Aindrias Moynihan
Question:118. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport when a new bus route (details supplied) will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46334/26]
View answerBus Services
Questions (118)
Written answers
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the vital role that enhanced connectivity plays in supporting communities across rural Ireland, including in Cork.
As mentioned previously, €940 million of funding for Public Service Obligation and TFI Local Link services was secured in Budget 2026, including €31 million for rural transport service provision. With growing operational costs and demand, it is a priority for the Department and the NTA to stabilise the PSO position this year, while ensuring services already in place can operate reliably and sustainably.
The NTA have confirmed that Route 256 between Bantry and Macroom is now at an advanced stage of planning, and the commencement of the same is subject to funding and resource availability, such as fleet, drivers, and mechanics.
I must take this opportunity to highlight that Cork has seen a significant investment in rural transport in recent years with funding increasing by 46% between 2024 and 2025, to over €7.2m. Passenger numbers on Rural Regular Service routes in Cork also increased by 95% from 2024 to 2025.
This investment underpins our ongoing commitment to Connecting Ireland, which has been a major success story. Since 2022, 185 new or enhanced services have been delivered, connecting over 240 towns and villages to the public transport network. These services include 61 new healthcare connections, 41 links to higher education, and 71 connections to rail services. Increased services have led to exponential growth in passenger numbers, with more than 8 million passenger journeys made on Connecting Ireland routes in 2025.
Rail Network
Questions (119)
Duncan Smith
Question:119. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the Metrolink enabling works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45939/26]
View answerWritten answers
Thank you to the Deputy for raising this question.
MetroLink is not only a key project for the Government under the National Development Plan, it is a project that will bring many benefits for many generations to come.
There has been substantial progress over the last year in moving MetroLink from planning and design and into procurement and towards construction. With regards to enabling works, this includes:
• On 29 May, the contract notice for the M120 framework was published. This will provide for the construction of the Dublin Airport Station Box and Glasnevin Station retaining walls.
• Contract notices for M14 Utilities and Site Clearance contracts were published earlier this year, with Invitations to Tender expected to be published in Quarter 3 this year. These will provide for the diversion of underground utility networks such was watermains and electricity lines.
• In 2025, a dedicated qualification system was launched for the M130 Archaeology Services contracts. Qualified firms were invited to submit bids for the first such contract in March of this year, which will cover the northern section of the route. Further contracts will be launched later this year.
• The Contract Notice for M160 Environmental Monitoring Services was launched earlier this month, with the Invitation for Tender due to be published later this year.
• Finally, Invitation to Tender for the M190 Specialist Heritage framework is expected to be published in the coming months.
The advanced and enabling works are important in de-risking the programme. Achieving site readiness allows the mobilisation of the main civil engineering contracts and heavy construction commencing by 2028.
While inevitably there will be some disruption during the enabling and construction works, this will be done in consultation with local communities so that their voices are heard.
I look forward to seeing this important project progress into construction and on to delivery, to the benefit of the people of north Dublin and beyond.
Rail Network
Questions (120)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:120. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he will commission a feasibility study to explore the reopening of Kildangan train station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46174/26]
View answerWritten answers
By statute, the National Transport Authority publishes a 20-year Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area every six years. This Strategy considers the strategic transport needs for the people of Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow, including the potential need for new train stations. The strategy is submitted to me in my role as Minister for Transport for approval and includes a number of rounds of public consultation during which people can put forward their ideas and proposals for consideration.
The GDA Transport Strategy 2022-2042 was developed by the NTA and published in 2023. It is currently anticipated that the NTA will commence the process of preparing the succesor Strategy next year, and this will represent an ideal opportunity to assess the feasibility of a rail station at Kildangan as part of an overarching multi-modal consideration of the future transport system.
This review will allow factors such as population growth in the Kildangan area to be weighed against other considerations such as existing rail stations in Monasterevin, Kildare and Athy which are located close to Kildangan and its rural hinterland. The NTA will recommend the best solution for the area considering a range of factors including transport demand, travel patterns and how these might best be served by different transport modes.
I also note that the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published by my Department in July 2024, includes an objective to enhance regional and rural connectivity, with consideration given to new lines and stations to deliver this goal. The Review did not recommend a rail station at Kildangan.
However, it is intended that the Review will be revisited and refreshed approximately once a decade, which will provide another opportunity to consider a station in Kildangan in light of the latest travel demand in the future.
