Written Answers Nos. 43-62
43. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of slip lanes proposed for removal under the BusConnects Core Bus Corridor schemes on the N11 and N31 corridors, in tabular form; the estimated cost of these works; the assessment undertaken of the impact on general traffic flow at each affected junction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52029/26]
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 is a transformative investment programme in the bus system, providing better bus services across Dublin, Cork, Limerick Galway and Waterford. In Dublin, all 12 Core Bus Corridor Schemes have received planning permission with six subject to legal challenges. Contracts have been awarded for two Core Bus Corridors in Dublin: the Liffey Valley to City Centre scheme entered construction in May and the Ballymun-Finglas to City Centre scheme is scheduled to enter heavy construction later this year.
44. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent on the recent upgrade of the road surface along the Stillorgan road and N11 (from Leeson Street to the Loughlinstown Roundabout); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52030/26]
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 operation and management 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 regarding the N11 between Stillorgan and the Loughlinstown Roundabout.
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.
Matters relating to the R138 road from Leeson Street to Stillorgan are a matter for the relevant local authorities, in this case, Dublin City Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.
45. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to increase wheelchair access in the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52055/26]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry including taking action to increase the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles in the sector, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
46. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the level of engagement between the NTA, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus regarding the design and purchase of new vehicles, particularly on increasing wheelchair access and spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52056/26]
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, including the provision and upgrade of public transport, such as bus fleets.
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 working days.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to ensure that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers and a commitment to work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public transport options and infrastructure.
47. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to publish a new national ports policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52083/26]
View answerThe review of the National Ports Policy is ongoing. A draft revision of the National Ports Policy 2013 was published for public consultation on 3 July 2026, together with the relevant environmental reports. The consultation documents are available to view on the Department's website. The public consultation will run for eight weeks.
The finalised draft will then go to Cabinet for approval later this year, following which the new National Ports Policy will be adopted and published.
I look forward to the same high level of stakeholder engagement in this second public consultation as was achieved during the first, which was based on a thematic Issues Paper. Over 70 responses to that consultation were received and carefully assessed by officials in my Department.
48. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the level of funding that is provided by the NTA to Galway City Council for the provision of active travel staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52084/26]
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.
Allocations for the funding of active travel staff in local authorities is published annually as part of the NTA's local authority funding allocations under its Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme, which is available on the NTA's website. In 2026, €1,100,000 was allocated to Galway City Council for Active Travel staff costs.
49. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the level of funding provided by the NTA to Galway County Council for the provision of active travel staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52085/26]
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.
Allocations for the funding of active travel staff in local authorities is published annually as part of the NTA's local authority funding allocations under its Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme, which is available on the NTA's website. In 2026, €440,000 was allocated to Galway County Council for Active Travel staff costs.
50. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for the review of flight paths at Dublin Airport as stated in Dáil Éireann on 23 and 30 June 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52104/26]
View answerUnder EU legislation, the operator of an airport is responsible for the design and maintenance of Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) which set flight paths into and out of an airport. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), as the civil aviation safety regulator in Ireland, has responsibility for ensuring that IFPs adhere to safety standards set out in national, EU and international regulations. Separately, monitoring compliance with planning permission conditions is a matter for the relevant Council that granted those permissions, and enforcement of planning conditions is a matter for the relevant planning authorities. However, it is important to clarify that flight paths are not a condition of planning at Dublin Airport.
As the Deputy correctly raises, at the recent second stage debate on the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 in Dáil Éireann on the 23rd of June, and at subsequent debates on the Bill, I committed to ensuring that an independent assessment of flightpaths at Dublin Airport will be undertaken at the appropriate time.
The most suitable point for this work will most likely be when a final decision is made regarding the North Runway Relevant Action. This timing will ensure that the assessment is based on the most accurate and current operational data, incorporating the latest noise modelling methodologies, and can support the identification of appropriate solutions.
51. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Transport to provide the safety reports on the 28R and 28L runways at Dublin Airport; the analysis of dependant-mode operation of said runways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52106/26]
View answerDeputy, I refer to the response provided to you in my recent reply of 24 June 2026 to Dáil Parliamentary Question No. 152, which set out a response regarding Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) and clarified that my Department does not hold safety data related to departure routes off the North Runway at Dublin Airport.
I can confirm that my Department also does not hold an analysis of the dependant-mode operation of the runways at Dublin Airport.
To reiterate, under EU legislation, the operator of an airport is responsible for the design and maintenance of Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) which set flight paths into and out of an airport. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), as the civil aviation safety regulator in Ireland, has responsibility for ensuring that IFPs adhere to safety standards set out in national, EU and international regulations.
