Written Answers Nos. 1-24
1. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a child's passport application (details supplied) applied for in July 2026 will be processed on time for a trave date of 23 September 2026. [67397/26]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
2. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in view of the Government’s commitment to achieving 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and the rapidly increasing contribution of solar energy to Ireland’s electricity generation, if he will provide an update on the development of a national policy framework for solar energy development. [67345/26]
View answerSolar energy, through rooftops and large scale solar farms, is rapidly increasingly in importance in terms of supplying growing energy demand and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, both in Ireland and globally. Last month, Ireland reached a record 3 Gigawatts of solar generation capacity, with utility scale solar meeting over a third of national electricity demand on the grid at one point.
Government policy is focused on maintaining this momentum and harnessing our indigenous solar energy as a part of a renewable, secure, and affordable electricity system.
A range of measures are in place to support the accelerated roll out of solar energy, including regular rounds of auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) to deliver utility scale renewable projects, the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) to offer simplified market access for community, SME, and farmer-owned solar projects, and the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) to allow homeowners play an active role in the energy transition through domestic solar panels.
The ESB has indicated that Ireland could expect the 8GW target for solar in Ireland by 2030 to require an area equal to 0.26% of all agricultural land, based on a similar study in the UK.
The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to introduce planning guidelines for solar farms. Planning matters fall within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who, I have been advised, is preparing a new national planning statement on solar energy under the new Planning and Development Act, 2024.
Under the Government’s Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce, officials from my Department will continue to liaise and work closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the ongoing planning reforms, including the alignment of local development plans and regional spatial and economic strategies with national targets and regional allocations for solar and wind in the National Planning Framework.
4. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures being considered in the upcoming Budget to assist SMEs and local businesses in reducing ongoing energy costs, including through increased supports for energy efficiency, building retrofits, renewable energy and other measures that can deliver long-term reductions in electricity and heating costs. [67381/26]
View answer5. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will consider measures in Budget 2027 to make energy retrofit grants more accessible and affordable for small and local businesses, particularly those for whom the upfront cost of works remains a barrier to undertaking energy-efficiency upgrades. [67380/26]
View answer6. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in the context of the upcoming Budget, if he intends to increase funding or introduce additional supports for energy-efficiency and retrofit works for SMEs and small businesses. [67379/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 4, 5 and 6 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate to pre-empt the outcome of upcoming budget discussions.
However, addressing energy affordability is a priority for me and for this Government. In June of last year, my Department established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT), which I chair, to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewables commitments, and protecting security of supply and economic stability.
The NEAT continues to work intensively on an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be submitted to Government in the coming weeks. Publication of the Action Plan will follow approval by Government. This Action Plan is focused on short, medium and longer term measures to support households and businesses in meeting their energy costs and will be built around 4 key pillars:
• addressing the price of energy;
• sustainable demand and enhancing flexibility;
• addressing energy poverty and customer protections; and
• energy affordability for businesses.
To facilitate this robust and coordinated cross-Government response, a number of NEAT subgroups, including one on energy affordability for business, have been established. The business subgroup brings together officials from a wide range of Government Departments and Agencies. A period of intensive engagement to refine options for consideration by the Taskforce has concluded with each of the subgroups meeting intensively over the past months.
This work has been supported by structured engagement with relevant external stakeholders. This included a targeted stakeholder consultation session with business representative organisations on 9 June. Organisations represented included IBEC, ISME, Fáilte Ireland, Ireland Electrified, and Chambers Ireland.
Through the ‘Easy Wins’ campaign, the SEAI on behalf of my Department is emphasising accessible, SME-tailored supports that help businesses to adopt approaches and technologies, many of which are low-cost and rapid-payback, and that businesses can implement immediately to reduce energy demand and exposure to price shocks. These schemes include free energy management training and audits as well as very rapid approval grants.
These supports, in combination with immediate tips and advice delivered through multiple channels, allow businesses to develop strategies and understand common approaches to manage and conserve energy without making major investments. These strategies can range from changing of setpoints for heating and cooling, to installation of timeclocks and energy monitors.
The Support Scheme for Energy Audits provides support to fully cover the costs of a typical energy audit. The scheme enables businesses to rapidly identify energy saving measures, giving them a roadmap to save money, including no and low-cost steps that can be taken immediately. It is open to all public and private sector organisations that are not already required to carry out an energy audit under the Energy Efficiency Directive.
The Business Energy Upgrades Scheme has been designed for greater accessibility to support small and medium enterprises in Ireland. It can give grant approval for a range of ‘off the shelf’ supports in as little as 15 minutes. This scheme is open to all businesses, public sectors bodies, societies and charities and has been growing rapidly since I launched it last year.
The Non-Domestic Microgen Grant Scheme provides financial assistance to help businesses and other sectors to install solar PV panels to generate electricity on site. Grants are available for systems up to a maximum of €162,600 for installations of up to 1000kWp.
