Written Answers Nos. 115-135
115. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will liaise with the NTA to ensure the existing local-link service from Tullamore to Athlone (route AL12), diverts to Kilbeggan daily, given that the only direct link from Kilbeggan to Athlone is through a service (details supplied). [66324/26]
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 and monitoring 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.
116. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the meetings he has held with the NTA since January 2026; if recently announced fare increases were discussed; and his response to the matter. [66314/26]
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.
In this regard on 3 September 2026, the National Transport Authority (NTA) announced changes to the national fare structure for PSO services, effective from January 2027. These changes are the first major revision since 2018 forming part of the NTA’s National Fare Strategy and support the continued expansion and improvement of public transport, while maintaining affordability. They also represent an important step towards standardising fares nationwide, in line with the National Fare Strategy published in 2023.
The NTA is responsible for determining fares on PSO public transport services under its statutory functions. The fare determination process is undertaken by the NTA and takes account of factors including operating costs, passenger affordability, Government policy, investment requirements and the long-term sustainability of the public transport network. As Minister for Transport, I am kept informed of developments across the public transport sector, while the NTA is responsible for making fare determinations.
In terms of engagement with the NTA, my Department exercises ongoing oversight through a structured programme of engagement, including monthly meetings between NTA senior management and Department officials, quarterly corporate governance meetings to review compliance and performance, regular day-to-day engagement on policy and programme delivery, and direct engagement with me as Minister on strategic or topical matters. I most recently met with the NTA on the 10th of June 2026.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
117. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the KPIs associated with Bus Éireann service delivery; the rate at which they adhered to such in counties Cavan and Monaghan in each of the years 2023 to 2025 and to date in 2026, by county. [66313/26]
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 and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. As Minister for Transport I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
118. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will work to ensure that there is a public transport service provided for the area of Ardclough village for its residents, given no such service exists. [66339/26]
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 and monitoring 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.
119. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider working alongside the NTA to run more late night train services of DART and rail lines to commuter areas including Maynooth after 11pm. [66341/26]
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 and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
As Minister for Transport I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
120. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the improvements to rail services between Galway and Limerick that are anticipated under the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy published on 15 December 2025; the infrastructure works that are planned on the corridor; the expected impact on service frequency and journey times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66459/26]
View answer121. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the increase in service frequency between Galway and Dublin that is anticipated following the delivery of the Galway line early interventions and major projects identified in the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy published on 15 December 2025; the expected number of daily services that will operate on the route upon completion of these works; the projected timeframe for achieving these service enhancements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66458/26]
View answer122. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made towards achieving a Galway to Dublin rail journey time of 1 hour and 31 minutes following the delivery of the 'Ongoing Enhancements' and 'Priority Projects' identified in the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy, published on 15 December 2025; the current estimated timeline for achieving this journey time target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66456/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 121 and 122 together.
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including any improvements on the Dublin to Galway line, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
Pending a more detailed response, I note that following the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, my Department oversaw the preparation of the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy. This Strategy was published in December 2025 and outlines the approach to sequencing and optimising the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in the coming years.
In the short-term to 2030, the Prioritisation Strategy specifies a number of 'Early Interventions' to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the National Development Plan.
Included in these early interventions are additional platforms at Clara and Woodlawn, which will enable increased passenger services and improved scheduling flexibility on the line between Dublin and Galway.
At Galway Ceannt Station, significant improvement works are nearing completion. These not only include greatly enhanced passenger facilities, but also the addition of extra platforms, bringing the number of platforms up from two to five, increasing capacity to cater to the growth in services set out in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. The additional platforms are now in operation and major construction works are nearing completion.
Separately and related, works are continuing at Oranmore station. This project will provide an additional platform and a passing loop, increasing capacity on the Galway to Athenry line. This project is scheduled to be completed and operational in late 2027 and will be of immediate benefit to the route.
The Prioritisation Strategy also identifies 'Major Projects' with longer lead-in and development timelines. Among these Major Projects, capacity and frequency enhancements, line speed improvements and electrification are planned on the Galway to Dublin line.
Given Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the company for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
123. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided under the NDP for the double tracking of the rail line between Galway City and Athenry; the expected timeframe for the delivery of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66453/26]
View answerMy Department is working with the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann to progress a number of rail projects in Galway, including double tracking of the line between Athenry and Galway.
