Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2026
123. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the total amount allocated to the road transporters scheme; the amount committed and paid to date; the amount expected to be expended by the conclusion of the scheme; the anticipated underspend, if any; the purpose for which any unspent balance will be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54012/26]
View answerOn the 29 April 2026, I announced that €120 million would be allocated for the Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS).
The application window for the RTSS opened at noon on 20 May 2026 and closed at noon on 12 June 2026. In total, 4,406 applications were received in respect of 31,509 vehicles. 2,264 (51%) of applications were made by licensed road haulage operators, 456 (10%) of applications were made by licensed road passenger operators and 1,686 (38%) of applications were made by own-account operators.
Payments were made to approximately 175 applicants on Friday 10 July, and more payments will follow once additional applications have been fully assessed.
Applicants will receive an automated update from the Department when their application has been processed, outlining whether the application was successful, requires further information or advising on the next steps for unsuccessful applications. The assessment of claims under the scheme is ongoing and, as this process has not yet concluded, the total amount that will ultimately be spent is not yet known. Accordingly, it is not possible at this stage to determine whether there will be any underspend against the allocated budget. Payments in respect of the Scheme will continue over the coming weeks.