Separately, monitoring compliance with planning permission conditions is matter for the relevant Council that granted those permissions, and enforcement of planning conditions is a matter for the relevant planning authorities. However, it is important to clarify that flight paths are not a condition of planning at Dublin Airport.
As the Deputy will be aware, at the recent second stage debate on the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 in Dáil Éireann on the 23rd of June, and at subsequent debates on the Bill, I have committed to ensuring that an independent assessment of flightpaths at Dublin Airport will be undertaken at the appropriate time.
The most suitable point for this work will most likely be when a final decision is made regarding the North Runway Relevant Action. This timing will ensure that the assessment is based on the most accurate and current operational data, incorporating the latest noise modelling methodologies, and can support the identification of appropriate solutions.
52. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport whether he considers that the current legislative and regulatory framework governing private vehicle clamping adequately distinguishes between motorists who deliberately fail to pay for parking and those who have already paid for parking, have not overstayed the permitted parking period, and whose payment can be objectively verified, but who inadvertently fail to display a valid parking ticket; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52121/26]
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.
On the 1st October, 2017, the NTA assumed responsibilities as the regulator of vehicle clamping activities in both statutory and non-statutory (privately-owned) clamping places throughout the State. They are responsible for the regulation of clamping activities, administration of second-stage vehicle clamping appeals, and investigation of complaints.
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.
53. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Transport the approximate timeframe for the processing and payment of an application for a person (details supplied) under the road transporters support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52124/26]
View answerThe Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS) opened at noon on 20 May 2026 and closed at noon on 12 June 2026. 4,406 applications were submitted to my Department by licenced hauliers, licenced passenger operators, and the own account sector. The applications are now being assessed against the Scheme eligibility criteria to ensure that payments are only made to eligible businesses in respect of eligible vehicles. This will be finalised as quickly as possible and payments will commence to successful applicants in the coming weeks.
55. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport to consider expanding the scrappage scheme (ICE2EV) considering the high demand displayed in applications for the pilot scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52131/26]
View answerThe ICE2EV Pilot Scheme, which launched on July 1st, has committed the available €17M in funding, comprising of €10M for the scrappage grant and €7M for the EV purchase grant.
Approximately 2,000 successful applications were processed within 75 minutes of the scheme opening, supporting the replacement of around 2,000 internal combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles. While strong demand was anticipated, the level of interest exceeded expectations.
65% of the funding for this scheme was allocated to rural applicants and 35% to urban applicants, based on Central Statistics Office Census 2022 definitions. The rural allocation was exhausted within approximately 30 minutes, demonstrating that, in the right financial conditions, rural drivers are keen to make the switch to electric.
The high level of interest demonstrated in the scheme is welcome and reflects growing consumer engagement with the transition to electric vehicles. This momentum supports Ireland’s Climate Action ambitions, including the target for 30% of the national vehicle fleet to be electric by 2030.
The policy purpose of this capped initiative was to test the effectiveness of scrappage as a tool to stimulate EV uptake among those who may not otherwise transition in the near term, with the ultimate goal of delivering additional emissions reductions necessary for our climate targets.
A detailed review of the scheme will now be undertaken to examine uptake, emissions impact, and overall value for money, to inform any future policy decisions in this area. No decision has been made at this time regarding an expansion of the scheme. Any future iterations of this pilot scheme will be subject to the outcome of the above review, as well as wider budgetary considerations.
56. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the 6.50am train from Athenry-Galway following his commitment that the service will be retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52169/26]
View answerAs Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; 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.
57. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will review correspondence (details supplied); if he will provide a response to the queries raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52220/26]
View answerAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and TFI Local Link services. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
58. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 46 of 1 May 2025, the current situation regarding the drafting at a national level on the proposed EU National Regional Partnership Plans; how this process has been taking place and the input at parliamentary and civil society level to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51969/26]
View answerThe National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP) Regulation is part of the European Commission's package of legislative proposals for the EU Budget Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 which were published in July and September of 2025.
In June, Council reached a Partial General Approach on this file. Once the European Parliament adopts its position, Council and Parliament will begin trilogue negotiations with a view to finalising the legislative text.
The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine lead these negotiations at EU level, in close cooperation with my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in the context of our roles on the overarching MFF negotiations.
Further certainty and agreement are needed at EU level on the implementation rules of the NRPPs within the overall establishment of the MFF 2028-2034 framework before substantive drafting on Ireland's plan can begin by relevant Government Departments.
Notwithstanding this, consultation is likely to be a key feature of the future EU agreement on the NRPPs, as it has been on EU funds in the past, and Ireland recognises the value of such an approach. Indeed for example, the CAP Consultative Committee and a public consultation was launched in February 2026 to gather views from farmers, stakeholders and the wider public to inform Ireland’s approach to ongoing EU negotiations.
