Written Answers Nos. 158-178
158. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if the Department has assessed the adequacy of current type-approval and battery safety standards for e-scooters sold in the State, including lithium-ion battery safety, charger compatibility and fire risk; if any engagement has taken place with the National Standards Authority of Ireland or other bodies on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53245/26]
View answerThe Department of Transport has engaged with the Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment and the Road Safety Authority in respect of technical standards required for e-scooters and electrical and battery systems. The Department of Transport specified compatible optional standards of EN 17128:2020, which cover standards for electrical and battery systems for Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEV).
Responsibility for battery standards under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 rests with the Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment.
159. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the commitment given by TII during the MetroLink railway order process, to provide an independent engineering expert (IEE) service for residents during the construction phase of the project; whether the terms of reference for the role have been prepared or are currently being drafted; if so, by whom; whether residents' representative groups will be consulted before the terms of reference are finalised; who will appoint, manage and fund the independent engineering expert; whether the role will be funded by his Department, Transport Infrastructure Ireland or the new MetroLink Delivery Agency; the arrangements that will be put in place to ensure that the independent engineering expert is contractually and operationally independent of the bodies responsible for delivering the MetroLink project; when the independent engineering expert is expected to be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53261/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.
As the Deputy will be aware, MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a key project under the National Development Plan (NDP) and NDP Review 2025. MetroLink will be able to carry a peak capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour per direction in the future.
An Coimisiún Pleanála published its decision to grant the MetroLink Railway Order in October 2025. This decision was subsequently subject to legal challenge, which, following successful mediation, has been withdrawn.
Construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation in the 2030s.
Noting the NTA's responsibility for this 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.
160. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of any data held on the number of premium flights that travel through Irish airports (details supplied); and the amount of revenue that could be raised by the introduction of an air passenger duty on premium flights at Irish airports, as exists in the United Kingdom, were the duty applied at the same level as in that jurisdiction. [53375/26]
View answerMy Department does not hold data on the number of 'premium' flights that travel through Irish airports, or data in relation to aircraft capacity as outlined by the Deputy. European air carriers operating within the European single market for air transport are not subject to any authorisation from my department. When airlines of third countries seek authorisations from my department to operate to Irish airports, they are not required to submit information on aircraft configuration or capacity.
Any consideration of the introduction of an air travel tax/passenger duty would be a matter for the Minister of Finance.
161. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the data held on the number of private jet flights through Irish airspace and Irish airports. [53376/26]
View answerIn answering the Deputy’s question, it is important to first note that 'private jets' are not specifically defined in national, European or international law. The nature of ownership does not arise as a specific categorisation and therefore data is not collected specifically in relation to ‘private jets’.
The EUROCONTROL Market Segment Rules 'Business Aviation' category includes all Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) movements matching specific aircraft types listed within the business aviation rules. As such, this would incorporate 'private jet' flights alongside business/executive jet flights and turbo-prop aircraft.
Data received from Air Nav Ireland, drawn from all flight plan information, broadly mirrors the EUROCONTROL data, but also includes additional movements conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). This captures smaller aircraft flying by sight.
Information in relation to the number of private jet flights through Irish airspace is not readily available. However, Air Nav Ireland have provided the following information on the total arrivals and departures, at Irish airports, for 'business aviation', by jet aircraft (excluding turboprops) for 2026 (to 10 June 2026):
Arrivals: 2435
Departures: 2465
Please note that Air Nav Ireland has informed of the possibility for some small discrepancies in these figures for those flights that first filed operations as Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), which then changed to Visual Flight Rules (VFR), or vice versa. Irish Air Corps flights are not included.
162. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if his Department retains statistics on the number of collisions involving drivers holding category W learner permits from the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53394/26]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of road safety and of measures, including the advancement of education, relating to the promotion of the safe use of roads. In order to inform these road safety measures, the RSA receives both coronial data and collision data from An Garda Síochána.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
163. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to two fuel leaks into the river Liffey (details supplied); whether his Department and the Environmental Protection Agency have engaged with Irish Rail in relation to cleanup efforts; if an environmental damage assessment has been carried out; if there is a timeline for repairs to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53404/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for 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.
164. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport the key measures taken to increase national road capacity since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53487/26]
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.
