Written Answers Nos. 214-233
215. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport to consider expanding the pilot scrappage scheme (ICE2EV) to allow for more than 2,000 applications, to further improve Ireland’s emission standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49439/26]
View answerThe new ICE2EV scrappage scheme is a demand-led and capped pilot scheme. It is intended to address a specific and persistent emissions challenge within the private car fleet: the continued operation of older, highly polluting ICE vehicles.
The pilot scheme will be reviewed to assess its overall impact and the effectiveness of scrappage as a policy tool. Data from the scheme will be used to gauge the level of interest in the take-up of a scheme of this nature, to provide insights in respect of the types of vehicles being scrapped (e.g. their age and mileage), as well as to monitor the regional distribution of take-up (i.e. by region, as well as the urban / rural split). A number of factors will be taken into account including overall uptake and demand for the scheme, the pace at which available funding is drawn down, and the level of participation across different geographic areas, including rural and urban applicants.
In addition, the scheme will be evaluated in terms of its impact on supporting the replacement of older, higher-emitting vehicles, its contribution to increased electric vehicle uptake, and its alignment with wider climate and transport objectives.
Any further iterations of the scheme will be subject to the above evaluation, as well as broader budgetary considerations.
216. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of sites that will be taken over to lay cables to supply the new DART sub-stations for Dart+ West, in tabular form; the dates for commencing these works at each site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49472/26]
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.
With regard to the Deputy's specific questions regarding sites to lay cables, this is a matter for the NTA and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct, detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
Pending this more detailed response, with regard to DART+ West generally, it must be noted that this is a particularly high-priority project for my Department, serving as a critical enabler for the entire DART+ programme. In particular, DART+ West will deliver the critical electrification of the city centre rail network and the necessary city centre capacity upgrades. DART+ West is funded to commence construction next year under the NDP.
217. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to bring forward legislation governing domestic EV charging infrastructure; whether he will commit to providing clear interim guidance to local authorities to ensure consistent and fair treatment of existing EV owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49520/26]
View answer218. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport his plans that forthcoming legislation on domestic EV charging infrastructure will include provisions for existing EV owners who have already installed private chargers, particularly where installation was carried out by a registered professional and meets recognised safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49521/26]
View answer219. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport whether the proposed legislative framework will allow for the retention of existing home EV chargers that comply with professional installation standards, rather than requiring their removal; the criteria that will be used to determine eligibility for retention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49522/26]
View answer220. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider issuing guidance to local authorities to pause or defer removal notices relating to existing EV chargers until the new legislative framework is enacted, in order to avoid unnecessary hardship for EV owners acting in good faith; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49523/26]
View answer221. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if interim measures will be introduced to protect EV owners from enforcement actions by councils while national legislation is being prepared, particularly in areas where residents have already invested in EVs on the understanding that home charging was permissible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49524/26]
View answer224. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if new legislation will include a certification or inspection pathway allowing existing EV chargers to be regularised where they meet professional installation and safety standards, rather than requiring full removal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49527/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 217, 218, 219, 220, 221 and 224 together.
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years and reaching climate targets. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging and installing EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs. This strategy is currently being revised, and a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 was published for consultation between February and April.
Home charging is, and is expected to remain, the primary means by which most drivers charge their vehicles. Public charging infrastructure plays a critical complementary role, not only in supporting enroute journeys, but also in ensuring that those who cannot charge at home are not disadvantaged and can participate fully in the transition to electric vehicles.
The Government recognises that the absence of off-street parking presents a particular challenge for some households. Addressing this barrier is a key priority. Work is underway to introduce new legislation establishing a regulated private wires regime. The General Scheme of the Private Wires Bill was approved by Government on 16 December 2025, and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has since been engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to progress drafting of the legislation. Pre-legislative scrutiny has been completed by the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy, with its report published on 22 April. It is intended that the Bill will complete its passage through the Oireachtas in due course.
Officials in the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and the Department of Transport are examining a solution to domestic EV charging where offstreet parking is not possible as part of the development of this new legislation and a solution will be included in the Bill as required. This will enable appropriate charging solutions to be deployed safely in residential settings where direct home charging is not currently possible.