Bus Services
Questions (121)
Edward Timmins
Question:121. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Commencement of Local Link route 199 Glendalough to Bray; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46263/26]
View answerWritten answers
As I have mentioned already today, there has been considerable investment in recent years in services throughout the country under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, including in County Wicklow. These regular services are providing connections between Carlow and Arklow, Baltinglass and Sallins, Sallins and Arklow, and Shillelagh and Gorey, along with 25 demand responsive routes throughout Wicklow.
This Government is committed to increasing Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns, and cities, and welcome the demand for these services with passenger journeys on TFI Local Link services increasing year on year to a record 6.97 million in 2025.
However, in the context of finite resources and other challenges such as driver shortages, the focus currently remains on stabilising the PSO programme as a whole and ensuring services already in place can operate reliably and sustainably.
As the NTA approach five years of implementing the Connecting Ireland programme, a more defined focus is on exploring avenues such as Smart Demand Responsive Transport options, which allow for flexible "app-based" pick-up and drop off services. With three pilots currently operational in Achill, Limerick and Killarney, I look forward to seeing the results of this pilot programme in early 2027, and subsequent plans for expansion.
Rail Network
Questions (122)
Barry Ward
Question:122. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if delays with the Irish Rail’s traffic management system project are expected to impact the delivery of wider rail investment programmes, including the DART+ Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46165/26]
View answerWritten answers
The National Train Control Centre building was completed in November 2022, on time and within budget despite the significant disruption to the construction sector brought about by the COVID pandemic. While the building today houses some signalling operations and Iarnród Éireann staff, as well as approximately 100 personnel of An Garda Síochána overseeing communications in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, bringing the centre into full operation has been delayed by slower than projected progress in developing and rolling out the new traffic management system, which is the software that integrates a range of complex railway systems, such as signalling and communications.
Taxpayers and train users are rightly concerned by this delay. In my capacity as Minister, I have met with Indra, the contractor delivering the traffic management system, last August and again in January of this year. On both occasions, I expressed my dissatisfaction with the rate of progress and emphasised the importance of bringing the project to a successful conclusion as quickly as possible.
A re-baselined programme was agreed between Iarnród Éireann, the NTA and Indra, in November 2024, breaking the project into eight discrete commissioning phases to improve deliverability and realise benefits incrementally. The contractor delivered software to Iarnród Éireann in mid-April to support the planned implementation of Commissioning Phase 1 on the Rosslare line in early 2027.
A three-month software testing period is now ongoing. Decisions on software acceptance and future commissioning phases will be taken in mid-July. Given issues in terms of project delivery, I understand that the board of Iarnród Éireann is also be considering potential options for the future delivery of the project, and I await its recommendation. In advance of the conclusion of software testing and consideration by the Iarnród Éireann board, it would be premature to discuss schedule and cost implications for the project.
I note that the asset value of the NTCC is also a consideration within the CIÉ Group accounts for 2025. These accounts were received by my Department on 18 May and are currently under review by my officials and by our financial advisers in NewERA and I expect to receive them shortly. My intention is to bring the accounts to Government and have them laid before the Oireachtas in the coming weeks.
Finally, it is important to note that, from a railway safety perspective, contingency plans are in place to mitigate the impact of delays on the Traffic Management System. To safeguard the signalling resilience of the rail network, I approved an additional allocation of €5.7 million in May to enable Iarnród Éireann to commence additional signalling works to increase operational resilience within the Greater Dublin Area, the busiest part of the rail network.
These resilience works will enable the planed entry into service of DART+ West, the first element of the DART+ Programme to proceed as planned.
Departmental Policies
Questions (123)
Tom Brabazon
Question:123. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport the measures currently being taken, and if further measures are being considered by his Department, to tackle the misuse of scramblers in public areas. [35697/26]
View answerWritten answers
On 1 April the Road Traffic (Control of Certain Vehicles) Regulations 2026, known as Grace's Law in memory of Grace Lynch, were signed into law. The regulations implement an explicit ban on scrambler use in any public place and strengthen existing provisions and powers of enforcement by An Garda Síochána.
Since July 2023, off-road scramblers have been illegal for use on public roads and it has also been illegal to drive them dangerously anywhere, even on private land. An Garda Síochána has full powers to seize a scrambler being driven dangerously in any location, even where they have the reasonable belief that the vehicle will be driven dangerously, and they can enter the curtilage of a dwelling to retrieve a scrambler after the fact. It has also been an offence to sell or otherwise supply a mechanically propelled vehicle, such as a scrambler, to a minor since 2004.
The new regulations complete the introduction of provisions in the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 to tackle the dangerous use of scramblers and bring additional legal clarity by consolidating the disparate existing provisions into a single legislative instrument in respect of scramblers. The regulations prohibit the use of an off-road motorcycle, such as a scrambler or a quadbike, in any place, except on private land with the written consent of the landowner or use by the landowner. They impose a requirement of consent where restricted vehicles are used on private land and will make enforcement easier. The mere use of scramblers will now explicitly be an offence, assisting An Garda Síochána operationally by ensuring that members will no longer have to form a reasonable belief about dangerous use.
