Written Answers Nos. 135-155
135. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress being made by the National Transport Authority towards a public consultation during the second half of 2027 for a potential new Tullamore town bus service. [67620/26]
View answerAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I recognise the importance of enhancing the passenger experience in rural and regional communities in Ireland. In the Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continue the roll-out of Connecting Ireland and investment in new town services.
The National Transport Authority introduced the Town Bus Programme as a complementary initiative focussed on providing new and improved public transport accessibility within large towns, allowing better connections between residential areas to employment, healthcare, education, other transport connections. There are 11 Town Bus Service at present; Athlone, Balbriggan, Carlow, Clonmel, Drogheda, Dundalk, Kilkenny, Navan, Portlaoise, Sligo, Mullingar and plan to launch the next Town Bus Service for Ennis, County Clare. I am pleased to say that this much awaited new Town Bus Service in Ennis will be launched next month.
Turning to Tullamore, the NTA has advised my Department that they are assessing demand for new or enhanced bus services in Dundalk, Naas, Newbridge, Tralee, Wexford and Tullamore towns. Some of these towns have existing town bus services, which may have some gaps in service in terms of coverage and/or operating hours and days. Within its available resources, the NTA will continue to prioritise operational where feasible, taking account of funding, operational readiness and driver availability. Any funding for new or enhanced services in 2027 will be considered through the annual Estimates process, alongside competing funding requirements and broader public transport priorities.
Our commitment to public transport services in rural areas, including in county Offaly is being backed by real and sustained investment. Funding for the Rural Transport Programme has increased from €16 million in 2022 to over €31 million in 2026, which is a 38% increase on 2025.
136. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the establishment of a Strategic Integrated Transportation Office in Cork city. [67327/26]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, there are a number of transformative transport projects in planning and delivery across Cork City. These include the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, BusConnects Cork, Luas Cork and the Northern Distributor Road. I agree with the Deputy on the importance of ensuring effective integration across this investment portfolio.
I am pleased to note that there is already a significant level of coordination and co-location between the various transport agencies involved in the delivery of these projects. In terms of co-location, the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is being delivered by Iarnród Éireann from its office on Horgan's Quay Cork. This building also houses NTA and TII staff, who are the sponsoring agencies for BusConnects Cork and Luas Cork respectively.
In addition to being the sponsoring agency for BusConnects Cork, the NTA also performs an important coordinating and funding role as the day-to-day Approving Authority for these schemes. The co-location of the agencies involved, alongside the NTA's oversight role, supports close collaboration and helps to ensure that these major transport investments are planned and delivered in a coordinated and integrated manner.
To further strengthen the integration arrangements, it is intended to establish a specific coordination forum between each of the project agencies and the City Council, given its role in facilitating the delivery of the projects across the city.
Lastly, it is intended to explore whether the City Council should establish a special unit, funded through the NTA, to provide the necessary personnel to undertake the Council’s work across the transport schemes.
137. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the introduction of a multidisciplinary investigation model for fatal and serious road collisions, similar to the system operating in Finland, bringing together expertise in policing, road engineering, vehicle safety, medicine and behavioural science to identify contributory factors and make recommendations aimed at preventing future collisions. [63674/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for raising this important road safety matter.
Ireland’s road safety policy is grounded in the Safe System approach, which recognises that road safety requires coordinated action across speed, roads and roadsides, vehicles, road users, post-collision response, enforcement, education and data.
That approach is reflected in the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030 and its Phase 2 Action Plan, which were developed with expert input and are informed by Irish collision experience and international best practice.
It is important to note that the investigation of individual road traffic collisions is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána. Responsibility for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána rests with the Garda Commissioner under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, and it would not be appropriate for me to direct how individual investigations are conducted.
However, I fully recognise the importance of ensuring that lessons are drawn from fatal and serious collisions in a structured and evidence-based way.
There are already arrangements in place to support this. Where a fatal collision occurs, the relevant local authority engineer and the investigating member of An Garda Síochána meet at the collision site and jointly complete a collision report form, recording matters such as road conditions, signage, road markings, speed limit and the roadside environment.
