Thomas Gould
Question:219. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the spend to date on contactless payments for buses; and when these will be available in Cork. [35883/26]
View answerBus Services
Questions (219)
Written answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten days.
Pending this detailed response, I note that the NTA's Next Generation Ticketing project will provide for an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, including bus services. Fundamental to this project is a transition to an 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating mobile and card-based payments.
Following a competitive procurement process, in April 2024 the NTA awarded an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of a new multi-modal ticketing system. The successful tenderer has designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.
The Programme for Government commits to rolling out contactless fare payments on all public transport and to keeping fares low and affordable. The new solution will replace the Leap Card system, which has served over 9 million users since its 2011 launch but is now nearing end-of-life.
A multi-phase plan has been prepared. In Phase 1, is targeted for completion by summer 2027, the new ticketing system will be developed, which will include integration with existing Leap cards so that Leap cards can be used on the new equipment.
Phase 2 will see the rollout of devices on bus and Luas services in the Greater Dublin Area, while Phase 3 will similarly see the rollout of devices and turnstiles at all Irish Rail stations in the Greater Dublin Area. To ensure the operability of the 90-minute multi-modal fare within the Greater Dublin Area, Phase 2 and Phase 3 will go live simultaneously, with a current target date of summer 2028. From this point, public transport users in the Greater Dublin Area will be able to use contactless payment across all modes.
Following this, Phase 4 will roll out ticket machines and devices on commuter buses and regional services beyond the Greater Dublin Area.
Separately, the NTA is actively rolling out contactless payments across TFI Local Link services, allowing passengers to pay for single journeys via debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The system is being deployed across all 15 TFI Local Link offices, with full completion expected by the end of 2026. Already this year, contactless payment fares have been rolled out in Laois, Offaly, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Aviation Industry
Questions (220)
Ann Graves
Question:220. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised about Ireland's aviation safety (details supplied); and if Ireland's aviation safety meets the full EU and international standards. [35918/26]
View answerWritten answers
Under Article 15 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 of 24 May 2019 on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft (Regulations (EU) 2019/947), Member States must publish UAS Geographical Zone (UGZ) data in a common unique digital format. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) meets this requirement through the provision of GeoJSON data compliant with EUROCAE ED-318, the recognised European standard for UGZ data. The GeoJSON published by the IAA follows the ED-318 specification, ensuring it is in the correct harmonised digital format required by Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
This data is available to download at: www.iaa.ie/general-aviation/drones/uas-geographic-zones
The IAA confirmed that it has the necessary technical infrastructure and tools to produce ED 318 compliant GeoJSON files. The digital dataset currently published is generated through this infrastructure and is updated in line with regulatory and operational requirements.
Departmental Communications
Questions (221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:221. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether any public representatives, Oireachtas offices, constituency offices or public bodies were previously provided with or directed to use the email address tdrepsappeals@ndls.ie; and if so, by whom and during what period. [36202/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:222. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether the RSA or NDLS has undertaken any internal review to determine whether correspondence from public representatives may have been sent to an inactive or unmonitored email address; and if he will provide details of such review. [36203/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:223. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the number of complaints received from public representatives regarding delayed or unanswered driver licensing representations in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026. [36204/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:224. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether the RSA maintains formal service-level targets for responding to correspondence from public representatives; and if so, to provide those targets. [36205/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:225. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the average response time for correspondence received through reps@rsa.ie in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026. [36206/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:226. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the number of emails received through reps@rsa.ie in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026 that remained unanswered after ten working days and after twenty working days. [36207/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:227. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether automated acknowledgement systems are in operation for all correspondence received through reps@rsa.ie; and if not, the reason. [36208/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:228. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether any audit trail exists to confirm whether emails sent to tdrepsappeals@ndls.ie were ever received, forwarded or monitored by the RSA or NDLS. [36209/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:229. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether the RSA has assessed the risk posed to applicants where delays in processing driver licensing applications affect employment, education, healthcare access or family caring responsibilities. [36210/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:230. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration has been given to establishing a dedicated tracked escalation system for public representative licensing queries to ensure constituency representations are responded to within defined timelines. [36211/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 to 230, inclusive, together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licencing Service.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA 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.
Question No. 222 answered with Question No. 221.
Question No. 223 answered with Question No. 221.
Question No. 224 answered with Question No. 221.
Question No. 225 answered with Question No. 221.
Question No. 226 answered with Question No. 221.
Question No. 227 answered with Question No. 221.
Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 221.
Question No. 229 answered with Question No. 221.
Question No. 230 answered with Question No. 221.