The Community Energy Grant (CEG) Scheme is the longest standing scheme that supports business. It provides grant support for cross-sectoral projects, supporting new approaches to achieving energy efficiency in Irish communities. The CEG Scheme provides funding for a range of improvements to existing buildings, including insulation, heat pump systems, solar PV, energy-efficient lighting, and energy monitors, as well as other energy upgrades.
There is also a range of supports available through the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and its Agencies, to help businesses reduce energy consumption and operating costs. The Energy Efficiency Grant, available through the Local Enterprise Offices, offers 75% of project costs up to a maximum amount of €10,000 and is open to all small businesses with up to 50 employees. This is a great way for businesses to begin their energy efficiency journey.
7. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide details if Ardnacrusha generation station failed to produce electricity in the years 2022 to 2025 and to date in 2026. [67374/26]
View answerArdnacrusha power station is Ireland’s largest river hydroelectric scheme at 86MW, and has been in operation for nearly 100 years. The day-to-day operations of Ardnacrusha are the responsibility of the generation company ESB Generation & Trading. As such, this is an operational matter for ESB and not one in which I have any function.
The Deputy should contact the ESB directly in relation to matters pertaining to the operation of their generation fleet. The ESB may be contacted at oireachtas@esb.ie.
9. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the annual maintenance costs incurred for the upkeep of the former Government Learjet from 2003 to 2025. [67501/26]
View answerMy officials have requested details from the military authorities on the matters raised by the Deputy. I will respond to you in due course, subject to any operational and security related concerns.
11. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport further to PQ64566/26 of 16 September 2026, to provide the report (details supplied) including timelines for projected delivery and cost; the proportion which are new services and the proportion that are enhancements; the number he expects will actually be delivered given a similar list contained in the submission for budget 2026, in tabular form; if the Government will commit to providing the resources to deliver these 140 new services and enhancements; if there specific projects that will be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter [67281/26]
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 for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
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. The challenge is to therefore balance affordability for passengers with the long-term financial sustainability needed to expand and improve public transport services.
Transport planning and strategic decision-making are guided by a balanced assessment of operational and resource considerations. These decisions are also made following operational and performance analysis of existing services, including customer feedback.
In this regard the NTA has recently identified approximately 140 new service initiatives and capacity enhancements as part of its 2027 budget submission to the Department of Transport, taking account of competing funding demands and wider public transport priorities. As is the case with all such decisions, they remain subject to the outcome of the annual estimates process.
The Government and the Department of Transport, in partnership with the NTA and operators, remain fully committed to delivering a public transport system that is reliable, accessible, affordable, and capable of meeting the growing needs of communities across the country. It is therefore essential that the public transport system remains well funded and responsive to passenger needs and adequate fare revenue is critical to support the rollout of new and enhanced services.
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.
12. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to the implementation of a temporary road tax for tourist vehicles, as these vehicles are contributing to road surface damage. [67338/26]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that vehicles owned and operated by hire drive companies pay motor tax. There are no current plans to introduce a motor tax for tourist vehicles entering the country on a temporary basis.
In addition, the Deputy may wish to note that since the 1st of January 2018, following budgetary reform measures provided for in the Water Services Act 2017, receipts from motor tax have accrued to the Exchequer and are not ringfenced for any particular purpose.
13. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the National Transport Authority to clarify when the Galway city bus services 410, 411 and 412 are put out to tender in 2027, it plans to tender the existing routes in their current form or introduce the three new services proposed under the BusConnects Galway Network Redesign; whether these new services are intended to replace the current routes; the timeline envisaged for their introduction; the service frequencies that will be specified as part of the tender process for these routes; and whether an increase in frequency is planned compared to current service levels. [67356/26]
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 BusConnects Network Redesign in Galway.
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 the National Development Plan Transport Sectoral Investment Plan was published by my Department last November and has allocated funding to the NTA to progress BusConnects Galway. The NTA will publish a more detailed plan later this year setting out the elements of the programme to be advanced within the available funding.
BusConnects Galway will significantly improve the infrastructure available to support the continued investment in bus services, which are supported through the Public Service Obligation programme. Decisions on service changes or enhancements are a matter for the NTA, taking account of available funding, operational readiness, and driver availability.
14. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the way in which his Department plans to address the number of areas in Dublin Fingal East that have seen significant building since the plans for BusConnects were agreed and as such with the roll out of BusConnects will not be properly served. [67232/26]
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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects Dublin programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, 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. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State. In Dublin, all 12 Core Bus Corridor Schemes have received planning permission, with six currently subject to legal challenges including the Swords to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme.
Under the Dublin Network Redesign Project a number of spinal, and local orbital routes are proposed for the Dublin Fingal East area. The proposed H-spine will include the H2 route connecting Portmarnock with the City Centre via Bayside. There are also two local routes that will serve this area: L83 connecting Portrane to the Airport via Donabate and Swords; and L85 connecting Balbriggan to the Airport via Swords. In addition, there are a number of peak-only bus routes for commuters in the area: X77 connecting Portmarnock and UCD via the City Centre; X78 connecting Malahide and UCD via Portmarnock and the City Centre; X79 connecting Glen Ellan Rd and UCD via River Valley; X83 connecting Portrane and UCD via Donabate; and X84 connecting Knocksedan and UCD via Swords Manor.
15. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport to provide a full copy of the research showing the relationship between passenger fares and public transport usage recently discussed at the Transport Committee (details supplied). [67362/26]
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 as you are aware the NTA announced changes to the national fare structure for PSO services, effective from January 2027. In line with this change, the fare determination process undertaken by the NTA takes account of factors including, operating costs, passenger affordability, Government policy, investment requirements and the long-term sustainability of the public transport network.
We understand that the NTA applies detailed statistical analysis of fare elasticity to assess the impact of fare increases on passenger demand and overall public transport usage. Notwithstanding these considerations, passenger growth is expected to continue throughout 2027, supported by the ongoing expansion and enhancement of services, which are anticipated to attract additional users and further strengthen public transport demand.
Fare revenue is a vital component to the funding model, representing 35% of total income and Higher demand also creates higher operating costs. More passengers mean more services, staff, maintenance and investment requirements.
In line with international best practice and to bolster the State’s capacity to invest in service expansion, network improvements, and operational resilience to encourage continuous passenger growth, it is essential we prioritise a reinvestment of fare revenue, ensures that we can maintain a well-funded reliable system and deliver greater long-term benefit rather than reducing fares to unsustainable levels.
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.
16. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to urgently review the decision to refuse driver's licence exchange for returning Irish emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67498/26]
View answer24. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport the reason he can not extend the drivers licence agreement to the United states of America, taking into account the Irish diaspora who hold Irish driving licences, yet the current agreement covers E.U. citizens, and non E.U. jurisdictions, such as Korea, Japan and South Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67670/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 24 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that Irish 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 comparable with Ireland's. Where these standards are not met, no agreement is possible. 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 7 of the 10 Canadian provinces, with a proposed agreement under way at present with Nova Scotia. Under the Programme for Government commitment, the RSA is currently engaging with the states of New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey, in order to undertake technical reviews with a view to recommending whether to enter into exchange agreements.
Once each review process is complete, the RSA will make a recommendation to my Department.
17. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the road transporters support scheme application for a person (details supplied); and the timeframe for payment from the scheme. [67478/26]
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 and this application is being progressed in tandem with other applications that encountered similar difficulties. I expect that payments in respect of these applications will be made in the coming days.
18. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the total funding provided to TFI Local Link Laois Offaly in each of the years 2023 to 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of routes and passenger journeys supported in each year; the additional funding sought for 2027 to expand services and address unmet demand in County Laois; and whether a review of existing routes and service frequency is planned in consultation with local communities and Laois county council. [67463/26]
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.
19. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of the funding allocated to the Rural Transport Programme and TFI Local Link for 2026; the proposed allocation for 2027; whether additional funding will be provided in Budget 2027 to expand rural public transport services in County Laois, particularly in areas where residents have limited access to public transport for employment, education, healthcare and essential services; and if he will engage with the National Transport Authority to identify gaps in rural transport provision and consider the introduction of additional demand-responsive and evening services. [67462/26]
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 the operations 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.
20. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport if he will work with the Minister for Education and Youth and Bus Éireann, to identify opportunities to improve public transport provision for schoolchildren in rural communities in County Laois, particularly in areas where school bus routes are oversubscribed. [67461/26]
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.
21. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 285 of 24 February 2026, the reason the LPSV (Large Public Service Vehicles) Reform Bill has not been accorded priority status for drafting or publication in the Autumn 2026 Legislative Programme; the progress made on the Bill (details supplied); the current status of the policy review and preparation of the Heads of Bill; and the outstanding policy or legislative issues which remain to be resolved; the dates by which he expects the General Scheme to be approved by Government and published, and introduced to the Oireachtas. [67536/26]
View answerThe Large Public Service (LPSV) Reform Bill remains a priority for my Department. While it is not included in the Bills accorded priority drafting or publication status in the Autumn 2026 Legislative Programme, work is ongoing.
Legislative proposals are being progressed alongside a number of other complex and resource-intensive legislative priorities within the transport sector. In particular, the Article 60 Licence Policy Review and the establishment of a Transport Security Force have taken up a significant amount of the Department's available resources.
Notwithstanding that, work on the review of the LPSV licensing regime is continuing with the aim of streamlining and improving the overall process and eliminating duplication across various testing regimes. As the policy review is not yet complete, it is not possible to provide a definitive date for Government approval of the General Scheme or for its subsequent publication and introduction to the Oireachtas.
22. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the efforts made by this Department, Iarnród Éireann and the NTA to address overcrowding on trains arriving into and departing Galway Train Station; if they have engaged with rail operators from other jurisdictions with a view to securing additional carriages on a temporary basis to help alleviate this problem; if any other short term solutions have been considered to address ongoing capacity issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67417/26]
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.
23. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider introducing additional local link routes in Cavan and Monaghan; and if such additional services will be introduced for the remainder of 2026 and in 2027. [67633/26]
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.