That information is submitted to the Roads Management Office and may also form part of the file prepared for the Coroner.
My Department also funds Network Safety Analysis of the regional and local road network, using collision data to identify high-collision locations and support targeted safety schemes. In 2026, €14 million was allocated under the Safety Improvement Schemes Grant, supporting more than 300 schemes nationally.
We are also strengthening the data-sharing framework through the National Vehicle and Driver File, Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2026, which will enable local authorities to request, receive and process road collision data from both the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána.
The Government’s immediate priority is delivery of the Phase 2 Action Plan under the Road Safety Strategy, which was informed by expert input, Irish collision experience and international best practice.
I am open to considering relevant international models, including the Finnish multidisciplinary approach, to see whether further learning could usefully inform Ireland’s road safety framework, having regard to the roles of An Garda Síochána, Coroners, road authorities and relevant data protection requirements.
My Department will continue to work with the relevant agencies to ensure that collision data and post-collision analysis are used effectively to reduce risk and prevent further deaths and serious injuries on our roads.
138. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if he will visit Letterkenny to meet with Donegal County Council and local representatives to see at first hand the severe traffic congestion currently affecting the town; and to discuss the immediate and long-term measures required to address Letterkenny’s transport infrastructure needs. [67469/26]
View answer147. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if he will travel to Donegal and meet with locally elected councillors to learn at firsthand about the serious traffic management crisis in Letterkenny impacting the people of and visitors to Donegal; and the proposed local roads infrastructure projects that can address this crisis. [67363/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 147 together.
In 2026, through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), €659 million was allocated for our national roads. Approximately €23 million in exchequer funding was allocated for the national road network in Donegal. This funding supports the progression of new road projects, such as the Donegal TEN-T Project, as well as the protection and renewal of the existing network in the county.
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. The initial selection and prioritisation of work to be funded is a matter for local authorities.
For 2026, €718 million was allocated, through State road grants, for the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, with approximately 90% of this funding allocated to road maintenance and renewal and the remainder directed towards new roads, bridges, and road realignments. This total allocation will facilitate an increase in funding of €26 million this year for road protection and renewal work.
In 2026, Donegal County Council was allocated a total of €46,220,650. Of this, €38,350,650 was for the protection and renewal of regional and local roads and €7.870,000 was for new roads and road improvement. In particular, the Letterkenny Southern Network Project received an allocation of €200,000.
Any new road project that seeks State funding is 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 that local authorities prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility.
Any requests for a meeting and similar engagement should be directed to my private office, where it will be appropriately considered.
139. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department are considering creating a congestion management plan for Dublin to counteract the negative impacts of traffic congestion. [66604/26]
View answer142. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the work of his Department in managing and reducing traffic congestion across Dublin. [66599/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 142 together.
As Minister for Transport and a TD representing a Dublin constituency, I am fully aware that Dublin faces particular challenges with traffic congestion, which is having an impact on the city's economy, environment and, as importantly, on the quality of life of our citizens and visitors. As Dublin is our national capital, the congestion challenges in the city also present a significant cost for the national economy.
A study published by my Department in 2023 estimated that the economic cost of congestion in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) in 2022 was €336m. Without action taken to mitigate, the study projects that these costs could rise to circa €1.5bn by 2040.
Addressing congestion in the Dublin area requires a multifaceted approach across a wide variety of stakeholders. In March of this year, I convened a round table discussion with representatives from a number of organisations to explore practical solutions to addressing congestion in the Greater Dublin Area. Working together, the stakeholders identified a range of actions that can be implemented in the short and medium term to help reduce congestion.
The Congestion Action Plan, which is currently being finalised, aims to alleviate short and medium pressures on the transport system, including on the M50, through collaboration with transport agencies, operators and local authorities, to deliver impactful measures to reduce congestion. The Plan represents a strong collective effort to identify impactful measures across the board, with lead owners in agreement on the approach required.