Transport Policy
Questions (231)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:231. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has undertaken any assessment of transport-related financial burdens affecting victims of domestic abuse subject to protection orders. [36393/26]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for his question. This question is more relevant to my colleagues in the Department of Social Protection.
Transport Policy
Questions (232)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:232. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether any engagement has taken place between his Department and the Department of Justice regarding transport supports for persons fleeing domestic violence situations. [36394/26]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for his question. This question is more relevant to my colleagues in the Department of Social Protection.
Transport Policy
Questions (233, 235)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:233. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration has been given to temporary motor tax relief measures for persons relocated under domestic violence protection arrangements. [36395/26]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:235. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether any discretionary hardship mechanism exists within the motor taxation system for vulnerable individuals facing exceptional personal safety circumstances. [36397/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 235 together.
As 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 situations as outlined by the Deputy. 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.
Transport Policy
Questions (234)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:234. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether any comparative review has been undertaken of transport or vehicle-related protections available to victims of domestic abuse in other jurisdictions. [36396/26]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for his question. This question is more relevant to my colleagues in the Department of Social Protection.
Question No. 235 answered with Question No. 233.
Departmental Correspondence
Questions (236)
Ged Nash
Question:236. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport to provide a copy of the recent correspondence issued by the Minister for Public Expenditure; National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to his Department referred to in media reports (details supplied); if he will provide details of the percentage reduction(s) in spending in his Department referenced in the correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36415/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has been advised of a levy of 1.4% in 2027 on current expenditure with the exception of pensions as the distribution of the levy has been designed to protect pension funding across all votes.
Rail Network
Questions (237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242)
Paul Lawless
Question:237. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the plans to restore rail freight services on the Ballina and Westport rail lines, having regard to the fact that this line was historically used for the delivery of goods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36454/26]
View answerPaul Lawless
Question:238. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport whether a feasibility study has been carried out, or is planned, into the reinstatement of goods and freight transport by rail from Ballina and Westport, County Mayo; and if not, whether he will commit to commissioning such a study in light of regional development and climate objectives. [36455/26]
View answerPaul Lawless
Question:239. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if his Department or Iarnród Éireann has engaged with local businesses, logistics operators, or public representatives in Mayo regarding renewed use of the rail lines for freight transport; and if he will provide details of any such engagements. [36456/26]
View answerPaul Lawless
Question:240. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport how the potential return of rail-based goods transport from Ballina and Westport has been assessed in the context of reducing HGV traffic, lowering carbon emissions, and supporting national climate targets. [36457/26]
View answerPaul Lawless
Question:241. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport whether funding under the National Development Plan or other capital programmes could be used to upgrade infrastructure to allow the Ballina and Westport rail lines to be used once again for freight services, as was the case historically. [36458/26]
View answerPaul Lawless
Question:242. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport how the continued underutilisation of the Ballina and Westport rail lines for freight aligns with the Government’s commitment to balanced regional development and support for the west and northwest regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36459/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 to 242, inclusive, together.
Following the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, my Department, with the support of the European Investment Bank and in conjunction with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, oversaw the preparation of the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy. This Strategy was published in December 2025 and outlines the approach to sequencing and optimising the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in the coming years.
In the short-term to 2030, the Prioritisation Strategy specifies a number of 'Early Interventions' to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity. These Early Interventions include a passing loop west of Claremorris on the route between Dublin and Westport/Ballina. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published in November 2025.
The Prioritisation Strategy also identifies 'Major Projects' with longer lead-in and development timelines. Among these is the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry, which will assist the development of rail freight and in provide an alternate routing for rail freight to or from Mayo. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan includes funding to commence construction of this reinstatement project.
The Rail Review considered the role of rail freight and consideration of the growth potential of the rail freight market. In relation to freight, the Review specifically recommends:
• Developing a sustainable solution for first-mile-last-mile rail freight access for Dublin Port.
• Reducing Track Access Charges for freight services.
• Strengthening rail connectivity to the island’s busiest ports where links are feasible and improving access to ports that currently are underserved by rail freight, including Foynes, Waterford, Marino Point, and Rosslare Europort.
• Developing a network of inland terminals close to major cities on the rail network, especially where there is good access to major roads/motorways, limited impact on communities and passenger traffic, and good access to industrial clusters.
County Mayo is one of the locations which has been identified as being a priority to develop such a hub, and Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) has engaged extensively in market consultation and analysis of demand with key stakeholders along with identifying potential sites for development. There is close cooperation and engagement with Mayo County Council, and a range of options regarding potential sites, including at Castlebar, are being reviewed to identify the optimum location for such a facility.
In view of IÉ’s responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Question No. 238 answered with Question No. 237.