Since the start of 2025, many major new national road projects have continued to progress. Construction continued on the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge, with the first section (the Frenchpark Bypass) opening earlier this year. Work is also underway on the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy and Adare Bypass projects. Together with the progression of projects at an earlier stage of the development lifecycle, and measures to safeguard the existing national road network, this demonstrates the commitment of Government to ensuring the network can continue to meet the needs of all road users.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a reply detailing measures taken since the start of 2025. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
165. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport the key measures taken to support the local and regional road network since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53488/26]
View answerIn 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. The initial selection and prioritisation of work to be funded is a matter for local authorities.
Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing regional and local roads network. This network is fundamental to maintaining our social and economic connections across the country.
Irelands regional and local roads network spans over 96,000kms, and requires significant funding to ensure it remains fit for purpose, safe and resilient. As such, for 2025, €713 million was allocated to it for maintenance and renewal works. For 2026, this funding was increased to €718 million.
This funding supports our local authorities to carry out extensive programmes of maintenance and restoration works. Funding also supports various safety improvements, bridge rehabilitations, drainage works, climate adaptation measures, community involvement projects, and the maintenance of former national roads and strategic regional roads.
In addition to maintenance, targeted improvements are a priority. Funding is allocated to investing in developing and upgrading this infrastructure through vital Strategic Grant projects. These include the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade, which opened in May 2025, and Section A of the Tralee Northern Relief Road, which opened earlier this month. In 2026, a number of other projects are at construction stage, including the R498 Latteragh Upgrade in County Tipperary, Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road in Limerick city, and Fintra Bridge and approach roads in County Donegal.
Funding is also allocated for smaller-scale road improvements under the Specific Grant category.
On 1 July, I announced additional funding of €40 million, for the worst-affected counties, to address the damage caused to regional and local roads by Storm Chandra earlier this year. Which again serves to demonstrate Government's commitment to the protection of our regional and local roads.
166. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport the key measures taken to develop active travel since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53489/26]
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.
The Government is committed to the provision of improved and expanded walking and cycling infrastructure both in our urban centres and in towns and villages across Ireland. In 2021, the Active Travel Infrastructure Programme was expanded to include the 19 local authority areas outside the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and the regional cities. Since then, over €1 billion has been invested in walking and cycling projects across the country.
€290 million was allocated to the NTA's Active Travel and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme alone in 2025 with actual spend reaching over €296 million invested in around 1,000 projects nationwide. Key projects completed last year include two phases of the Royal Canal Greenway, the Bray DART Interchange, the Battery Road Active Travel Scheme in Longford and the Marina Promenade and Mahon Active Travel scheme in Cork. In addition, the funding supported numerous junction upgrades and the installation of new pedestrian crossings, all of which improve pedestrian and cyclists' safety.
With a similar level of funding having been allocated for 2026, my Department has continued to invest in walking and cycling projects around the country. Projects due to be completed in 2026 include the Glanmire Urban Greenway in Cork, the Kilmacrennan Road Active Travel Scheme in Donegal and the Ballybane and Castlepark Cycle Network in Galway City. Works have already been completed in 2026 on a number of key Active Travel schemes such as the Saunders Pedestrian & Cycle Bridge in Westmeath, Granard Active Travel Scheme in Longford and the Portmarnock Railway Bridge Upgrade in Fingal.
The 150th Smarter Travel Mark was awarded earlier this year. The Smarter Travel Mark is an award issued by the NTA which recognises organisations and campuses who encourage their staff or students to travel via sustainable transport modes. In addition, by the end of June over 30,000 primary school students have received cycle training through Cycling Ireland's CycleRight programme, of which my Department is the majority funding body. This figure includes almost 8,500 students in DEIS schools, who receive a greater Government subvention towards the training programme. The CycleRight programme aims to equip primary school students with the skills and confidence to choose cycling as a transport mode and instil sustainable travel habits that they can carry through into adult life.
Work will continue across all Active Travel projects and programmes throughout the second half of 2026, and, with a similar level of investment earmarked for walking and cycling annually to 2030, I hope that the high level of output will continue to the end of the decade.
167. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport the key measures taken to support and develop bus services since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53490/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
We are at a key juncture for public transport in Ireland. Reliable and sustainable services are critical as passenger numbers grow, congestion worsens in urban areas, and a greater proportion of the population depends on public transport for commuting, education, and essential travel.
Significant investment is being made to 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.
