Emer Currie
Question:234. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for an update on his Department’s priorities for Ireland’s EU Council Presidency. [49589/26]
View answerEU Presidency
Questions (234)
Written answers
My Department is prepared for the delivery of a successful Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026. Our priorities for Transport were published within the Presidency Policy Programme on the 10th of June and align with the pillars for the Irish Presidency as a whole: security, values, and competitiveness.
Transport is critical to Europe's competitiveness and through the work of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE) Council, the Irish Presidency will support efforts to build a more connected, resilient and competitive Europe in line with the One Europe, One Market Roadmap.
We will support the development of Europe’s transport network as a key enabler for competitiveness, work towards decarbonisation and a just transition in the transport sector, and ensure that a safe, secure and resilient transport network can deliver for the citizens of Europe.
In September, Ireland will host the Informal Council of Transport Ministers in Dublin Castle, which will give us space for a forward-looking discussion on the transport agenda. The key formal ministerial event of the term will then be the Transport Council on 30 November.
Immigration Support Services
Questions (235)
Paula Butterly
Question:235. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 351 of 19 May 2026, if he will provide a breakdown of the expenditure on transport for beneficiary of temporary protection for each of the years 2022 to 2025 and to date in 2026, outlining how the €3.1 million was spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49619/26]
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.
I wish to advise the Deputy that funding was provided to the NTA to prioritise routes identified through the Connecting Ireland consultation process to provide emergency public transport services to those Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) housed in rural or isolated locations to ensure better access to our local communities. The total amount of this funding was as follows:
|
Year |
Funding |
|
2022 |
€1,287,500 |
|
2023 |
€2,656,030 |
|
2024 |
€4,000,000 |
|
2025 |
Nil |
|
2026 |
Nil |
There has been no specific funding since 2024 to support BOTPs and Ukrainian citizens.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in rural Ireland, 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 Service Obligation
Questions (236, 237)
Michael Cahill
Question:236. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost in 2027 if the budget for public service obligation for public transport services increased by 35%. [49631/26]
View answerMichael Cahill
Question:237. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost for Public Service Obligation for public transport services if increased by 35% in Budget 2027. [49650/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 237 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 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.
Sustained investment in the PSO programme has driven record public transport use, with passenger numbers up 23% and continuing to grow in 2026, alongside an expanded network serving over 240 towns and villages. As demand rises and congestion worsens, Ireland’s public transport system has reached a pivotal point, with an increasing need for reliable services.
A fundamental reset in funding was required to place the PSO programme on a sustainable, long-term footing, in line with the Programme for Government. Accordingly, the 2026 PSO allocation was structured to eliminate the need for supplementary in-year funding, providing greater certainty and stability for service delivery.
To underpin this, my Department secured an unprecedented €940 million allocation for PSO services in Budget 2026, a substantial 43% increase on Budget 2025. This significant investment provides a robust foundation to ensure that existing public transport services are delivered reliably and sustainably throughout the year, enabling the system to meet rising passenger demand and assist to absorb growing operational costs.
Funding for public transport services in 2027 will be determined through the Annual Estimates Process. Within the constraints of the resources available, the NTA will be responsible for prioritising its service plan, taking into account operational readiness, demonstrated and anticipated passenger demand, and the need to deliver value for money.
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.
Question No. 237 answered with Question No. 236.
Departmental Budgets
Questions (238)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:238. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide figures of the cost overruns by his Department, relative to the budgeted amount in Budget 2026; the cost overruns by his Department, relative to the budgeted amount in Budget 2026 for each State Agency under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49668/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department and the agencies under my remit have not incurred any cost overruns to date relative to the budgeted amount in Budget 2026.
Question No. 239 answered with Question No. 233.
Question No. 240 answered with Question No. 233.
Question No. 241 answered with Question No. 233.
Disabilities Assessments
Questions (242)
Michael Lowry
Question:242. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the reason persons suffering from Crohn’s disease and similar debilitating gastrointestinal conditions are excluded from eligibility for disabled persons parking permits (details supplied); whether his Department has examined extending eligibility criteria beyond physical mobility impairments in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49686/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise that, in 2010, the Department conducted a review of the Disabled Parking Scheme, in consultation with various stakeholders. One of the issues examined was eligibility. Disability groups in particular were unhappy that some permits were issued for medical conditions, rather than mobility impairment. The Scheme was revised so that permits are now given on the basis of mobility impairment, rather than the diagnosis of a particular condition or illness. This is in line with the original intention of the scheme.