The Council’s Partial General Approach on the NRPP Regulation provides for a central role for civic society and for each Member State to organise and implement a comprehensive partnership in accordance with its institutional and legal framework. That partnership shall include a balanced representation of the following partners:
(a) regional, local, urban, rural and other public authorities or associations representing such authorities;
(b) economic and social partners, including farmers, fishers and their organisations;
(c) relevant bodies representing civil society, such as environmental partners, non-governmental organisations, youth organisations, and bodies responsible for promoting social inclusion, fundamental rights, rights of persons with disabilities, gender equality and non-discrimination, national human rights institutions and organisations;
(d) research organisations and universities, where appropriate.
The Council’s Partial General Approach on the NRPP Regulation also requires that these partners are involved in the preparation of the Plan and throughout the preparation, implementation and evaluation of chapters, including through participation in monitoring committees.
59. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide the amounts by which his Department or agencies within the aegis of his Department that has been defrauded as a result of a cyberattack; and the total amount which has been recovered for each of the years 2021 to 2025, and to date in 2026. [51983/26]
View answerIn response to the Deputy’s question, I can confirm that neither the Department of Finance, nor any of the Bodies under the Aegis of my Department, have been defrauded by a cyberattack in the period referenced.
60. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will review the current interaction between Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) on lifetime property gifts within families; if his attention has been drawn to cases where parents gifting residential properties to their adult children, such as single parents or first-time buyers, to alleviate housing distress face significant, immediate CGT liabilities despite the transaction involving no monetary exchange; if he will consider expanding existing reliefs, introducing a specific family-home transfer exemption, or modifying the Section 63 CAT/CGT offset mechanism to completely alleviate the tax friction on immediate parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52026/26]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the tax consequences of a transfer of a property, by way of lifetime gift, must be considered from both a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and a Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) perspective.
The transfer of a property by way of gift is considered the disposal of an asset for the purposes of CGT. Any chargeable gain arising on such a disposal may be subject to CGT at a rate of 33%. The first €1,270 of chargeable gains in respect of an individual in a year of assessment is exempt from CGT.
It is the amount of the chargeable gain, if any, arising on the disposal of an asset which is subject to CGT. Transactions between connected persons, such as those between a parent and a child, are deemed by the legislation to occur otherwise than by means of a bargain made at arm’s length. As such, the consideration which is deemed to have been received in respect of such disposals is the market value of the asset on the date of disposal, and the chargeable gain, if any, is calculated as the difference between the market value of the asset on that date and the cost of acquiring the asset, which in these circumstances may include the cost of the site and the construction costs of the property.
In addition, certain costs incurred in acquiring and disposing of the property, e.g. stamp duty, legal fees, auctioneers’ fees, etc may also be allowable as deductions in calculating the chargeable gain arising on the disposal of the property. Any allowable costs of acquisition which were incurred prior to 1 January 2003 may be adjusted for inflation through the application of the relevant multipliers set out in the table available on the Revenue website.
In circumstances where the parents occupied the residential property prior to the transfer to a child, as their principal private residence (PPR), for any period of ownership as their only or main residence, then full or partial PPR relief as provided for by section 604 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 may be available. Information on PPR relief is available on the Revenue website.
The specific facts and circumstances which exist at the time of the disposal of the property will determine the amount, if any, of CGT which may be due.
The Programme for Government commits to maintaining a broad tax base to guard against the need for counter-cyclical fiscal policy in the event of a downturn and to prepare for future budgetary challenges such as population aging. CGT is part of a system to ensure taxation is not focused solely on income tax and that those who benefit from growth in the value of their assets are included within the tax net on an equitable basis.
CAT is a tax that applies to gifts and inheritances. CAT is calculated on the value of the property comprised in the gift or inheritance and is payable by the recipient of that gift or inheritance.
The relationship between the person giving a gift or inheritance (i.e. the disponer) and the person who receives it (i.e. the beneficiary) determines the maximum amount, known as the “Group threshold”, below which a charge to CAT does not arise. Any prior gift or inheritance received by a beneficiary since 5 December 1991 from within the same Group threshold is aggregated for the purposes of determining whether any tax is payable on a benefit. Where a beneficiary receives gifts or inheritances that are in excess of the relevant Group threshold, CAT applies on the excess at a rate of 33%.
There are currently three Group thresholds:
• Group A threshold (currently €400,000) applies, inter alia, where the beneficiary is a child (including an adopted child, stepchild and certain foster children) of the disponer.
• Group B threshold (currently €40,000) applies where the beneficiary is a brother, sister, nephew, niece or lineal ancestor or lineal descendant of the disponer.
