Written Answers Nos. 303-322
303. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he has an any way to identify which Parliamentary Questions are AI generated; and the amount it costs, on average, to answer a Parliamentary Question. [45380/26]
View answerMy Department does not currently utilise any tools or platforms to assess whether a PQ may have been generated using AI, nor does it maintain a record of PQs that may have been drafted with AI assistance. All PQs received are given equal consideration.
It is also difficult to determine the cost associated with responding to a PQ, as the level of resources and effort required can vary significantly depending on the nature and complexity of each query.
304. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Transport the total annual cost to the State of the young adult or student TFI Leap card scheme. [45400/26]
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.
305. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the extension of the battery electric DART to Wicklow town; the breakdown of the number of the second order of 90 battery-electric DART carriages that will be deployed to the southern commuter line serving Dublin to/from Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45441/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport infrastructure and services within the Greater Dublin Area. #
In the case of the DART+ programme, the NTA fulfils this statutory remit in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann. As such 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 more detailed response, I note that a total of 285 electric and battery-electric carriages have been ordered to date as part of the DART+ Fleet project. The first order of battery-electric carriages, which is currently undergoing safety testing, is scheduled to enter service on the Northern line from Dublin to Drogheda in 2027. Subsequently, it is planned that deployment of the second order of 90 battery-electric DART carriages will enable the extension of the DART to Wicklow in 2029.
The total number of carriages to be deployed on each line will be determined by Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the NTA.
306. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that Bus Éireann's 132 service Connolly Station to Bunclody via Baltinglass has experienced repeated unannounced cancellations in recent weeks, including cancellations of the last service of the day without warning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45442/26]
View answer307. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that Bus Éireann had committed to increasing the frequency of the 132 service from four to eight services per day, but that this increase was cancelled at the last minute; when passengers can expect this commitment to be honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45443/26]
View answer308. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that Bus Éireann has adequate rolling stock allocated to the 132 service; whether Bus Éireann has reported to him or to the NTA that recurring mechanical breakdowns of older buses are a primary cause of cancellations on this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45444/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 306, 307 and 308 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The 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.
309. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport given that the 132 service is the primary public transport link for communities including Baltinglass, Tullow, and surrounding areas, the specific measures he intends to take to ensure reliable, frequent services for rural communities in Wicklow and Carlow who have no viable alternative transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45445/26]
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.
310. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the establishment of the proposed transport security force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45526/26]
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.
311. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the publication of the emerging preferred route for the Luas to Lucan including an indicative timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45527/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
There are four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the 2022-2042 lifetime of the GDA Transport Strategy. These are proposed expansions of the Luas network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg and Bray.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is progressing the Luas Lucan project in collaboration with the NTA. In 2025, the NTA submitted the Project Outline Document for Luas Lucan to my Department, as required under the Transport Appraisal Framework. TII are currently working to identify the emerging preferred route for Luas Lucan, which will then undergo a non-statutory public consultation.
As part of the periodic review of the Transport Strategy, the demand for possible light rail lines -including any developments in demand since the 2022 Transport Strategy - will also be considered. In reviewing the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042, the NTA will be informed in part by TII and their Luas 2050 vision.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
312. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the reasons for the delays of up to four-weeks relating to changes of car ownership registrations at the Department of Transport, Shannon, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45559/26]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the average time for processing offline change of ownership for the first 5 months of 2026 was 8 calendar days. We did not meet our usual high standard of turnaround time for manual change of ownership forms for less than 2% of cases where it took 16 calendar days or more.
This delay is down to the volumes of manual Change of Ownership forms being received on a daily basis at that time, staff leave, public holidays etc.
I wish to highlight that my department provides a secure online system for processing change of ownership at www.vehicleservices.gov.ie. The change of ownership is updated immediately, and the new Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) is posted to the buyer on the next working day.
313. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport if funding has been allocated to enable an upgrade on the Donaghmede roundabout at the Hole in the Wall, Clarehall Avenue, Grange Road junction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45564/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
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.
314. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if an amendment to the CIÉ 1951 superannuation pension scheme has been signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45574/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department are currently engaging with CIÉ as well as financial advisors at NewERA, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members.
My Department and all relevant stakeholders are endeavouring to achieve the same at the earliest, keeping in line with the appropriate processes, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals, which is now well underway.
315. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the bypass for Granard and Ballymahon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45591/26]
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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on regarding bypasses of Granard or Ballymahon on the N55.
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.
316. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Transport the timelines on the N4 project to extend the N4 beyond Mullingar to connect to the Rooskey bypass; the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45592/26]
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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €6,000,000 has been allocated for the N4 Mullingar to Longford scheme in 2026.
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.
317. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the average length of time currently required to process a change of vehicle ownership; and if he will provide a breakdown of processing times over the past 12 months. [45658/26]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the average processing time for offline change of ownership during the January – May 2026 period was 8 calendar days.
We do not have a breakdown of the average times to process for the full 12-month period.
I wish to advise that my department provides a secure online system for processing change of ownership at www.vehicleservices.gov.ie. The change of ownership is updated immediately, and the new Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) is posted to the buyer on the next working day.
318. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if provision is made for a refund or other compensation in circumstances where a person is unable to declare a vehicle off the road due to delays in the processing of a change of ownership application. [45659/26]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Department’s online change of vehicle ownership services, available at www.vehicleservices.gov.ie/cvo allows real-time transfer of vehicle ownership between private vehicle owners. Timelines may vary for vehicle owners who choose to submit their Vehicle Registration Certificate by post. The average processing time for offline change of ownership for the first 5 months of 2026 was 7.86 calendar days from date of receipt in our office to date of issue. After purchasing a new or second-hand untaxed vehicle the vehicle owner has 21 days after the purchase date to declare the vehicle off the road.
The circumstances in which refunds of motor tax can be made are set out in legislation.
Customers who have a query regarding change of vehicle ownership can contact CVO@transport.gov.ie and my officials will be happy to assist.
319. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if vehicle registration certificates (log books) may still be submitted by post for the purposes of transferring ownership; and if he will outline the alternative arrangements available to persons who are unable to access or use online services. [45660/26]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise the deputy that my department in Shannon continue to process change of ownership on receipt of completed Vehicle Registration Certificates (VRCs) received by Post. The customers should allow time for this process due to the manual nature of receiving the physical VRC in the post and the volumes being received daily.
320. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated to the Safe Routes to School programme in 2026; the number of projects to be delivered in 2026 with this funding; the cost of increasing funding by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45672/26]
View answerThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary 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 from schools across every county in Ireland. Schools are processed in tranches, with four rounds having been announced to date. 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.
Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently. It should however be noted that because a school is not currently in the SRTS Programme, it does not mean that it will not receive any new or improved Active Travel infrastructure. While there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the programme currently, funding for Active Travel infrastructure for schools is not confined to the Safe Routes to Schools Programme alone. In some cases, schools outside the SRTS Programme are included in wider Active Travel projects if they are in the vicinity of these works.
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.
321. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the delivery of next generation ticketing for public transport; if any delays have occurred in this project; the total amount budgeted for this project; the amount that has been paid out on this project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45693/26]
View answer322. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the oversight mechanisms put in place to scrutinise the delivery of next generation ticketing for public transport projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45694/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 322 together.
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 NTA board, which is appointed by the Minister, is updated on the status of the project at regular intervals. The NTA also reports to the Department on its major public transport projects and programmes, including Next-Generation Ticketing, on a monthly basis.
The Department, along with competitively appointed independent experts in transport, assess these reports and provide independent oversight, challenge, and advice to ensure that major transport projects are properly governed, delivered effectively, aligned with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines, and providing value for money to the State.