The 2026 allocation therefore focuses on maintaining and strengthening the existing network after several years of reliance on significant supplementary funding in recent years. This ensures that high-demand public transport services can continue to operate effectively, while supporting longer-term reforms to enhance capacity, accessibility, and efficiency across the system.
The NTA is managing the 2026 allocation by prioritising delivery of existing programmes in line with operational readiness and resources. Enhancements within the current allocation are prioritised, some changes are cost-neutral, while others require additional resources, and all are subject to funding, readiness, and capacity.
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.
168. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport the key measures taken to support and develop rail services since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53491/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for 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.
169. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport the key measures taken to support and develop aviation service since January 2026; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53492/26]
View answerThe Government recognises that strong levels of connectivity are critical for economic development. As an island nation, robust and diverse air connections, both within Ireland and with the rest of the world, are essential to support the movement of people and of goods. The Government is committed to supporting the continued development of a vibrant aviation sector and I have taken significant steps this year in that regard.
The foundation for measures I take as Minister for Transport is the Programme for Government as well as Ireland’s National Aviation Policy (‘NAP’), published in 2015 which established a policy framework for the development of the aviation sector in Ireland. The NAP was designed to create an environment that encouraged the sector to enhance Ireland's connectivity, to foster the growth of aviation enterprise and maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development.
While the principal goals of the 2015 NAP remain valid, and it continues to guide decision-making, my Department has commenced preparatory work on revising the NAP. The Department is working towards the publication of an issues paper for public consultation before the end of the year.
The revised NAP will update existing policy in response to developments in the aviation sector since 2015 and will include a focus on maximising use of our regional airports, in line with commitments made in the Programme for Government.
I have also made significant strides in addressing the legacy passenger cap planning condition at Dublin airport. In this regard, I secured support from my colleagues in Cabinet to pursue a legislative course of action to address the passenger cap in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 was passed by Dáil Éireann on 30 June and by Seanad Éireann on 8 July and has been sent to the President for consideration. The legislation empowers me, as the Minister for Transport, to make an order to amend or revoke the passenger cap planning condition. Once enacted, I will immediately commence the process for the necessary environmental assessments to be undertaken to allow me to make such an order to ensure continued sustainable growth in connectivity for the benefit of our economy.
Regarding our regional airports, the Programme for Government commits to the development of a new Regional Airports Programme and a new Programme for the period 2026-2030 was published by my Department on 25 February.
This new Programme will continue to support Ireland’s smallest airports with funding targeted at safety and security related activities and operations. The Programme also supports projects with a sustainability focus, encouraging airports to reduce carbon emissions and build resilience against climate change.
With the objective of maximising existing capacity across regional airports, the eligibility criteria of this new programme was broadened from one to three million passengers per annum. This will ensure that Ireland West Airport will continue to be supported in a scenario where they grow beyond one million passengers. Shannon Airport will also be eligible for supports. Its inclusion under the Programme will support it in accelerating its capital investment programme as it grows towards three million passengers.
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the National Development Plan Review will provide almost €45 million in capital investment for regional airports during the lifetime of this new Programme. In addition, current funding will be provided on an annual basis as part of the Estimates process.
Government is also committed to maintaining connectivity to the northwest by continuing to provide Exchequer funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services between Donegal and Dublin airports. Following a public procurement undertaken by my Department last year a new four year contract came into effect on 26 February 2026.
Services facilitate same day return from Donegal Airport and onward international connectivity via Dublin Airport. As well as marking Government’s commitment to ensuring continued connectivity to this region, these Exchequer funded services also support growth of the economy and tourism in the region.
The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to engage with relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin Airport and City of Derry Airport. As part of the objectives of Building a Shared Island, my Department is progressing the preparatory work necessary to establish a PSO air service on this route in 2026.
A market sounding exercise was undertaken by my Department earlier this year to inform the development of a Request for Tenders (RFT) document for this PSO service. It is anticipated that this RFT will be published in the coming weeks with a view to services commencing on this route in Q4.
Last year, passenger numbers continued to increase at our international airports, in most cases seeing record numbers of travellers. In 2026, we have continued to see very high demand and airlines introducing a range of new routes and additional services.
While the operation of a scheduled air service is a commercial decision made by airlines, in cooperation with airports and other market actors. It is the responsibility of my Department to ensure that the appropriate frameworks are in place to facilitate such operations. These frameworks take the form of bilateral or multilateral agreements on air services.