• Group C threshold (currently €20,000) applies in all other cases.
In the circumstances outlined, i.e., where parents gift a property to their adult children, the Group A threshold would apply.
Should a charge to CAT arise on the transfer of a property from a parent to a child, any CGT paid by the parents may be credited against the CAT liability arising on their child. The credit will be withdrawn where the property is disposed of within two years. Further guidance on this credit is published on the Revenue website.
As outlined above, the specific facts and circumstances at the time the property is gifted will determine any CGT and CAT due and the availability of the credit.
As with all taxes, CGT and CAT is subject to ongoing review as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process.
61. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will confirm the Government received a non-binding proposal (details supplied) in August 2025 separate to the 5 September 2025 offer and to outline the details of same; to clarify the reason the August proposal was concluded to have amounted to an offer. [52054/26]
View answerOn 5 September 2025, the Department received a non-binding and indicative proposal in writing from Centerbridge to acquire the Minister's stake in PTSB, dated 4 September 2025. The Department was of the view that the indicative proposal undervalued the Minister’s stake in PTSB and informed PTSB of its decision to reject the proposal. Following internal governance, the Department advised Centerbridge that the proposal did not provide a basis for engagement. The Department was and is cognisant of its legal and regulatory obligations and received financial and legal advice, including with regard to the Irish Takeover Rules. I have been informed this is the only non-binding and indicative proposal received by the Department in writing from Centerbridge.
As the Deputy is aware, the board of PTSB launched a Formal Sale Process (FSP) on 30 October 2025 which was public and open to all bona fide strategic and financial investors and was conducted by PTSB in accordance with the Irish Takeover Rules. Centerbridge were one of the parties in the FSP. The Department believes that the process was fair and transparent and offered the greatest opportunity to canvas broad interest from potential bidders.
The FSP resulted in the board of PTSB recommending a cash offer from BAWAG Group AG (BAWAG) to shareholders at a price significantly in excess of the indicative price set out in the Centrebridge proposal dated 4 September 2025.
BAWAG has set out a long term ownership approach, including maintaining a strong and resilient Irish banking franchise, investing in the business, retaining the headquarters in Dublin, a branch footprint, and safeguarding existing employment rights and pension arrangements in line with applicable law.
BAWAG has also indicated its intention to leverage its broader European expertise to strengthen the bank’s competitiveness, including in areas such as SME banking, energy efficiency finance, and operational integration. These stated intentions formed part of the overall assessment of the bid.
The State's investment in PTSB was made during the financial crisis to safeguard the stability of the banking system and protect depositors. Since then, PTSB has returned to profitability, increased its balance sheet scale and strengthened its capital ratios.
A sale of the State’s investment is consistent with the objectives of recovering taxpayer funds that were used to rescue the Irish banks. Through a combination of fees, dividend income, the bank levy and disposal proceeds the State has recovered c. €4.0bn from its investment in PTSB. On an overall basis, this means the State is c. €1.3 bn above break-even on its €29.4 billion investment in AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB from direct shareholding linked income and has recovered a further c. €1.8bn from the banking sector since the introduction of the bank levy.
62. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has considered the introduction of a stamp duty exemption, reduction or refund scheme for older homeowners who voluntarily downsize, or "rightsize", from larger family homes to smaller principal private residences; whether his Department has examined the potential impact of such a measure on housing mobility and on the more efficient use of existing housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52057/26]
View answerStamp Duty is a tax charged on documents (deeds) which transfer ownership of property. It is payable by the “accountable person”, who in the case of a sale of residential property is the purchaser. Where there is more than one accountable person, each person is jointly and severally liable to pay Stamp Duty.
Schedule 1 to the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act (SDCA) 1999 provides for Stamp Duty to be charged on transfers of residential property. The rates that apply are:
• 1 per cent on the consideration up to €1 million,
• 2 per cent on any consideration exceeding €1 million up to €1.5 million, and
• 6 per cent on any consideration exceeding €1.5 million.
Where the consideration is in respect of three or more apartments in the same apartment block, the Stamp Duty rates are:
• 1% on the consideration up to €1 million
• 2% on any consideration over €1 million.
A higher 15% Stamp Duty rate is charged under Section 31E of the SDCA 1999 where a person acquires ten or more residential properties (excluding apartments) in any 12 month period.
These rates apply regardless of whether or not the purchaser is a first-time buyer, the property is new or second-hand, or indeed whether the person acquiring the residential property is "downsizing" or not.
Further details of the Stamp Duty rates on residential property are published on the Revenue website at https://www.revenue.ie/en/property/stamp-duty/property/stamp-duty-property/rates.aspx.
While proposals such as the one set out in this PQ are received by my Department, as the Deputy will be aware, it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
