Written Answers Nos. 401-420
401. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the commencement of the review of the Galway Metropolitan Transport Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39899/26]
View answerThe NTA, in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council, is developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS). This strategy will replace the existing Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) adopted in 2016 and will provide a new long-term strategic planning framework for the delivery of transport and the integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the Galway Metropolitan Area over a 20-year period.
The NTA had considered it appropriate to await An Coimisiún Pleanála’s determination on the re-submitted N6 Galway City Ring Road (GCRR) application before progressing further with GMATS, given the influence this project would have on the transport strategy. On Thursday 9th April 2026, the GCRR was granted permission by An Coimisiún Pleanála. Following the granting of permission the NTA have re-engaged with the GMATS project team, and work will recommence immediately on the development of the new Strategy.
The draft GMATS, once finalised, will be subject to a full public consultation, and will set down multi-modal transport proposals for the Galway Metropolitan Area, including recommendations for active travel, bus, rail, roads, and demand-management measures. It is anticipated that the draft GMATS will go to public consultation in late 2026, with a finalised Strategy in place in 2027.
402. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the specific measures taken to date towards the implementation of the new Galway bus network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39900/26]
View answerAs 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 the implementation of new bus routes.
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 plans to commence the implementation of the new Galway bus network in the coming years, subject to funding and operational readiness. As part of BusConnects, the NTA is also advancing work on the Cross-City Link, which will improve travel times on the bus network and enhance connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Other parts of the BusConnects programme, such as simpler fares, will be delivered with the new bus network.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, which was published by my Department in November last year, has allocated funding to the NTA to progress BusConnects Galway. The NTA will publish a more detailed plan later this year setting out the elements of the programme to be advanced within the funding available.
403. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the budget for public transport operations provided to the National Transport Authority for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39901/26]
View answerInvestment in public transport nationwide is an all time high. The 2026-2030 National Development Plan outlines a €24.3 billion investment in Ireland's transport sector, with a focus on enhancing public transport and active travel. This marks a transformative moment for Ireland’s transport system, delivering sustainable and accessible travel options to connect us all. Additionally, as secured in Budget 2026, the PSO programme and associated services are being supported by an unprecedented increase in funding of €940 million - a 43% increase compared to last year.
The focus for 2026 is on stabilising and strengthening 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. The NTA will continue to prioritise improvements, within its €940 million allocation.
With over 363.5 million journeys undertaken in 2025, supported by the PSO programme, Ireland’s public transport system is at a pivotal point. Growing passenger demand, 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 workforce shortages, particularly among drivers, mechanics, and craftworkers. This challenge is affecting some service performance across the network. However, operators are actively engaging with the NTA and the Department 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. Subsequently decisions on service changes or enhancements are a matter for the NTA, taking account of available funding, operational readiness, and driver availability.
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to delivering an accessible, reliable and affordable public transport system for all our citizens.
404. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the development of a new 'Connecting Ireland, Rural Mobility Plan'; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39902/26]
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.
405. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to pause BVLOS operation licences in Cork and Dublin pending the publication of the draft code from the working group on UAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39916/26]
View answerThe pan-European drone regulatory framework provides for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. BVLOS operations are operated outside the pilot’s direct line of sight and can include mapping, infrastructure inspections and logistics and delivery operations. The EU drone regulations are directly applicable in Ireland. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the civil aviation regulator, oversees the implementation and enforcement of the EU drone regulations and standards.
BVLOS operations fall under the Specific Category and require operational authorisation from the IAA. To obtain an operational authorisation, an operator must provide a comprehensive safety portfolio which includes assessing and addressing both ground and air risks with appropriate mitigations. It would not be appropriate for me or my department to be involved in the granting or suspending/revoking of such authorisations, nor do I have the power to do so, as that function is designated in statute to the IAA.
The National Working Group on UAS Geographical Zones to be established by the IAA under the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems is tasked with developing transparent process and procedures for the designation of UAS geographical zones (UGZ). UGZ have been established to address safety and security risks. To establish UAS geographical zones in respect of privacy and environmental protection, the IAA requires the input from relevant agencies, local authorities and government departments.