The regulations will not apply to registered, on-road motorcycles that are safe and legal for road use. It is important to note however that dangerous driving offences and all relevant road traffic laws continue to apply to the use of these vehicles. They will also allow for the continued appropriate off-road use of scramblers or quadbikes, such as for agricultural purposes and for controlled licenced sports events.
My Department is engaging with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána on powers of seizure and detention in relation to the new regulations, including the fees applying to seized vehicles.
Bus Services
Questions (124)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:124. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the reason he is delaying the release of current funding to allow the completion of the Bus Connects network redesign; and if he will give a commitment to provide additional funding for the expansion of Bus Connects to cover the Clonburris, Adamstown, Grange View corridor. [46306/26]
View answerWritten answers
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. Having secured €940 million in Budget 2026, a 43% increase compared to last year, the PSO programme and associated services are being supported by this unprecedented increase in funding.
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.
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.
Further, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, with the aim to provide better bus services across five cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the NTA. The roll-out of the remaining phases of the BusConnects Dublin Network Redesign will occur over the coming years, subject to funding and operational readiness.
Transport planning and strategic decision-making are guided by a balanced assessment of operational and resource considerations. These decisions are also made following operational and performance analysis of existing services, including customer feedback. To illustrate this, the most recent BusConnects progress report, published in December 2025 and covering Phases 5a & 5b and Phase 6a, shows that 8 out of 10 users are satisfied with the service, and 45% believe the bus service in their area has improved.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.
Greenways Provision
Questions (125)
Brian Brennan
Question:125. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Transport to outline the next steps in the progress of the Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway; the measures that can be taken to expedite the project to ensure completion at the earliest possible opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46347/26]
View answerWritten answers
For context, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways, while the planning, design and construction of individual greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the relevant local authority.
As you know, the Government has long since recognised the strategic value of greenways as sustainable transport corridors, as well as catalysts for regional economic development, tourism, and community health and wellbeing. As such, I was delighted to be able to allocate €59m to TII this year to support the Greenways and Active Travel on National Roads Programme.
One scheme being supported under this programme is the Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway. In late 2025, this scheme completed Phase 2 (Option Selection) of TII’s Project Management Guidelines. This is a significant milestone in the delivery of the greenway, as it involves identifying a preferred route corridor for the scheme.
Wicklow County Council have procured a technical advisor to help advance this preferred route corridor through the development approval process. Roughan & O'Donovan were the successful tenderer. They have been appointed as technical advisor to progress the project through Phases 3 (Design and Environmental Evaluation) to Phase 4 (Statutory Processes) of the TII Project Management Guidelines.
Phase 3 takes account of technical, environmental, and social factors identified in earlier project stages and will establish the definitive land footprint necessary to develop and operate the greenway. There will also be extensive engagement with affected landowners and stakeholders during this Phase. It is anticipated that Phase 3 will take up to 24 months to complete.
Immediate tasks, over the coming months, will focus upon:
• Engagement with the Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway Committee as well as landowner and stakeholder engagement more broadly;
• Procuring and undertaking necessary engineering and environmental surveys; and
• Advancing design development.
My Department has committed €300,000 to this Greenway project in 2026 and I remain committed to this scheme. I look forward to seeing it progress in the coming years.
Traffic Management
Questions (126)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:126. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the traffic calming and speed limit standards that apply at and near schools; if he intends to prepare or update these standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44956/26]
View answerWritten answers
The implementation of traffic calming or other safety measures, when deemed necessary, is the responsibility of local authorities. Speed limits at urban and rural schools are set by the respective local authority in accordance with the Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland 2015.
As part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 The Speed Limit Review Group was established “to examine and review the framework for the setting of speed limits. As part of this review there will be a specific consideration of the introduction of a 30km/h default speed limit in urban areas”.
This review group brought together representatives from my Department, the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána, the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and the City and County Management Association.
In September 2023, this review group published its report, which set out a number of principal recommendations concerning the reduction of some speed limits.
Following on from the implementation of the review group's revised guidelines, published in 2025, and the implementation of revised speed limit bye-laws, speed limits at rural and urban schools will be set in accordance with the revised guidance.
For schools in rural areas, the ‘Speed Limit Guidelines’ recommends that a 50km/h speed limit be applied, either permanently or periodically.