I and my Department appreciate that everyday life with a condition such as Crohn's Disease can be challenging. I must emphasise to the Deputy, however, that issuing a large number of extra permits by extending the eligibility criteria would put the existing scheme under significant additional pressure and, crucially, compromise the availability of disabled parking spaces for those who need them the most.
The Deputy may note that my Department is currently undertaking a review of the Scheme, including eligibility criteria.
Driver Test
Questions (243)
Seán Crowe
Question:243. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport to report on the process of opening a new driving test centre in south Dublin; the reasons that the proposed centre in Sandyford will not be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49695/26]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including the provision of test centres and their locations. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Depauty's questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, I am assured by the RSA that it is continuing to support learner drivers with a view to improving access to driving tests. This includes ongoing efforts to secure a suitable location in South Dublin for a new driving test centre. I am informed by the RSA that it is currently engaging with the OPW on a number of priority locations, to ensure continuity of service long term and to address wait times in high demand areas.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Motor Industry
Questions (244)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:244. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport if the current disabled drivers and passengers scheme will be replaced with vehicle adaption scheme; if under this new scheme successful participants will be able to avail of the VRT and VAT relief on the purchase of a vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49698/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Transport is developing the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS) as a standalone scheme, to provide support with the additional cost of adapting a vehicle for people with disabilities .
The VAS will be a reimbursement scheme. The Department’s priority in introducing the VAS is to provide supports for drivers and passengers to enable them to get into and out of a vehicle or control a vehicle, through adaptations which are fit for purpose and which are proportionate and appropriate to needs.
The VAS is not intended to replace the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme (DDS) and will not provide support for the capital cost of vehicles. Responsibility for the future of the DDS, which provides such supports, remains a function of the Department of Finance.
Driver Test
Questions (245, 246)
John Connolly
Question:245. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 40 of 10 June 2026, the number of driving tests booked through third party apps that the RSA cancelled in 2025 and to-date in 2026. [49707/26]
View answerJohn Connolly
Question:246. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 40 of 10 June 2026, the way in which the RSA identifies driving tests which are booked through a third party app. [49708/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test Service. Neither I nor my officials have any powers relating to the service. Therefore, the information requested by the Deputy is held by the Authority.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 246 answered with Question No. 245.
Public Transport
Questions (247, 248)
Michael Cahill
Question:247. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the policy of Irish Rail regarding the sale of tickets on services where all available seats have already been reserved or are occupied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49719/26]
View answerMichael Cahill
Question:248. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport whether Irish Rail monitors total expected passenger numbers across all booking channels, including online sales, ticket offices, machines, and seat reservations; the way in which this data is used in managing capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49720/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 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 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.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 248 answered with Question No. 247.
Public Transport
Questions (249)
Michael Cahill
Question:249. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the measures in place to address situations where passenger demand exceeds seating capacity on Irish Rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49721/26]
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 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.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Questions (250, 251, 252)
Michael Cahill
Question:250. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the reason additional carriages are not deployed, where operationally possible, on services known in advance to be heavily oversubscribed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49722/26]
View answerMichael Cahill
Question:251. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport whether he considers it acceptable that passengers on Irish Rail with valid tickets may be required to stand due to overcrowding or pay an additional fee to access seating such as first class; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49723/26]
View answerMichael Cahill
Question:252. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to improve capacity planning, passenger comfort and accessibility on Irish Rail services particularly in view of increased public transport usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49724/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 250, 251 and 252 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 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.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 251 answered with Question No. 250.
Question No. 252 answered with Question No. 250.
Driver Test
Questions (253, 254)
Cormac Devlin
Question:253. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if a matter relating to a driving test (details supplied) has been brought to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49741/26]
View answerCormac Devlin
Question:254. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the Road Safety Authority, the reason a booking confirmation (details supplied) identified Bakers Point as the test location; whether any notification of a venue change was issued; if so, the date and method by which it was sent; the reason the person was recorded as a no-show notwithstanding that they attended the location identified in the RSA booking confirmation and subsequently attended the alternative venue after being redirected; if they will be provided with a replacement test appointment on a priority basis and at no additional charge; the protocol applied for identifying candidates arriving for a test, including the number of times a candidate's name is called, whether a grace period applies, and the method of communication with candidates where a test centre location has been changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49742/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.
Under 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.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.