Written Answers Nos. 231-250
231. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if the designated person for protected disclosures in his Department has issued a formal determination on prima facie evidence submitted in December 2025 and January 2026 in connection with OPDC referral (details supplied); if not, the reasons for the absence of such determination and the timeline for its issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40987/26]
View answerNeither I nor my Department comment on individual Protected Disclosure cases, in order to protect both the integrity of those cases and the identity of reporting persons.
Any report of potential wrongdoing which is received by my Department is handled in accordance with its Protected Disclosures Policies and Procedures, which align with both the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, as amended, and with best practice guidelines such as those issued by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
These policies and procedures require that all such cases are addressed until they reach an appropriate conclusion within the Protected Disclosures framework.
232. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered a roll-out of the safe routes to school initiative to all schools as opposed to the onerous grant application; if he has considered the expansion to secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40990/26]
View answerThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to schools and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 932 applications were received across every county in Ireland. Schools are processed in tranches, with four rounds having been announced to date. Over 500 schools are now active in the programme or have had projects completed.
It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the initial rounds will be selected at a later date with no requirement to apply again. Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently.
233. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to deal with antisocial behaviour on the public transport network; if he is aware of an incident (details supplied), which reportedly occurred on the DART involving a group of youths attacking a young man who subsequently required hospital treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41101/26]
View answerAnti-social behaviour is a broad societal issue, to which public transport is unfortunately not immune, and it is those passengers and staff who regularly use and work within our public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network.
Across the network, all public transport operators are continuing to expend significant resources introducing measures to counter the impact of antisocial behaviour.
Iarnród Éireann has established enhanced joint protocols with Gardaí both nationally and locally, which have been implemented through Operation Fanacht. This has included the establishment of rapid response support hubs in 20 locations for Intercity services, with staff having direct lines to Gardaí for incident support.
All onboard staff have dedicated phone numbers for each of the hub locations in the event they require assistance, meaning that should on-board staff request assistance by calling ahead to the next Garda Rapid Response Hub, they will receive priority service to deal with any issue. Additionally, for Intercity services, there are 1448 cameras and 138 cab cameras, with a dedicated monitoring team in place.
Bus Éireann has invested in extensive CCTV coverage throughout its fleet for the protection of passengers and staff and driver security screens are fitted to the entire low-floor, single-deck, and double-deck bus fleet. All hubs are also monitored by CCTV.
Dublin Bus has maintained its Safer Journeys Team, a mobile unit dedicated to enhancing safety on-board their fleet, covering North Dublin, South Dublin, and Central Dublin. The entire Dublin Bus fleet is fully fitted with CCTV cameras with up to eleven internal cameras and three external cameras fitted on the more modern vehicles in the fleet. Each vehicle is also equipped with a radio which facilitates immediate contact to a Central Control Centre. In cases of serious incidents on board a bus, central control co-ordinate with emergency services, such as the Gardaí and Ambulance Services, if required. Security screens are provided on all vehicles for driver safety and should always be utilised for maximum protection. There are also emergency "audible alarms" in place onboard all Dublin Bus Vehicles which can be activated by driver and Emergency "silent alarms" which can be activated by driver to contact Central Control and takes priority over all other calls.
All operators continue to have strong relationships with An Garda Síochána, who ultimately assist in supporting these incidences. The NTA organises an Anti-Social Behaviour Forum, which public transport operators and An Garda Síochána attend.
The Department of Transport continues to work closely with industry stakeholders to identify measures to improve passenger safety across the public transport network. And in this regard we have continued to hold a public transport safety working group, with representatives from the public transport operators, the commercial bus sector, the NTA, unions, An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice, and passenger representative groups.
We will continue to engage with operators and unions on the matter, and will continue to work with all stakeholders to provide safe, sustainable public transport.
In addition, my Department and the NTA are actively progressing the policy and 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.
I fully support all the ongoing positive work to progress towards creating a safer public transport network for staff and passengers. 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.