To progress this project, last summer Iarnród Eireann appointed a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy and work commenced on the Galway Line Capacity Study. An emerging preferred option is expected to be identified later this year.
Works are also continuing at Oranmore station. This project will provide an additional platform and a passing loop, increasing capacity on the Galway to Athenry line. This project is scheduled to be completed and operational in late 2027 and will be of immediate benefit to the route.
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.
124. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport to detail the fees budgeted and paid to date to consultants by the NTA as part of the national mobility hubs scheme, by local authority, in tabular form. [66478/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and funding in relation to active travel and sustainable transport initiatives, including the National Mobility Hubs Programme. However, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning, development and implementation of the programme, including the engagement and management of any external consultants.
The detailed information sought by the Deputy regarding fees budgeted and paid to consultants by the NTA as part of the National Mobility Hubs Scheme, including a breakdown by local authority, is an operational matter for the NTA.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
125. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Transport if funding is guaranteed for the core bus corridor works in Dolphin’s Barn, Dublin 8; and the timeframe on construction for same. [66576/26]
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.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for a direct and detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, which was published by my Department in November last year, has allocated funding to progress BusConnects across the cities. The NTA will publish a more detailed plan later this year of what elements of the programme will be advanced within the funding available up to 2030.
126. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport to review an application for the RTSS scheme (details supplied). [66636/26]
View answerMy Department received approximately 4,400 applications for support under the Road Transporters Support Scheme, in respect of approximately 31,500 vehicles. As of 4 September 2026, approximately 3,400 applications have been assessed and approved for payment.
The outstanding applications, including the one referred to by the Deputy, have faced delays as they have been identified as containing errors. The applicant concerned was contacted by officials in my Department on 20 August requesting further information. Officials in my Department have been in contact with the applicant to clarify the status of his application.
127. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport when will the appeals process open for the fuel support scheme for hauliers and contractors. [66635/26]
View answerMy Department will announce the date for the opening of the Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS) appeals process in the coming days. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the RTSS webpage for updates on the appeals process.
Only applicants that have a valid RTSS Application ID will be permitted to submit an appeal. Applicants may request an appeal if an application has been refused or if support was not provided for one or more vehicles included on an application. Submitting an appeal does not guarantee that it will be successful, and each appeal will be assessed on its own merits and in accordance with the appeals eligibility criteria.
Applicants are encouraged to review the appeals process terms and conditions and eligibility criteria in full once they are publicly available and gather any relevant supporting documentation before the appeals portal opens. All appeals must be supported by evidence. My Department will not consider an appeal submitted without supporting evidence.
128. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the proposal agreed between CIÉ management and trade unions regarding the future of CIÉ pension schemes; to provide a timeline for the completion of each remaining stage of the approval process, including consideration by his Department, consideration by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; the statutory consultation process, and final implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66753/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department is progressing the agreement of bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members, including review of the relevant draft Statutory Instruments, and the matter of increases to pension payments.
Under the Transport Act, 1950, a Statutory Consultation process is required regarding amendments to CIÉ Pension Schemes, which took place over the early summer, and representations from interested parties are currently under review.
Every effort is being made to progress this matter at the earliest, keeping in line with the appropriate procedures, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals as part of the formal process, which is now well underway.
129. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric buses that are currently not in use due to a lack of charging facilities for them; the cost of storage per month of these buses; where they are being stored; and when they are expected to enter use. [66770/26]
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 bus fleets and bus depots.
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.
Pending this detailed response, over 250 battery-electric buses have been accepted into the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann fleets across the country, with fully electric services now in operation in Limerick and Athlone. The electrification of the bus fleet is a key part of the BusConnects programmes and in our investment in public transport across the country more generally, helping to make a sustainable mode of travel even more sustainable.
I would like to ensure the Deputy that there is no loss in overall bus system capacity as a result of delayed absorption of the electric buses, with older diesel buses continuing in service until the electric buses enter service.
There are 90 zero-emission double-deck battery-electric buses awaiting deployment pending the bringing on stream of charging infrastructure, of which 36 are destined for the Greater Dublin Area and 54 destined for Galway. Plans are in place for all Dublin-bound buses to be in service by the end of this year, while all buses destined for Galway are currently programmed to enter service across late 2026 and early 2027.