This year, work has advanced with a number of third country partners towards the development of new bilateral air service agreements. This includes negotiations with Brazil, which I announced with my Brazilian counterpart in March, and which are now at an advanced stage.
I expect several of these international agreements to be brought to Government for consideration before the end of the year, while in other cases, negotiations will continue at a technical level. Once finalised, these agreements will enable new and enhanced connectivity should any operator wish to introduce services.
At an EU level, agreement on a revision of EU Regulation 261 of 2004 on the rights of air passengers in the event of denied boarding, cancellation and long delay of flights was reached in June and will be adopted this month. The revised Regulation strengthens and clarifies passengers’ rights in the event of disruption to flights.
Ireland assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July 2026 and my Department is engaged in the whole-of-government effort to deliver a successful Irish Presidency. I anticipate that during Ireland's Presidency, work will advance on a number of important aviation files, including a revision of the EU's Air Services Regulation (1008/2008), a new EU Aviation and Aeronautics Strategy. and possible amendments to the ETS Directive (2003/87/EC), concerning the Emission Trading Scheme for aviation. When these files are adopted by the European Commission the Irish Presidency will work to progress them insofar as possible during our Presidency of the Council.
170. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport the key measures taken to support affordability in public transport since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53493/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m secured by my Department, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025. Both the 2025 and 2026 PSO funding allocations continued to subsidise bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy. While these initiatives have improved affordability and accessibility, they also increase reliance on subsidy, and fare revenue remains a vital part of maintaining a financially sustainable PSO model.
Public transport fares remain comparatively low in Ireland. In line with international best practice and to bolster the State’s capacity to invest in service expansion, network improvements, and operational resilience, it is essential we prioritise a reinvestment of fare revenue, ensuring that we can maintain a well-funded reliable system and deliver greater long term benefit rather than reducing fares to unsustainable levels.
For this reason, the PSO Programme is kept under continuous review by my Department's PSO Oversight Group to ensure the network remains financially sustainable, resilient, and responsive to passenger needs amid rising costs. Therefore, maintaining a stable funding base is essential to protect service levels, support future expansion, and to ensure public transport continues to meet the needs of passengers.
In their capacity as fare regulator, on the 27th of April 2023, the NTA published a new National Fares Strategy, and following this on the 18th of January 2024 they published the first of a series of Fares Determination related to the strategy. This has introduced a new, distance-based, zonal fare structure in the Greater Dublin Area. This move, aims to makes fares equitable, more consistent, and easier to understand, with significant reductions for many commuting from outer areas, aligning prices more closely with distance travelled. Any future changes to fare structures, would be considered as part of the national fares policy process and subject to appropriate assessment and approval.
In line with the Programme for Government I am committed to making public transport as accessible and affordable as possible, while also ensuring that our system remains financially sustainable in the long term.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, and in order to provide the estimated costs and measures requested, 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.
171. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Transport for an update in relation to developing Local Link bus service in west Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53315/26]
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.
172. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding allocated by his Department to each local authority under the regional and local road maintenance and restoration grant schemes in each of the years 2021 to 2026, inclusive; the amount allocated to Dublin City Council in each of those years; the criteria used to determine those allocations; whether his Department has assessed if the current allocation methodology adequately reflects the size of Dublin City Council's road network, traffic volumes and maintenance requirements; whether he has any plans to review that methodology, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53560/26]
View answerFor 2021 to 2026, details of the allocations made to eligible local authorities, under the Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme, for road maintenance and improvement are outlined in the regional and local roads allocations and payments booklets, which are available through the Oireachtas Digital Library.
Full details of the 2026 grant allocations are available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/press-releases/ministers-for-transport-announce-over-15-billion-for-national-regional-and-local-roads/
The arrangements agreed by Government when the local property tax was introduced included a requirement that the Dublin local authorities would use the associated receipts to self fund certain housing and regional and local roads maintenance services, in place of Exchequer funding. As such, they do not feature in most of the grant categories of the Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme but are eligible for certain grants such as training, speed limit signage, road condition survey, and may submit applications for Strategic Grants.
173. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide the necessary funding for the design, planning and construction of Listry Bridge, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53599/26]
View answerIt is my understanding that Kerry County Council is examining options for Listry Bridge, is considering the needs and objectives, and is deciding how to progress to best ensure value for money.
