
Someone who is resident in Ireland must hold an Irish or other EU/EEA driving licence to drive here. While a visitor to Ireland can use a non-EU/EEA licence, provided it is current and valid, on taking up normal residence here they must exchange their licence or apply for an Irish licence.
In order to ensure the safety of road users, it is vital that Ireland only allows for licence exchange from a non-EU/EEA jurisdiction through a licence exchange agreement, made following a detailed examination of that country's licensing and testing regime, and engagement with the relevant licensing authority is required in order to conduct such an examination. In addition, where an agreement is reached, formal engagement is required with the other country during the licence exchange process in order to verify the licence. Bilateral agreements ensure that both of these steps may be undertaken effectively.
Entering into a driving licence exchange agreement with a non-EU jurisdiction is not a straightforward process and reaching an agreement is not a matter of political will. The core principle in considering an agreement is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users.
In reaching a bilateral agreement, the most important element is ensuring that the other jurisdiction applies standards for obtaining a licence which are compatible with our own. Where they do not meet these standards, no agreement is possible, no matter how desirable an agreement with that jurisdiction may be. From the Irish side, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has the task of conducting the independent technical assessment of comparing the two licensing regimes.
Irish licences are normally issued for 10 years, though they may be issued for a shorter period in certain circumstances, such as on health grounds. Under the Road Traffic (Licencing of Drivers) Regulations 2006, as amended, someone who is resident in Ireland may apply to renew their Irish licence within 10 years of its expiry.
People with a non-exchangeable licence, who come to reside in Ireland, must obtain an Irish licence in order to drive here. However, a person with a full but non-exchangeable licence can avail of a shorter learning to drive process (6 Essential Driver Training lessons instead of 12 and no minimum period of 6 months before taking a driving test), in recognition of their previous driving experience.
One of the commitments of the Programme for Government 2025 is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with Australia and with 7 of the 10 Canadian provinces, with a proposed agreement under way at present with Nova Scotia. Under the Programme for Government commitment, the RSA is currently engaging with the states of New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey, in order to undertake technical reviews with a view to recommending whether to enter into exchange agreements. Once each review process is complete, the RSA will make a recommendation to my Department.
It should also be noted that the new EU Driving Licence Directive, 2025/2205, allows the European Commission to enter into EU-wide licence exchange agreements on behalf of member states. This process is expected to commence by 2029 and will provide an alternative pathway to pursuing licence exchange arrangements with non-EU jurisdictions.
190. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport to outline his Department's role in the planning, funding and expansion of rural transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33494/26]
View answerAs 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.
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.
191. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the programmes currently funded by his Department to support rural and community transport, including the Rural Transport Programme and Local Link services; to confirm the level of Exchequer funding allocated to these services in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; his plans to widen, broaden or otherwise invest in rural transport provision nationally and on a regional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33495/26]
View answerAs 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.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the Local Link brand.
My Department provides aggregate funding for Local Link services to the NTA.
Since 2024 the total annual allocation for Local Link services has included funding for rural regular services from the Public Service Obligation (PSO) budget provision. The total allocation amounts, including PSO allocations, are outlined below:
2024 - €66m.
2025 - €87m.
2026 - €97m.
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.
192. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether the responsibility for the strategic development and expansion of rural transport services rests with his Department or with any other Department to indicate whether additional funding or policy changes are under consideration to address transport deficits in rural and island communities. [33496/26]
View answerAs 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 Department of Transport is responsible for policy and overall funding for the strategic development and expansion of transport services.
Ireland’s public transport system is, however, 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.
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.
193. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the assessment that has been carried out of rural transport needs in north County Dublin; whether any proposals are under consideration to expand Local Link or other rural transport services in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33499/26]
View answerAs 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.
194. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration has been given to expanding Local Link services to better connect rural villages with nearby towns in north County Dublin particularly where villages are experiencing population growth but limited transport provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33500/26]
View answerAs 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.
195. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the current capacity limits of the M50; the frequency with which incidents lead to full or partial gridlock; and the contingency measures that are in place when major collisions occur. [33518/26]
View answer196. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport when the M50 was originally designed and commissioned as an outer ring road; the population and traffic projections that underpinned that design; and whether those assumptions remain valid today. [33519/26]
View answer199. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the proportion of heavy goods vehicles and non-Dublin bound traffic that currently use the M50; and the measures being considered to divert unnecessary through traffic away from it. [33522/26]
View answer201. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the economic cost of M50 congestion, including delays to commuters, freight, and emergency responses; and whether this has been updated in recent years. [33524/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 195, 196, 199 and 201 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the 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 M50.
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland.
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.
197. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has assessed the strategic case for an additional outer ring road around Dublin; and if so, to outline the findings of any such assessments. [33520/26]
View answer198. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the plans, route options or feasibility studies for a Dublin outer ring road that currently exist; when they were last reviewed; and the reason they have not progressed to delivery. [33521/26]
View answer203. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport whether the Government intends to commission new research or a strategic transport review on orbital road capacity around Dublin; and if not, the reasons for this decision. [33526/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 197, 198 and 203 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction 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.
The National Transport Authority's (NTA) Greater Dublin Area Strategy does not envisage the progression of a Dublin Outer Orbital Route in its original form.
However, it proposed the provision of offline improvements in the existing road network to cater for orbital demand. It is important to point out that it is for the relevant local authorities, in the first instance, to engage with TII regarding the progression of any proposed national road project. All projects, including those listed in the NDP or any revision to the NDP, require statutory approval and compliance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the development of improvements to the national road network which may facilitate orbital traffic in the Greater Dublin Area. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
200. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has examined the impact of M50 tolling on traffic volumes; and whether local and regional traffic is discouraged from alternative routes and thereby concentrated onto the M50. [33523/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question regarding tolls to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The consideration of traffic management options on regional and local roads is a matter for the relevant local authority as the statutory road authority for its area.
202. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that has taken place with local authorities in the greater Dublin area regarding long term road resilience and orbital routes beyond the M50. [33525/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction 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.
The National Transport Authority's (NTA) Greater Dublin Area Strategy does not envisage the progression of a Dublin Outer Orbital Route in its original form.
However, it proposed the provision of offline improvements in the existing road network to cater for orbital demand. It is important to point out that it is for the relevant local authorities, in the first instance, to engage with TII regarding the progression of any proposed national road project. All projects, including those listed in the NDP or any revision to the NDP, require statutory approval and compliance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the development of improvements to the national road network which may facilitate orbital traffic in the Greater Dublin Area. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
204. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving licence suspensions in each of the years from 2018 to 2025; the number of suspended driving licences received by the National Driver Licence Service in each year from 2018 to 2025; the number of fines collected in each of the years from 2018 to 2025, for the failure to surrender a driving licence following a court order to do so, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33574/26]
View answerI 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.
205. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether any exemptions from motor tax exist, whether statutory or discretionary, for individuals subject to protection orders who rely on a vehicle for personal safety; and whether any such provisions have been considered. [33586/26]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that there is no provision within motor tax legislation that provides for an exemption from motor tax for individuals subject to protection orders. Liability for motor tax arises from the ownership or use of a vehicle in a public place and exemptions are limited to specific categories of vehicles as set out in the legislation.
The motor taxation rates are set by the Minister of Finance and any changes to those rates would be a matter for consideration by that Department at Budget time.
206. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport if his Department or any bodies and agencies under his aegis use software and or products from a company (details supplied); and the duration and cost of the contract; and the services they avail of from the company. [33730/26]
View answerMy Department does not use software or any products from the company details supplied in the parliamentary question.
I have referred the Deputy’s question to the bodies and agencies under the remit of my Department for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