The query raised about an incident on the DART by the Deputy is a 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.
234. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to expedite a case in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41217/26]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including all testing and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my Department hold information on, nor have the have the power to intervene in, individual cases
I understand that the Deputy has engaged with the RSA in relation to this matter and received direct replies on 5 and 18 May.
235. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to expedite a case in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41218/26]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including all testing and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my Department hold information on, nor have the have the power to intervene in, individual cases.
I would advise the person to engage with the RSA directly in relation to this matter. Additionally the driver testing booking system allows for any unused test slots to be made available for candidates to take up at short notice. I encourage learner drivers awaiting a test to monitor this channel, as it may provide an opportunity to secure an earlier test date.
236. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the current legal status of motorised bicycles, including e-bikes and electric scooters, under Irish road traffic legislation; whether any regulatory framework is planned or under development to govern the use of such vehicles on public roads, cycle lanes, and footpaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41295/26]
View answer237. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has undertaken or commissioned any safety assessment of motorised bicycles and e-scooters currently available for purchase in Ireland; whether there are concerns regarding the sale of vehicles that exceed the EU-permitted 25 km/h assisted speed limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41297/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 237 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Programme for Government 2020 made a commitment to legislating for e-bikes and e-scooters. This was a policy priority for this Government and, since May 2024, e-scooters which are compliant with the regulations made under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 are legal to use in public places.
A comprehensive suite of regulations governs the safe use of e-scooters in public places, as below:
www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/199/made/en/print provides for technical standards and conditions for safe use, including a minimum age of 16 and a speed limit of 20 km/h.
www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/200/made/en/printprovides that signs for bicycle use will also apply to e-scooters.
www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/222/made/en/print provides for traffic rules, including forbidding use on motorways, footpaths and pedestrianised areas.
www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/224/made/en/print provides that other types of PPT, and e-scooters which do not comply with the regulations, will remain illegal to use in public places.
www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/223/ gives An Garda Síochána powers to seize and detain non-compliant e-scooters or other types of PPT.
www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/227/made/en/provides for fixed charge penalties of €50 for certain e-scooter offences.
Regarding e-bikes and e-mopeds, the www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2023/act/16/enacted/en/html - Part 12 and the www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/act/10/enacted/en/html- Part 5 provide for the specifications of e-bikes and e-mopeds.
An e-bike is a pedal-assisted electric bicycle with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts, and a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour. E-bikes are treated in the same way as bicycles and do not require motor tax, registration or insurance.
E-mopeds are more powerful pedal-assisted e-bikes and those which can operate on the motor alone (throttle-assisted) and are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles.
There are two types of e-moped:
L1e-A: pedal-assisted, with a maximum speed of 25 kph and maximum power of up to 1,000 Watts.
L1e-B: pedal or throttle-assisted, with a maximum speed of 45 kph and maximum power of up to 4,000 Watts.
E-mopeds must be registered and taxed, as for any other mechanically propelled vehicle. In addition, throttle-assisted (L1e-B) e-mopeds must have motor insurance and a Category AM driving licence. E-mopeds that are not registered or taxed, and those riders without insurance or a driving licence, are subject to enforcement by An Garda Síochána.
The first regulations to allow for the legal use of certain e-scooters and e-bikes were introduced in May 2024. It is appropriate, therefore, to look at the evidence and consider if additional regulation is warranted to promote road safety.
Proposals for updated regulations on e-scooters and e-bikes are being developed and will be subject to Ministerial decision. Requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) on e-scooters and e-bikes will form part of any consideration. The introduction of mandatory PPE for users of pedal bicycles is outside the scope of the current review.
The Department of Transport has no role in the regulation of sales for these or any product type.
238. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the number of active SPSV taxi licences currently operating in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41327/26]
View answer241. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the number of SPSV taxi licences issued nationally and in County Kerry in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41331/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 241 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the collection and publication of statistics relating to SPSV licensing, 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 am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
239. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority has undertaken any assessment of taxi shortages in rural towns and tourism centres, particularly during weekends, festivals and major sporting events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41329/26]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry 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 issues local area hackney (LAH) licences where applicants can show that there is a need for this part-time service and that it will not displace or replace current SPSV providers in a given area. 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 for SPSV driver licences. LAH drivers nevertheless must be licensed, and their vehicles must be licensed and insured. A local area hackney may only pick up passengers within a designated area of about 10km and may not pick up a new fare at a drop off point or any other point outside its designated area.
In 2025, the NTA conducted a review of LAH regulations and associated processes following which they introduced new Regulations, which came into effect on 2 April 2026. In these new Regulations:
• Up to five drivers are permitted to operate a local area hackney.
• Licences can be granted when local communities can demonstrate 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.
• 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.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, 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.
240. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if consideration is being given to introducing more flexible transport models or pilot schemes for rural areas where taxi availability is limited, particularly during peak tourism periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41330/26]
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, TFI Local Link services and Smart DRT Pilots. 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.
242. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the National Transport Authority regarding barriers preventing new entrants into the taxi industry in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41333/26]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry 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.
Quantitative restrictions, which led to an undersupply of SPSVs in the past, have been removed from the SPSV sector and there are no barriers to entry to this industry, other than the obligation to use a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV). As a result of this requirement, significant WAV and eSPSV grants, where applicants can avail of up to €17,500 and €25,000 respectively, have been provided to SPSV operators to enable them to upgrade their vehicles.
From a rural perspective, the NTA issues local area hackney licences where applicants can show that there was a need for a part time service. 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 for SPSV driver licences. LAH drivers nevertheless must be licensed, and their vehicles must be licensed and insured. A local area hackney may only pick up passengers within a designated area of about 10km and may not pick up a new fare at a drop off point or any other point outside its designated area.
In 2025, the NTA conducted a review of LAH regulations and associated processes following which they introduced new Regulations, which came into effect on 2 April 2026. In these new Regulations:
• Up to five drivers are permitted to operate a local area hackney.
• Licences can be granted when local communities can demonstrate 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.
• 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.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, 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.
243. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if any review is under way into the adequacy of late-night transport services in rural towns where Local Link services finish early in the evening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41334/26]
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.
244. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to temporary or event-based SPSV permits during major festivals, sporting events or tourism weekends in rural areas experiencing significant transport shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41336/26]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, 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.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
245. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a clear funding commitment and delivery pathway for Limerick BusConnects, ensuring that the project can move forward without unnecessary delay prior to 2028; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41344/26]
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 nationally, including the BusConnects programme.
In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
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. 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.
246. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that passengers in Mullingar and surrounding areas are unable to purchase online tickets from Mullingar to Dublin on bus 115; the reason for this discrepancy; and if he will urgently engage with the National Transport Authority and Bus Éireann to resolve the matter.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41345/26]
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 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.
247. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether the National Transport Authority has met with Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail and Luas to discuss and co-ordinate public transport services for major summer concerts and events in 2026; the dates on which such meetings took place; the agencies represented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41348/26]
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.
While there is significant collaboration between the NTA and all public transport operators to ensure sufficient public transport capacity is provided for major events, it is the NTA’s priority to provide public transport services for all their scheduled timetabled services. Event promoters are advised if an operator has the capacity to provide additional trains, trams or buses to support large-scale events, and if there is then they are provided.
The challenge facing the NTA and the transport operators is the number of large-scale events being scheduled concurrently, and the resources needed to support them all. To support these events requires vehicles, drivers, support staff, site personnel and security teams, all of which have limited availability due to the normal workload associated with the scheduled services.
Some events are organised without any input or involvement from the NTA, who as a result may not be aware of them until a very late stage. The NTA have said that there may be a need for more scrutiny of transport availability when licensing such events, particularly when different local authorities are licensing events to take place concurrently or in close proximity to each other.