For schools in urban areas, the ‘Speed Limit Guidelines’ recommends that a 30km/h speed limit be applied, either permanently or periodically.
In accordance with the Road Traffic Act 2004, as amended, local authorities are required to implement speed limit changes by way of special speed limit bye-laws. For those roads in built-up and urban areas, where local authorities propose to change the existing speed limits, it will be necessary to undertake a statutory process of public consultation.
This process is ongoing, with local authorities revising their speed limit bye-laws and implementation expected to to be completed by the end of Q1 2027.
Public Transport
Questions (127)
Tony McCormack
Question:127. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made in improving public transport connectivity for counties in the Midlands region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46227/26]
View answerWritten answers
In February of 2025 the NTA launched a transformative town bus service for Portlaoise. The new bus routes, PL1 and PL2, provide improved connections to the town centre, hospitals and rail services.
These routes provide early-morning and late-evening services to connect with Portlaoise train station, facilitating improved onward travel to Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and other centres. The services also improve connectivity with retail zones such as Portlaoise Town Centre and Laois Shopping Centre, as well as Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise and St. Fintan’s Hospital.
In February of 2026 the NTA launched the new Mullingar town bus service, with two dedicated town bus routes, MU1 and MU2, providing frequent, reliable and accessible services throughout the day and into the late evening.
The new services improve connectivity between key destinations including the town centre, Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar, Saint Mary’s Hospital Campus, Mullingar Business Park, Lough Sheever Corporate Park, Mullingar Train Station, and the wider TFI bus network.
These services operate for up to 18 hours a day, providing early morning and late-night services that support shift workers, students, social and leisure trips, and the continued growth of Mullingar’s evening and night-time economy.
Late-night services improve access to restaurants, entertainment venues, cultural events and evening employment, while offering a safe, affordable and sustainable alternative to private car use.
As for regular rural services, counties Offaly and Laois have seen significant investment in rural transport in recent years with funding increasing by 36% between 2024 and 2025, to over €5.5m. Passenger numbers on TFI Local Link regular routes in Offaly and Laois also increased by 52% from 2024 to 2025. In addition, funding for Counties Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon increased by 54% to over €4.1m between 2024 and 2025 boosting passenger numbers by 90%.
Driver Licences
Questions (128)
Cathy Bennett
Question:128. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on his efforts to simplify the process for returning emigrants to exchange US driver licences. [46019/26]
View answerWritten answers
Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. Driving licence formats, vehicle categories and driving test standards are all set at EU level. As all Member States test drivers to the same standard, there can be a mutual recognition of licences for exchange purposes amongst EU member states.
Someone who is resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU licence to drive a vehicle on public roads here. Ireland provides two pathways for holders of third-country licences to gain Irish licences: direct exchange. where a bilateral agreement exists, or a streamlined process for experienced drivers (holding a licence for 2 years or more), including reduced mandatory training and no 6-month waiting period for a driving test.
It is Government and EU policy to reduce road death and injuries. Given road fatality increases, it is vital that Ireland only allows licence exchanges following a detailed examination of the other country's licensing and testing regime. Engagement with the relevant licensing authority is required to conduct such an examination and also during the licence exchange process to verify the licence. Bilateral agreements ensure that both of these steps may be undertaken effectively.
Reaching a bilateral agreement is not a straightforward matter or a matter of political will. The core principle when reaching an agreement with another jurisdiction is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users.
In reaching a bilateral agreement, the most important element is ensuring that the other jurisdiction applies standards for obtaining a licence compatible with our own. Where these standards are not met, no agreement is possible, no matter how desirable that may be. For Ireland, rom the Irish side, the task of comparing licensing regimes falls to the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
One of the Programme for Government 2025 commitments is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with Australia and with 7 of the 10 Canadian provinces, with a process under way at present with Nova Scotia.
Under the Programme for Government commitment, the RSA is currently engaging with the states of New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey, to undertake technical reviews with a view to recommending whether or not to enter into exchange agreements. These states were chosen as the initial states to examine as they have the largest Irish born populations.
As Minister, I cannot intervene or comment on review proceedings while they are ongoing. This is an independent technical assessment by the licensing agencies involved and must be free from any political inference. Once each review process is complete, the RSA will make a recommendation to my Department.
The new EU Driving Licence Directive, 2025/2205, allows the European Commission to enter into EU-wide licence exchange agreements on behalf of member states. This process is expected to commence by 2029 and will provide an alternative pathway to pursuing licence exchange arrangements with non-EU jurisdictions.
Rail Network
Questions (129)
Emer Currie
Question:129. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the latest update on Dart+ West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46046/26]
View answerWritten answers
Funding allocated under the National Development Plan from 2026 to 2030 will see DART+ West move through the project planning and procurement phases and into construction, which is targeted to commence late next year.