Regarding the retention of existing infrastructure, it should be noted that under Section 13(10) of the Roads Act 1993 Local Authorities have the vires to remove EV infrastructure if it does not meet safety requirements or necessary permission was not obtained before installation. The Government is committed to making EVs and EV charging accessible to all and Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland will continue to engage with Local Authorities on EV charging infrastructure delivery.
222. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the situation in a location (details supplied), where residents who have already purchased EVs are being advised to rely on public charging infrastructure rather than their existing private chargers; the supports or protections that will be provided to these residents pending legislative clarity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49525/26]
View answerThe Government recognises that the absence of off-street parking presents a particular challenge for some households. Addressing this barrier is a key priority. Work is underway to introduce new legislation establishing a regulated private wires regime. Officials in the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and the Department of Transport are examining solutions to domestic EV charging where offstreet parking is not possible as part of the development of this new legislation, and a solution will be included in the Bill as required. This will enable appropriate charging solutions to be deployed safely in the future in residential settings where direct home charging is not currently possible.
Home charging is, and is expected to remain, the primary means by which most drivers charge their vehicles. Public charging infrastructure plays a critical complementary role, not only in supporting enroute journeys, but also in ensuring that those who cannot charge at home are not disadvantaged and can participate fully in the transition to electric vehicles.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging and installing EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs. This strategy is currently being revised, and a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 was published for consultation between February and April.
The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on neighbourhood and destination charging locations, will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.
Local authorities will be funded by my Department, through Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, to develop local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation plans. This process will identify the number of charge points required in each area, including on-street chargers to serve residents without access to private off-street parking. Dublin has been identified under Region 3 of this plan.
Additionally, the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Infrastructure Scheme, which includes 21 eligible sites in Dublin, is a €15 million all-island initiative supporting the installation of publicly accessible EV chargers in sports clubs. The aim of the scheme is to install a network of publicly accessible EV chargers in communities throughout the country, through their local sports clubs.
223. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if he has assessed the impact of recent price increases by public charging operators on EV owners who may be forced to rely on public infrastructure due to council restrictions on private chargers; if affordability considerations will be incorporated into the forthcoming legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49526/26]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Price setting by electricity suppliers and charge point operators is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. There are no current plans to introduce regulation on charging costs within the public EV charging sector. However, the Department will continue to monitor developments in the EV charging market, including pricing trends and impacts on users who rely on public charging, as part of its ongoing engagement with stakeholders and its wider work on the delivery of a fair, accessible and reliable EV charging network.
225. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport when his Department will put out a tender for a comprehensive independent assessment of the environmental and climate implications of removing the cap as recommended by the Oireachtas Committee on Transport in section 2.1 (3) of the pre-legislative scrutiny report on the (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 and as asserted as being lacking earlier this year by the UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49528/26]
View answerI wrote to the Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport on 17 June, advising that I would not be accepting a recommendation in the Committee's report on pre-legislative scrutiny of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 to include a provision in the Bill requiring a comprehensive independent assessment of the environmental and climate implications of removing the passenger cap.
This was on the basis that I had strengthened the Bill’s environmental safeguards by removing the screening provisions for both an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and an appropriate assessment (AA) which are permitted under the EIA and Habitats Directive. Under section 24 of the Bill, I am expressly prohibited from making an order until An Coimisiún Pleanála has carried out a full EIA and AA.
This ensures that a comprehensive, independent, and statutory assessment of any environmental impacts arising from the making of an order is mandated, not optional. In my view, these strengthened provisions address the Committee’s recommendation and provide a robust mechanism to ensure that any decision to address the cap is informed by a thorough, independent and transparent assessment of its environmental implications.
A final decision on daa’s Infrastructure Application, which seeks planning permission to raise the passenger cap to 40 million passengers and develop additional infrastructure, will supersede any order I make. Consideration of a planning application includes a determination on the wide-ranging implications of granting permission, across many factors. As such, commissioning a costly independent assessment in relation to lifting the passenger cap, which will have been independently assessed twice already, is not required.
226. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to fast-track the proposed Blanchardstown Luas line under the Luas 2050 vision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49540/26]
View answer227. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to fast-track the proposed Tyrrelstown Luas line under the Luas 2050 vision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49541/26]
View answer228. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to fast-track the proposed Orbital West line under the Luas 2050 vision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49542/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 226, 227 and 228 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding 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), including light rail.
The Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 was published by the NTA in January 2023. The strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
There are four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the 2022-2042 lifetime of the strategy. These are proposed expansions of the Luas network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg, and Bray. Other possible projects, identified in the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042, for delivery in the period after 2042 include a Green Line extension to Tyrrelstown and a light rail from the City Centre to Blanchardstown.
As part of the periodic review of the Transport Strategy, the demand for possible orbital light rail lines will also be considered, again for delivery after 2042. 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 NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive reply within 10 days.
229. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the procurement for Dart+West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49561/26]
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.
With regard to the Deputy's specific questions regarding procurement, this is a matter for the NTA and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct, detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
Pending this more detailed response, with regard to DART+ West generally, I note that procurement 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. Consultation feedback is currently being reviewed and will inform the design process.
NDP funding is in place for construction on DART+ West to commence by the end of 2027, though the precise start date will depend on procurement.
230. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the current status and timeline for delivery of the National Train Control Centre and associated rail traffic management system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49562/26]
View answerUnder the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the National Train Control Centre, or NTCC. Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Pending this detailed response, I note that a three-month software testing period commenced in mid-April and is currently ongoing. Decisions on software acceptance and future commissioning phases will be taken in mid-July after the preparation of the testing report and it would be premature to discuss schedule and cost implications for the project in advance of this.
231. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport whether he expects the rollout of the B-Spine to produce higher frequency bus services than the present routes serving the Dublin west area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49566/26]
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, including the BusConnects Dublin 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 more detailed response, I note that BusConnects Dublin is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, with the aim to provide better bus services across the Greater Dublin Area with over 200km of enhanced bus and cycling infrastructure. Following on from three rounds of public consultation which concluded in 2020, new bus services in Dublin have been delivered, with the first seven phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years.
The redesign of the entire network, including the B Spine connecting Blanchardstown Shopping Centre to UCD via the City Centre, will continue in the coming years, subject to funding and resources. Once delivered, enhanced bus services will see a significant increase in overall capacity and frequency for customers. An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved all 12 Core Bus Corridor planning applications with legal proceedings ongoing in relation to a number of schemes, including the Blanchardstown Core Bus Corridor.
232. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the assessment that has been carried out of rural transport needs in Dublin west; whether any proposals are under consideration to expand Local Link or other rural transport services in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49567/26]
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.
Dublin West comes under the remit of the Greater Dublin area, and is not part of the TFI Local Link Rural Transport Programme.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing and monitoring the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. 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.
233. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport if he will meet with an organisation (details supplied) to discuss their ongoing work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49569/26]
View answer239. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with the Road Safety Authority regarding a unilateral driver’s licence agreement between states in the USA and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49674/26]
View answer240. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport if he will issue a directive to the Road Safety Authority to begin work on a unilateral drivers licence agreement with the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49675/26]
View answer241. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with his Department officials regarding a unilateral licence agreement between Ireland and the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49676/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 233, 239, 240 and 241 together.
In May, the Minister of State, Seán Canney TD, and Department officials met with representatives of the Irish/US Licence Exchange Committee. Minister Canny noted the issues raised by the Committee and Department officials are considering them in the context of Irish road safety and Irish and European driving licence legislation.
Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. Licence formats, vehicle categories and driving test standards are all set at EU level. As all Member States test drivers to the same standards, there can be mutual recognition of driving licences.
The main purpose of licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions is to similarly ensure that anyone from those jurisdictions who obtains an Irish driving licence by exchange has been tested at an equivalent standard to drivers who passed a test in Ireland. In addition, an agreement allows for arrangements to be put in place for the verification of licences produced for exchange, to confirm whether the licence is valid and that the applicant is the licence holder. These processes are essential to protect the safety of Irish road users and the integrity of the Irish licensing system and a bilateral agreement is the most effective way to achieve this.
One of the commitments in the Programme for Government 2025 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 a licence exchange agreement with Australia and with 7 of the 10 Canadian provinces.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment, the Road Safety Authority is currently progressing a licence exchange agreement with Nova Scotia.
As each US state is responsible for its own driver licensing system, and testing standards and processes may vary widely, Ireland can only consider agreements with individual states. At my request, the RSA is engaging with the US states of New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts, to assess the feasibility of exchange agreements with those states.