The Department of Transport has requested that the NTA be included as a prescribed body in the draft regulations under the Planning and Development Act, and remain engaged as to how this legislative work progresses.
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.
248. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether a co-ordinated transport plan has been developed between the National Transport Authority, Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail and Luas operators to facilitate concert goers attending major summer concerts and events in Dublin and other urban centres during summer 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41349/26]
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.
While there is significant collaboration between the NTA and all public transport operators to ensure sufficient public transport capacity is provided for major events, it is the NTA’s priority to provide public transport services for all their scheduled timetabled services. Event promoters are advised if an operator has the capacity to provide additional trains, trams or buses to support large-scale events, and if there is then they are provided.
The challenge facing the NTA and the transport operators is the number of large-scale events being scheduled concurrently, and the resources needed to support them all. To support these events requires vehicles, drivers, support staff, site personnel and security teams, all of which have limited availability due to the normal workload associated with the scheduled services.
Some events are organised without any input or involvement from the NTA, who as a result may not be aware of them until a very late stage. The NTA have said that there may be a need for more scrutiny of transport availability when licensing such events, particularly when different local authorities are licensing events to take place concurrently or in close proximity to each other.
The Department of Transport has requested that the NTA be included as a prescribed body in the draft regulations under the Planning and Development Act, and remain engaged as to how this legislative work progresses.
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.
249. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether additional late night or increased frequency public transport services are planned by Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail and Luas operators to accommodate demand arising from major summer concerts and events in 2026; the routes and services affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41350/26]
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.
As part of the BusConnects Network Redesign, the NTA has introduced fifteen 24-hour bus services across the city in recent years, significantly enhancing both late night and early morning travel options. This has allowed more people to use and avail of public transport services. In addition, there are 12 Nitelink services which run from the city centre to suburbs on Friday and Saturday nights, providing extra capacity during peak late-night demand periods.
While there is significant collaboration between the NTA and operators to ensure sufficient public transport capacity is provided for major events, it is the NTA’s priority to provide public transport services for all their scheduled timetabled services. Event promoters are advised if an operator has the capacity to provide additional trains, trams or buses to support large-scale events, and if there is then they are provided.
The challenge facing the NTA and the transport operators is the number of large-scale events being scheduled concurrently, and the resources needed to support them all. To support these events requires vehicles, drivers, support staff, site personnel and security teams, all of which have limited availability due to the normal workload associated with the scheduled services.
Some events are organised without any input or involvement from the NTA, who are informed only at a later stage. The NTA have said that there may be a need for more scrutiny of transport availability when licensing such events, particularly when different local authorities are licensing events to take place concurrently or in close proximity to each other.
The Department of Transport has requested that the NTA be included as a prescribed body in the draft regulations under the Planning and Development Act, and remain engaged as to how this legislative work progresses.
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.
250. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether the National Transport Authority has engaged with concert promoters, venue operators, An Garda Síochána and local authorities regarding transport management plans for major summer concerts and events in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41351/26]
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.
While there is significant collaboration between the NTA, An Garda Síochána, Local Authorities and operators to ensure sufficient public transport capacity is provided for major events, it is the NTA’s priority to provide public transport services for all their scheduled timetabled services. Event promoters are advised if an operator has the capacity to provide additional trains, trams or buses to support large-scale events.
The challenge facing the NTA and the transport operators is the number of large-scale events being scheduled concurrently, and the resources needed to support them all. To support these events requires vehicles, drivers, support staff, site personnel and security teams, all of which have limited availability due to the normal workload associated with the scheduled services.
Some events are organised with no input or involvement from the NTA, who are informed only at a later stage. The NTA have said that there may be a need for more scrutiny of transport availability when licensing such events, particularly when different local authorities are licensing events to take place concurrently or in close proximity to each other.
The Department of Transport has requested that the NTA be included as a prescribed body in the draft regulations under the Planning and Development Act, and remain engaged as to how this legislative work progresses.
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.