Procurement for DART+ West is advancing, with pre-qualification questionnaire notices for the Design and Build works issued in May 2025. All PQQ submissions have been received and evaluated, and the tender documentation is now in its final drafting stage.
A key part of DART+ West is the construction of a new depot. A public consultation on the proposed depot concluded in April this year. This consultation included the planned extension of the DART to Kilcock, which will expand the reach of the DART+ Programme, bringing the benefits of a faster and more reliable rail service to more people. Engagement during the consultation is currently being reviewed and will inform the design process.
In advance of the delivery of DART+ West I also note that we are putting in place charging infrastructure to allow the new DART+ battery-electric fleet to be rolled out from Dublin to Drogheda next year, and to extend the DART to Wicklow around 2029. These services will provide early tangible benefits from the DART+ Programme in advance of the completion of overhead electrification as part of DART+ West and the programme as a whole.
Public Transport
Questions (130)
John Connolly
Question:130. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport when the public consultation for the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS) will be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46229/26]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Part of the development of the new GMATS necessitates mode specific analysis undertaken in the form of a Light Rail Feasibility Study and a Strategic Roads Feasibility Study. Both studies will form part of the analysis used to inform the development of the multi-modal GMATS.
The NTA had considered it appropriate to await An Coimisiún Pleanála’s determination on the re-submitted N6 Galway City Ring Road application before progressing further with GMATS, given the influence this project would have on the transport strategy.
The N6 Galway City Ring Road was granted permission by An Coimisiún Pleanála on Thursday 9th April 2026. Following this grant of permission the NTA have re-engaged with the GMATS project team, and work commenced 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/ early 2027, with a finalised Strategy in place in 2027.
Public Transport
Questions (131)
Pa Daly
Question:131. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the plans to expand town services (details supplied) throughout the State; to outline a timeline for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45501/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 and monitoring the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and the Town Service Programme. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Questions (132)
Peter Roche
Question:132. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department is taking to improve the availability, frequency and reliability of rural bus services, particularly those used by older persons to access essential services such as healthcare, shopping and social supports; if he will outline the plans to expand community-based or demand-responsive transport options in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46313/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 and monitoring 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.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Questions (133)
Brian Brennan
Question:133. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the lack of investment, capacity and accessibility on main public transport routes between Wexford and Dublin, specifically relating to the Rosslare to Dublin Rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46336/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 works on the Dublin to Rosslare train line, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
Given Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders
Bus Services
Questions (134)
Edward Timmins
Question:134. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to address the ongoing reliability issues on the 132 Bus Éireann regional/commuter service; the steps are being taken to improve the reliability and increase passenger confidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46262/26]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Disability Issues
Questions (135)
Peter Roche
Question:135. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the development of the new needs-based, grant-aided vehicle adaptation scheme intended to replace the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme; what expansion of eligibility criteria currently linked to the primary medical certificate are being reviewed as part of this process, particularly for individuals with significant disabilities such as loss of sight or hearing who are excluded under the existing mobility-based tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46312/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS) will operate as a reimbursement scheme, assisting with the additional cost of adapting a vehicle. It is intended that the scheme will be open to drivers and passengers who need vehicle adaptations to enable them to enter, exit, or operate a vehicle, rather than basing eligibility on specific medical diagnoses. Accordingly, a primary medical certificate will not be required for the VAS. It is anticipated that the scheme will be open to applicants in 2027.
It is important to note that the VAS is being developed as a stand-alone scheme and is not intended to replace the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme. Responsibility for the future of that scheme remains with the Minister for Finance.
Road Network
Questions (136)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:136. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport the reason the four Dublin local authorities received only a small proportion of the €1.5 billion allocated this year for national, regional and local roads; the way in which these authorities are expected to fund the maintenance and renewal of roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46321/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and exchequer funding in relation to our National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, and in line with the National Development Plan, 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 funding allocated to the four Dublin local authorities in relation to national roads.
As such, I have referred your question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response from the agency within ten working days.
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.
Arising from the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts, for regional and local roads, the four Dublin local authorities are self-funding under the main road grant categories. As such, they do not feature in most of the grant categories but are eligible for certain grants such as training, speed limit signage, road condition survey, and may submit applications for Strategic Grants.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders
Rail Network
Questions (137)
Ivana Bacik
Question:137. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Programme for Government commitment to conduct a feasibility study in respect of a metro for Dublin South West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46018/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.
The NTA published the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 in January 2023. This strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
As the Deputy notes, the Programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin.
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 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.