The National UAS Policy Framework Implementation Plan 2026 states that the Working Group on Geographical Zones will be established by the IAA in the current quarter of 2026 and work is underway by the IAA to review the designation of current UAS Geographical Zones ahead of the establishment of the Working Group. An initial priority of the Working Group is to develop, by the end of 2026, effective and transparent processes and procedures for the designation of UGZs for environmental and privacy reasons.
406. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the current status and expected timeline for progressing the proposal in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review to install a curve at Limerick Junction to enable trains travelling on the Cork-Dublin line to connect with the Limerick-Waterford line; whether this project has been subject to any feasibility, design, appraisal or cost-benefit work to date; whether any specific funding has been allocated for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39923/26]
View answerFollowing 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 and rail stakeholders across the island, 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, including on the Limerick to Limerick Junction line a second platform at Limerick Junction station. This will support through-services between Cork and Galway via Limerick, and more through movements for Cork to Limerick. It will also reduce the journey time between Limerick and Waterford by approximately 10-minutes. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published be my Department in November 2025.
The Prioritisation Strategy also identifies 'Major Projects' with longer lead-in and development timelines. Among these are line speed and capacity improvements and electrification of the Limerick to Limerick Junction line. Also included is the reconfiguration of the line at Limerick Junction. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan includes funding to commence construction of this reinstatement project.
It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
407. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding allocated to Tipperary County Council under active travel schemes in each year from 2020 to date; the projects funded; the amount drawn down in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39924/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities are responsible for the development and delivery of individual projects.
In general, the main focus of active travel investment will be to support high quality walking and cycling infrastructure, for everyday trips, in villages, towns and cities, particularly in designated growth settlements, with a view to promoting the greatest potential modal shift to active travel. As part of the allocations determination, the NTA liaises with each local authority to fully understand the projects being proposed by the local authority and its considerations in terms of priorities.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
408. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the number of applications received from Tipperary County Council under the low-cost safety improvement scheme in each of the past five years; the number approved; the locations funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39925/26]
View answerMy Department provides grant assistance to local authorities under the Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme for a number of targeted schemes, including Safety Improvement Works. Applications are sought each year from local authorities under this programme for consideration for funding in the subsequent year.
Since 2022, my Department has allocated to Tipperary County Council a total of €3,459,870 for 55 Safety Improvement Works projects. The breakdown by year is included below and my officials will separately provide to you information identifying each of those 55 projects.
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.
|
Year |
Number of projects |
Allocation |
|
2022 |
10 |
€654,000 |
|
2023 |
11 |
€605,000 |
|
2024 |
10 |
€600,000 |
|
2025 |
12 |
€771,500 |
|
2026 |
12 |
€829,370 |
|
Total |
55 |
€3,459,870 |
409. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the cut-off point of 16 hours of lectures/class time per week for eligibility of the student Leap card is appropriate, given that additional reading hours often amount to up to 40 hours per week in many courses, and given that the purpose of the student Leap card is to reduce financial burdens on all students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39937/26]
View answerAs 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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts, including the student leap card.
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.
410. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if he would consider the extension of eligibility of the student Leap card to part-time students. [39938/26]
View answerAs 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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts, including the student leap card.
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.
411. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of motor insurance companies refusing to recognise foreign driving license exchange receipts issued by the NDLS as proof of a driver’s qualification for the purpose of insurance cover; whether insurance companies are required to accept these receipts as proof of qualification in law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39944/26]
View answerWhile there is nothing in Irish road traffic legislation that prevents the holder of a foreign driving licence from obtaining motor insurance in this country, someone who is resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU/EEA driving licence in order to drive here. A foreign licence may be exchanged for an Irish licence if it was issued by an EU/EEA Member State or a recognised state for driving licence exchange purposes.
A foreign driving licence exchange receipt is not a driving licence. It is an official document issued by the National Driver Licence Service when a driver submits their physical foreign licence for exchange. The receipt confirms that the exchange process has been initiated. There is no legal requirement for insurance companies to accept such receipts as proof of qualification to drive in Ireland.
As this issue does not appear to have been previously raised with the Department, officials have contacted Insurance Ireland, the representative body for insurers in Ireland, for further information.
412. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport to consider the inclusion of Portlaoise Train Station in the Dublin commuter fare zone structure, either by extending Zone 4 or by creating a new Zone 5 for Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40050/26]
View answerAs 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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
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.
413. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport to examine the feasibility of transitioning the public transport network to a 24/7 service, including rail infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40047/26]
View answerAs 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.
414. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the establishment of a public transport security force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40043/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I can assure you that my Department is actively progressing the necessary steps to deliver on the commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. Considerable progress has been made in recent months, and this work remains a top priority for all parties involved.
This work centres on developing a well-considered and informed approach to identifying the most suitable model for the Transport Security Force. In this regard, a proposed model is currently under detailed consideration, with all key stakeholders fully engaged, including the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána, and the Department of Justice.
In addition, my Department and the NTA are actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, and the introduction of this Force will require the development of primary legislation, which can have a significant lead time, but it will be expedited, with a view to making progress on its foundations during 2026.
In the meantime, we are committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the Transport Security Force is in place.
415. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the number of vehicles clamped at Irish Rail station car parks in Drogheda and Dundalk in 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40049/26]
View answerAs 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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród 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.
416. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport whether the National Transport Authority or Iarnród Éireann will review early morning rail services between Athenry and Galway in light of concerns that existing timetables do not adequately cater for commuters with work start times of 07:00 or 08:00; whether consideration is being given to introducing an additional early morning commuter service from Athenry to Galway at approximately 07:20; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40085/26]
View answerAs 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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród 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.
417. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport whether Iarnród Éireann or the National Transport Authority have undertaken any review of fare structures on the Athenry-Galway rail line in light of concerns regarding disparities between fares charged to commuters on regional rail services and those charged on comparable commuter journeys within the Dublin area; whether consideration is being given to classifying the Athenry-Galway route as a commuter service for fare purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40087/26]
View answerAs 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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts, in this case Iarnród Éireann.
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.
418. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if he will amend the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 to include Louth for the purpose of sustainable transport planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40088/26]
View answerAs 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 across Ireland.
The revised statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 was developed by the NTA, in consultation with the relevant Local Authorities, and published in 2023 following the Minister for Transport’s approval. This strategy sets out how transport will be developed across the region, covering Dublin, Meath, Wicklow and Kildare, in accordance with the Dublin Transport Authority Act, as amended. The next review of the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy is due to commence in 2027. Once sufficiently developed the draft Transport Strategy will be opened to full public consultation.
For the information of the Deputy, the Dublin Transport Authority (Amendment) Bill 2026 is included in the Government's Legislation Programme for Summer 2026. The Dublin Transport Authority (Amendment) Bill 2026 was published on 15 May 2026 and is set for Second Stage in the Dáil on 26 May 2026. The purpose of this Bill is to provide a clear legislative framework to extend the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) remit under section 44 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 (Act of 2008), to enable the NTA to undertake the construction of public transport infrastructure projects such as BusConnects, in the State as it currently does in the Greater Dublin Metropolitan Area.
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 within 10 working days.
419. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport to provide the details of his precise functions in respect of the planning and resourcing of new rail stations outside of the greater Dublin area; if he accepts the position of the NTA as outlined in correspondence to this Deputy (details supplied) that the matter of the planning and development of a case for a new rail station in north Drogheda is not a matter for the NTA but the his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40089/26]
View answerAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including any proposed new train stations outside of the Greater Dublin Area, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Pending this detailed response, I note the revised statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 was developed by the NTA, in consultation with the relevant Local Authorities, and published in 2023 following the Minister for Transport’s approval. This strategy sets out how transport will be developed across the region, covering Dublin, Meath, Wicklow and Kildare, in accordance with the Dublin Transport Authority Act, as amended. The next review of the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy is due to commence in 2027. Once sufficiently developed the draft Transport Strategy will be opened to full public consultation.
For the information of the Deputy, the Dublin Transport Authority (Amendment) Bill 2026 is included in the Government's Legislation Programme for Summer 2026. The purpose of this Bill is to provide a clear legislative framework to extend the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) remit under section 44 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 (Act of 2008), to enable the NTA to undertake the construction of public transport infrastructure projects across the State as it currently does in the Greater Dublin Metropolitan Area.
420. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the number of vehicles clamped at each Irish Rail station car park in 2024, in tabular form. [40111/26]
View answerAs 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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród 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.