Implementation of further phases of electrification at existing bus depots will be greatly assisted by the NTA's new Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure framework contract, which has been finalised and will be formally awarded shortly.
130. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if the Government have any plans to allow a driving license exchange with all US States; and if not, can you please provide the rationale behind same. [66873/26]
View answerIrish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The format of driving licences, categories of vehicles and the standards to be met in driving tests to qualify for a licence are all set at EU level. Therefore, all EU-issued licences are recognised in Member States.
Member States may also make bilateral agreements on licence exchange with non-EU jurisdictions. In reaching a bilateral agreement, the most important element is ensuring that the other jurisdiction applies standards for obtaining a licence which are compatible with Ireland's, in order to protect the safety of Irish road users. Where these standards are not met, no agreement is possible, no matter how desirable that may be. For Ireland, the task of comparing the two licensing regimes falls to the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
One of the commitments of 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 licence exchange agreements with Australia and with seven of the ten Canadian provinces, with a proposed agreement under way at present with Nova Scotia.
US driver licensing operates at state, rather than federal, level. As licensing and testing systems and standards vary widely among the fifty different administrations, proposals for exchange agreements must be considered on a state by state basis. Under the Programme for Government commitment, the RSA is currently engaging with the states of New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey on technical reviews, with a view to recommending whether to enter into exchange agreements.
131. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will require the NTA and Iarnród Éireann to preserve direct Howth services when the future DART+ Coastal North timetable is developed. [66880/26]
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 the continuation of direct services to Howth, this is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
Pending a more detailed response I note that, DART+ Coastal North will provide for electrified DART trains between Dublin city and Drogheda and an improvement to the existing DART services between Dublin city and Howth/Malahide. The project will significantly increase the peak hourly capacity and frequency on the Northern route between Dublin city and Malahide, Howth and Drogheda.
The infrastructural changes proposed by DART+ Coastal North will permit both direct and shuttle services to operate from Howth. The implementation of a shuttle service is an operational matter, to be decided on in the future and implemented following the delivery of relevant infrastructure as part of the DART+ Coastal North project.
132. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider providing a bus stop for Bus Éireann and Citylink services at a location (details supplied). [66918/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision and management of bus stops nationally.
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 days.
Pending a more detailed response, I note that my Department and the NTA are committed to providing public transport infrastructure that is safe, accessible and effective for all passengers, in line with commitments made in the Programme for Government. Decisions regarding the location of bus stops are made following careful considerations of a range of factors such as passenger interchange, safety, accessibility and road alignment, among others.
133. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport the timeline and schedule of stages to deliver the Second Liffey Bridge and Southern Relief Road in Newbridge; and the expected commencement and completion dates. [66971/26]
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. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with the remainder invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek State 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.
In late 2023, Kildare County Council submitted a preliminary appraisal application to the Department of Transport. It was noted to the Council that the project would require a business case outlining the need for the scheme, the transport issues, opportunities and demonstrating provides value for money. In 2025, my Department made an allocation to the Council in support of the preparation of a business case for the remaining section of the Newbridge Southern Outer Orbital Route. In mid-2025, the Council submitted the updated business case which was approved.
It is understood that, in 2023, Kildare County Council obtained planning approval for the remaining section of the scheme and is currently in advanced discussions with landowners regarding land acquisition.
The scheme more recently received funding approval under Call 1 of the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund which is managed by the Housing Activation Office (HAO) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The HAO have assumed funding responsibility for this scheme and will manage future queries in relation to timelines for different stages of the project. In the meantime your query has been referred to the HAO for direct response in relation to this question.
134. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if a school (details supplied) will be included in Round 5 funding of Safe Routes to School Programme given the recently completed risk assessment concluded the risk to be "Very High" to ensure safety for all. [66964/26]
View answerThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 932 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. Schools are processed in tranches, with four rounds having been announced to date. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the initial rounds will be selected at a later date.
The NTA and An Taisce are currently finalising the list of schools which will be included in Round 5 of the Programme, which is due to be announced in the coming weeks. Further details on individual school selection will be available at that time.
135. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider the establishment of a new Local Link bus service to serve from Glencullen/Kilternan to Dundrum. [66963/26]
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 and monitoring 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.