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. Of these grants, approximately 90% are directed towards maintenance and renewal, with the remainder directed towards new roads, bridges and road realignments. The initial selection and prioritisation of work to be funded is a matter for local authorities.
Any new road projects that seek funding are assessed by my Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and my Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available, for regional and local road improvement works, it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility, with these requirements in mind.
174. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport to respond to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); to detail to reasoning behind the fare differences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53600/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts, and Iarnród Éireann is responsible for the operation and management of car parking facilities at train stations.
In light of the NTA's and Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in these areas, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA and Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
175. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide a greenway sustainability payment A to all landowners impacted by the South Kerry Greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53617/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. To date, there has been a significant amount of investment for Greenway schemes in County Kerry, with €9,950,000 allocated in 2026 alone.
The Code of Practice for National and Regional Greenways includes information on the acquisition of private lands for developing Greenways and eligibility criteria for sustainability payments. The Code acknowledges the important role of farmers and landowners in the process. It outlines the procedures to ensure that they are treated fairly and equitably. TII are tasked with maintaining the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways.
Landowners on some greenway schemes are not eligible for Early Sign-on Payment part A of the Greenway Sustainability as the statutory consents granted preceded the introduction of the Code in January 2022. Additional proposals have been brought forward (by some landowners, farming organisations, and elected members) regarding providing a financial support similar to the ‘Early Sign-On Payment’ to these landowners.
While these fall outside the current Code of Best Practice, I am positively disposed to examining them further. Any such consideration will require careful assessment, and my Departmental Officials and TII colleagues have already begun this work and a decision will be made before year end.
176. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe to implement the European Union directive regarding the increase in weight that campervans can be driven, with a standard Irish car driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53664/26]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that Directive (EU) 2025/2205 changes the provisions for driving certain types of motor vehicle over 3500 kg.
The Directive states that, two years after a category B (car or light commercial) driving licence is issued for the first time, it shall also be valid for driving motor vehicles, including power-driven emergency vehicles used for the purpose of maintaining public safety and order, including by providing immediate assistance during natural or man-made emergencies, such as police vehicles, ambulances, civil protection and rescue vehicles, or fire brigade vehicles, powered wholly or in part by alternative fuels as defined in Article 2 of Directive 96/53/EC, and which have been approved under Regulation (EU) 2018/858, with a maximum authorised mass exceeding 3 500 kg but not exceeding 4 250 kg. The deadline for transposition of this provision into Irish law is November 2027.
However, article 9(2)(j) of the Directive expressly provides that motor caravans (motor homes/campervans) are not covered by this equivalence. Accordingly, the amendments introduced by Directive (EU) 2025/2205 do not alter the existing licensing requirements applicable to motor caravans.
177. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the reforms he intends to enact regarding the structure, responsibility and staffing of the Road Safety Authority; the timeline for when these reforms will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53668/26]
View answerIn 2024, my Department commissioned Indecon Economic Consultants to conduct an independent, external review of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). This review was presented to Government and the report published in November 2024.
In total, the report made 34 recommendations. At the core of the recommendations was that the operational services run by the RSA should be separated from its research, media campaigns, partnerships and education programmes to improve road safety. A related recommendation was that the RSA’s public interest work should receive Exchequer subvention.
Since the publication of the review, RSA reform activities have been taken forward on a number of fronts. For the first time since 2012, the fees for certain RSA services increased on 1 January 2025 to raise additional revenue and improve the RSA’s financial position; €18m has been specifically ringfenced for annual investment in public interest work for 2025 and 2026; the Road Safety Communications Steering Group was established in December 2024; the Department of Transport took over central responsibility for the coordination of the Road Safety Strategy commencing with the publication of the Phase 2 Action Plan; and, a new Chair and three new ordinary members were appointed to the RSA board during 2025 with a stronger focus on the RSA’s operational mandate. A further four new ordinary members were appointed to the Board in May and another in July.
I decided not to pursue the recommendation to separate out the RSA’s operational and public interest functions as I believe that reform can be delivered more efficiently and effectively from within the existing RSA organisational structure. My Department has prepared revised reform proposals in line with this decision and in consultation with the RSA. I have held discussions with the RSA Board on the proposals and these will be presented to Government shortly.