In the medium to long term, the investments set out in the Sustainable Mobility Policy will have a significant impact in improving transport capacity, while the Moving Together Strategy provides a framework for managing transport demand and improving the efficiency of the transport system. Both these policies are evidence of a collaborative approach to both policy formulation and implementation.
While the initial focus of the Congestion Plan is on the GDA, the intention is that many of the measures can be replicated if successful across other metropolitan areas nationally.
140. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to report on accessibility on public transport; if he is aware of concerns that many bus stops and train platforms remain inaccessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67308/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
I am fully committed to improving accessibility across our public transport system, in line with the Programme for Government and the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030. Improving accessibility involves three main strands:
Embedding Universal Design in all new infrastructure and fleet,
Addressing legacy accessibility deficits, particularly in older, Victorian-era train stations, and
Providing supports that enable independent travel wherever possible.
However, the biggest challenge lies with older infrastructure. To address this, my Department funds the Public Transport Accessibility Retrofit Programme, delivered by the NTA, which includes upgrades to existing bus and rail facilities. Recent examples include new accessible footbridges and lifts installed in Athy and Maynooth train stations, with similar works ongoing at a number of train stations.
My objective is clear: disabled people should be able to access public transport on an equal basis with others. That requires a whole?of?journey approach, applying Universal Design principles and removing barriers such as inaccessible bus stops and train platforms.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the Oireachtas assigned statutory responsibility to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network and public transport infrastructure. The NTA in turn works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Bus Éireann, who have responsibility for day-to-day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
In light of the NTA's over-arching statutory responsibilities for accessible public transport, including bus and rail infrastructure, 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.
141. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport further to PQ64566/26 of 16 September 2026, to provide the report (details supplied); the proportion that are new services; the proportion that are enhancements; the number he expects will actually be delivered given a similar list contained in the submission for budget 2026; if the Government will commit to providing the resources to deliver these 140 new services and enhancements; if there are specific projects that will be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67302/26]
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.
On 3rd September 2026, the 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. While adult fares will increase, many child fares will be reduced and young adult fares will remain discounted at 50%, helping to improve affordability for families and young people. The Free Travel Scheme, which is run separately by the Department for Social Protection, will continue for everyone eligible
The NTA has identified approximately 140 new service initiatives and capacity enhancements as part of its 2027 budget submission to the Department of Transport. Subject to the outcome of the annual estimates process, this represents the biggest enhancement of services in many years.
The adjustments to fares are required to help offset the cost increases in recent years, improve fare revenue recovery and ensure the sustainability of the PSO funding while ensuring public transport is affordable and accessible for commuters.
The additional revenue generated through this determination together with continued Exchequer investment, will help the NTA manage rising operating costs, improve capacity and reliability on existing services, and continue the rollout of new services.
This includes investment in BusConnects in Dublin, Cork and other cities, the completion of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Programme, and continued development of commuter rail services to increase the connectivity outside our major cities and towns. Within its allocated resources, the NTA will continue to prioritise operational enhancements, such as increased frequency or capacity improvements, where possible.
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.
143. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will undertake a feasibility study on the development of a north Drogheda railway station and a new railway station in mid-Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66673/26]
View answerAs 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 proposed new train stations, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
With regard to the Deputy's specific questions regarding the matter of new stations in North Drogheda and Mid-Louth, in view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
144. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the current status of the project FourNorth DART+ programme; the timeline for publication of the emerging preferred option and commencement of public consultation; the anticipated timeline for progressing the project through planning and delivery. [67399/26]
View answerAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
Pending this response I note that preliminary work on FourNorth has been co-funded by the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and the Department of Transport to help advance the project's design, with these studies now progressing through their final stages. These studies will help support the preparation of appraisal documents required under the Infrastructure Guidelines. A public consultation on the Emerging Preferred Option for FourNorth is planned to take place later this year. The further development of FourNorth will be considered as part of the update of the GDA Transport Strategy which is due to commence next year.
Given Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
145. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of lost kilometres on the Ratoath-Dublin 103 bus service for each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the efforts he is making to improve the 103 bus service and to hold Bus Éireann to account for poor performance. [66586/26]
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 Bus 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.
146. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the proposed Transport Hub in Nenagh. [67647/26]
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, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, the proposed Transport Hub at Nenagh train station.
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.
149. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport his plans to advance the introduction of simulators to training modules for learner drivers to improve road safety; and the work the RSA has done to develop the incorporation of simulators into driver training. [67426/26]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service including developing and updating the Driver Training programme. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, the Deputy may wish to note that as part of the Phase 2 Action Plan 2025-2027 of the Government's Road Safety Strategy, Action 7A states that the RSA will lead to 'enhance the learning to drive programme based on evidence from international best practice, in tandem with improvements in the driving test.
The objective of this work is to ensure the learning to drive programme is fit for purpose, future-proofed, and capable of adapting to advancements in vehicle technology while considering international best practice.
I am told that the RSA has progressed this action and conducted a review of the learning to drive curriculum, in partnership with the Queensland University of Technology, with a view to bringing forward recommendations in the coming months.
150. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport when a project will proceed to the next stage (details supplied). [67617/26]
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 planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €1,300,000 has been allocated for the N3 Virginia Bypass scheme in 2026
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
151. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport If he is considering intervening to halt proposed increases in public transport fares. [67405/26]
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.
While adult fares will increase, many child fares will be reduced and young adult fares will remain discounted at 50%, helping to improve affordability for families and young people. The Free Travel Scheme, which is run separately by the Department for Social Protection, will continue for everyone eligible.
Public transport requires ongoing investment to maintain, improve and expand services. Fare revenue helps fund these measures, making it important to balance affordability with inflationary increases. The proposed fare changes support the Government's commitment to continued network growth, service enhancements and climate objectives by funding future improvements, while keeping public transport competitive and affordable.
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.
152. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he has had any engagements with the NTA regarding the process in place for expanding existing local link routes, adding stops to routes and developing new routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66800/26]
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.
153. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the western rail corridor project. [67225/26]
View answerAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. As the designated day-to-day Approving Authority for the Western Rail Corridor project, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of these works, in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann in its role as Sponsoring Agency. Given the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days
Pending this more detailed response, following the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, my Department, published the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy in December 2025. This Strategy outlines the approach to sequencing and optimising the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in the coming years.
In the short-term, the Prioritisation Strategy specifies a number of 'Early Interventions' to be delivered by 2030, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity, including on the Dublin to Galway line a second platforms at Clara and Woodlawn stations. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the current National Development Plan.
The Prioritisation Strategy also identifies 'Major Projects' with longer lead-in and development timelines. Among these is the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry. The National Development Plan includes funding to commence construction of this reinstatement project, subject to procurement and any necessary planning or other approvals. Early work is already underway in terms of clearing vegetation on the line. Iarnród Éireann has also appointed a multi-disciplinary consultant to prepare appraisal documents required for the scheme.
It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
154. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport for an update of the northern ring road for Kilkenny. [67470/26]
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 works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
Any new road project that seeks State funding is 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 with these requirements in mind.
The Kilkenny City North Transport Project (Kilkenny Ring Road) aims to reduce city centre congestion and improve cross-river connectivity via a potential northern ring road extension.
In January 2023, in line with Government requirements, Kilkenny County Council produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension, and a draft was forwarded to my Department for review. Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance were updated.
In 2024, following the provision of funding from my Department, Kilkenny County Council submitted an updated Project Outline Document (POD) for the Kilkenny City North Transport Project.
While this process was underway, funding was also allocated for traffic/junction analysis in the Butts Green area of the city, to further assess and better understand traffic patterns.
In 2025, following a review of the POD by my Department, €200,000 was allocated to the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project to allow Kilkenny County Council to progress it to Phase 2 - Options Stage.
In 2026, Kilkenny County Council appointed a design consultant to progress the Options Stage. An additional €300,000 was allocated by my Department, and officials will continue to liaise with Kilkenny County Council as the project progresses.
155. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure an earlier train service for students and patients travelling to Sligo from Boyle in County Roscommon. [66979/26]
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.
