Written Answers Nos. 154-173
154. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the construction of the greenway from Glanmire, County Cork, to Cork city centre, specifically the section on the L2998 road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2356/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
155. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport if he will request Bus Éireann to revisit the announcement made in 2024 regarding route 370 servicing the village of Bridgetown, County Wexford, which is an important public service availed of by many residents in the Bridgetown area who are fearful that the service will be altered later this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2375/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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, in this instance Bus Éireann.
The query raised by the Deputy is therefore an operational matter for Bus Éireann and the NTA. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to them both for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
156. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the consideration of reopening the Rosslare Europort-to-Waterford city rail link; when a decision is likely to be made on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2376/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The Review informs the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions. The Review’s Final Report was published on 31st July 2024.
The Review sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes, including the reinstatement of the rail line between Waterford and Rosslare Europort.
It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the final Review Report will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines in Ireland.
Furthermore, assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies north and south, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. This includes a more detailed identification of rail priorities to pursue over the next decade. Progress in following-up on the Rail Review will be reported on as appropriate through the North South Ministerial Council.
157. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of the Mallow Relief Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2380/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of the Mallow Relief Road. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days
158. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of the Northern Distributor Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2381/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the proposal for the Northern Distributor Road was established in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. It is intended that the Northern Distributor Road will include both traffic and bus lanes as well as cycling and pedestrian facilities.
In December of 2023, the National Transport Authority (NTA) approved a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the project. The approval of the SAR authorised Cork City Council to proceed with the next stage of the project, namely the route selection stage.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the Cork Northern Distributor project.
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.
159. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of the Northern Ring Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2382/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of the Cork City Northern Transport Project (formally the Cork Northern Ring Road). Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
160. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the number of instances in 2024 whereby Bus Éireann's Expressway 32 route did not depart on time from Monaghan town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2394/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
Further, Bus Éireann's Expressway services, including route 32, is a commercial bus service and responsibility for the operation of the service is a matter for the company. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
161. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with Bus Éireann and request a review of the decision to remove the mid-afternoon 332, Limerick to Cashel via Newport bus service; if he will query with Bus Éireann the rationale behind this decision; the efforts it has made and plan to make in the future to address this schedule gap; if he will request further information from Bus Éireann on future service plans for the Newport area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2401/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
162. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the total allocation for roads nationwide for the past five years; and the allocation for 2025. [2442/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Since 2020, my Department has allocated approximately €2.7 billion in capital and current funding for the construction of new national roads, and the protection and renewal of the existing network. The allocations for national roads for 2025 are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
With regard to Regional and Local roads, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
The Department's grant funding for the maintenance of regional and local roads is allocated to local authorities on a pro-rata basis, determined mainly by the length of the regional and local road network in a local authority functional area. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
Since 2020, the Department of Transport has allocated approximately €3 billion of capital and current exchequer funds to Local Authorities for the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
Grant allocations for 2025 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
163. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the policy of Bus Éireann to refrain from employing those aged over 70 as school bus drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2451/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials from my Department, the Department of Education and Bus Éireann have been engaging for some time on this issue.
As the Deputy will be aware, the new Programme for Government commits to the carrying out of an independent assessment on the feasibility of removing this rule. I will be discussing with the Minister for Education and Bus Éireann how best to fulfil this commitment as quickly as possible.
164. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if the case of an application for a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2467/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
As set out in section 6 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, An Garda Síochána (AGS) is the driver licensing authority for SPSVs in Ireland, while the NTA licences suitable vehicles to operate as SPSVs. I am not involved in the granting or renewal of SPSV driver licences, as this responsibility rests with AGS.
The NTA sends out courtesy reminders advising drivers to renew their SPSV driver licence in the three months before their expiry date. This will ensure that a driver licence does not expire and that updated driver identity and display cards are received in time to continue working without interruption. It can take up to 12 weeks for a renewal to be processed by An Garda Síochána.
Drivers can apply for renewal of their licence up to three months before the driver licence expires. Irrespective of when a driver renews their driver licence, before its expiry date, the new date will be five years from the current expiry date. There is no disadvantage to starting the renewal process three months before that date. Renewal applications are processed by AGS and, if approved, an SPSV driver licence will be issued. The NTA will then process and issue the driver identity and display cards associated with that licence.
It is a criminal offence to operate without a current SPSV driver licence. A conviction for this offence attracts a penalty of up to €5,000.
165. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport to prioritise the N17 upgrade between Collooney and Knock as a matter of urgency; when it is expected that the complete N17 upgrade project will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2470/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of the N17 Knock to Collooney project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
166. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 93 of 17 October 2024, to provide a definitive timeline for the commencement of construction of Metrolink, as well as a timeline for its operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2471/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30. MetroLink will be able to carry a peak capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour per direction in the future.
A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when the Minister for Transport secured approval for the project from the Cabinet under Decision Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code. This approval enabled the project to move to the planning application stage, and in September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála.
An Bord Pleanála held an Oral Hearing in relation to MetroLink in February/March 2024. TII engaged constructively with all parties as part of the Oral Hearing. Following the Oral Hearing, An Bord Pleanála held an additional round of public consultation from 19th August to 8th October 2024.
Another key milestone was reached in September 2024 when Sean Sweeney started as the Programme Director for MetroLink. Mr. Sweeney has three decades in leadership roles on major infrastructure projects in Australia, New Zealand and the US.
Subject to securing planning approval, and no successful legal challenges, TII will prepare a Detailed Project Brief and Procurement Strategy for consideration at Approval Gate 2, in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines. Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation by the mid-2030s.
167. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Transport what consideration, if any, has been given to further extending the Luas Green Line as part of Luas Finglas to include a Luas stop in Ballymun; if not, the reason such a proposal has been rejected given the opportunity to provide a light rail service in Ballymun and link the Luas Finglas project with the Metrolink project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2472/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
The Luas Finglas project is part of four proposed Luas network extensions identified in the NTA statutory Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042. It is not currently planned to extend the Luas Green Line as far as Ballymun.
A Preliminary Business Case for the Luas Finglas project was prepared by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) as the Sponsoring Agency and approved by the NTA as the day-to-day Approving Authority for submission to the Department of Transport. In October 2024, Government consent to approval in principle for the Luas Finglas project was approved at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines. A Railway Order application for the project was lodged by TII with An Bord Pleanála in November 2024.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, 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.
168. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Transport his plans to encourage and provide dedicated parking at motor way junctions along the M9 and M7 in County Kildare to allow commuters park their cars in safety, share a lift to work and reduce the amount of cars on the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2492/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 regarding Park & Share facilities at motorway junctions.
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.
169. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure that there is a new licence in place for taxis to operate in rural Ireland. [2496/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Currently, the NTA issues local area hackney (LAH) licences where applicants can show that there is a need for this part-time service and that it will not displace or replace current SPSV providers in a given area. To operate a local area hackney, two licences are required. These are: (1) a local area hackney licence for the vehicle - this three-year licence is obtainable from the NTA; and (2) a licence to drive a local area hackney - this licence is obtainable from An Garda Síochána. It is not required if a person already holds a valid licence to drive SPSVs.
A resident of the area in respect of which the local area hackney licence is sought, is not required to undertake the Industry Knowledge or Area Knowledge tests normally applying for SPSV driver licences. LAH drivers nevertheless must be licensed, and their vehicles must be licensed and insured. A local area hackney may only pick up passengers within a designated area of about 10km and may not pick up a new fare at a drop off point or any other point outside its designated area. As of 31 December 2024, there are 24 licensed LAH vehicles and 23 licensed LAH drivers.
The lessons learned from the 2023 LAH Pilot Scheme are informing NTA’s plans to develop future LAH services, and future initiatives will aim to offer practical solutions to address public transport needs in rural areas. Following a review of this pilot scheme and based on lessons learned, the NTA plans to introduce a new Local Area Hackney Scheme in 2025 and work is underway in this regard.
Finally, it may also be of interest to the Deputy that NTA is procuring a digital platform for access to rural open public transport – the Smart DRT pilot, as part of Connecting Ireland. This platform is expected to both improve people’s access to open public transport and provide automated and optimised bus service routing/scheduling in rural areas. The Smart DRT pilot project is due to start in 2025 in three areas (rural, suburban and urban) and, if proven successful, could expand further from 2026 onwards.
170. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the progress, if any, made on the 2022 plans to introduce a flexi tax saver ticket for train users of Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2510/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 their capacity as fare regulator, on the 27th of April 2023, the NTA published a new National Fares Strategy, and following this on the 18th of January 2024 they published the first of a series of Fares Determination related to the strategy.
The most significant change in the fare determination was the implementation of a new ‘Dublin Commuter Zone’ (extending from the outer edge of the Dublin City Zone to approximately 50 km from the centre of Dublin), with simplified Leap capping, as well as changes to some Intercity Rail and town bus fares. This represents a more consistent and equitable fares approach, and one that is easier for customers to understand. It is the NTA’s intention to roll out further changes in future determinations during 2025.
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.
171. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport when the National Driver Licence Service will provide digital driving licences, as has been done in Australian states, France and currently being rolled out in the UK. [2520/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of driving licences in Ireland is governed by a framework of EU legislation. The Driving Licence Directive establishes uniform driver training, testing and licensing standards across Europe, allowing member states to recognise all driving licences issued within the EU without compromising road safety. In line with the current Directive, a physical driving licence is required in Ireland.
The proposed fourth Driving Licence Directive, published in March 2023, provides for mobile (digital) driving licences. It aims to introduce an EU-wide digital licence, which is expected to become the default driving licence when rolled out. The Directive is yet to be finalised.
There has been a proposal, as part of the Government digital wallet project being developed by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, to introduce a digital driving licence in Ireland ahead of the new Directive. My Department has advised that, as there is no provision in current EU legislation for a digital licence, an Irish digital licence would have no validity outside Ireland and would not be recognised in other member states. However, we remain fully supportive of the Government Digital Wallet initiative in the interim and hope that transport related credentials will be included in due course, once supported by appropriate domestic or EU legislation.
172. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the criteria for being successful in an NTA wheelchair accessible vehicle taxi grant application; the number of applications made in 2024 and to date in 2025; the number of grants awarded in those periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2521/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
The criteria to be met when applying for the 2025 WAV Grant is set out on pages eight and nine of the NTA's Information Guide, available here: www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Information-Guide-for-WAV25-Grant-Scheme.pdf
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question there for reply regarding the number of WAV applications made, and the grants paid, in 2024 and to date in 2025. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
173. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if there is a coordinated plan to oversee the building of road projects such as the Adare and Macroom bypasses, to ensure adjacent county projects are proceeded with in alignment and when Adare is completed; if there are plans for Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale and on into Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2523/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
TII delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP. The projects referred to are among those new roads projects contained in the current NDP. The Macroom Bypass was opened in 2022 as part of the wider N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom project. The Adare Bypass is at construction, and bypasses of Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West are at the design phase.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of the Adare, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale Projects. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
