Written Answers Nos. 249-268
249. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport if there are any regulations guiding the painting of rainbow crossings in Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31482/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise the Deputy that there is no statutory basis for rainbow pedestrian crossings in Ireland. Such crossings, the use of which cannot be enforced by An Garda Síochána, operate on a purely courtesy basis and are installed at the discretion of the individual local authority.
The local authority has sole responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of road markings and my Department has no function in this regard.
250. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a schedule of the amount expended by his Department, and bodies under his aegis, on external training, simulations and advice in advance relating to appearances as witnesses at Oireachtas committees, from 2021 to date in 2025; if the supplier of services will also be provided, with a brief outline of services provided, indicating for which Oireachtas committee the services were utilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31504/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the period 2021-2025, the Department of Transport spent €550 on Preparing to Appear at Oireachtas Committees training, which was provided via the Civil Service’s standard OneLearning framework and delivered by The Communications Clinic. There were a total of 5 attendees over three course sessions. The sessions were offered as a standard within the training framework and were not bespoke to Transport. The training was of a general nature and not designed for any specific committee.
• 11 & 12 April 2024 (2 half day sessions): Preparing to Appear as a Witness in front of Oireachtas Committees - Online Virtual Classroom - 1 participant
• 7 & 8 November 2024 (2 half day sessions): Preparing to Appear as a Witness in front of Oireachtas Committees - Online Virtual Classroom – 1 partipicant
• 26 & 27 March 2025 (2 half day sessions): Preparing to Appear as a Witness in front of Oireachtas Committees - Online Virtual Classroom – 3 participants
Please see an outline of both courses offered below:
Preparing to Appear as a Witness in front of Oireachtas Committees - Online Virtual Classroom
• This is a practical and theoretical course for participants who need to develop their skills and confidence in appearing before Oireachtas Committees. This course will go through the best ways you can prepare in advance of an invitation, where long-term relationships between senior Civil Servants and Committees are as important as outcomes.
Preparing your colleagues to appear at Oireachtas Committees - Online Virtual Classroom
• This course looks at the best ways to prepare a colleague in advance of appearing before an Oireachtas Committee, in a structured and professional manner. This is particularly important in the Civil Service context, where established rules and legislation need to be understood as part of the preparation process.
I have referred the question to bodies under the aegis of my Department for direct reply. If you have not had a response within 10 working days please contact my Private Office.
251. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the detailed breakdown of all monies spent to date on the south Kerry greenway, by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31540/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. There has a significant amount of investment for Greenway schemes in County Kerry with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025.
In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Investment in Greenway and National Roads Active Travel projects is also subject to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
252. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the detailed breakdown of the total anticipated cost of the South Kerry Greenway as previously requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31541/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. There has a significant amount of investment for Greenway schemes in County Kerry with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025.
In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Investment in Greenway and National Roads Active Travel projects is also subject to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days
253. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if cases in which bus operators are being told by the RSA (driver testing section) that they cannot book a test for D1 or D Category at present as category B tests are being prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31556/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that, under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all application and scheduling matters. In that regard, the operation of the service does not fall under the direct control of my Department.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days. However, I share the Deputy's concern on the matter raised and I will be raising it also directly with the RSA myself.
254. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the funding provided for EV charging infrastructure in each of the years 2020 to 2025 broken down by year, in tabular form. [31598/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles through funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure.
While the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications held responsibility for electric vehicle and charging grants in 2020, the overall budget allocated for delivery of EV Charging Infrastructure for 2021 to 2025 are:
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
€27m |
€17m |
€27m |
€19m |
€40.5m |
255. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the funding provided to the EV grant scheme in each of the years 2020 to 2025 broken down by year, in tabular form. [31599/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFleet electrification is expected to continue to provide the greatest share of emissions abatement in the short-to-medium term for the transport sector. Over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles through funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications held responsibility for electric vehicle and charging grants in 2020,. Therefore the allocations provided from the Department of Transport are set out below for the years 2021 to 2025:
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
€63m |
€60m |
€68m |
€59.95m |
€45m |
Please note: the reduction in allocation from 2024 to 2025 was due to the fact that only €45 million of the allocation was drawn down in 2024.
256. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the number of EV grants that were provided in each of the years 2020 -2025 broken down by county, in tabular form. [31600/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current target under the Climate Action Plan is to have 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric by 2030. Fleet electrification is expected to continue to provide the greatest share of emissions abatement in the short-to-medium term for the transport sector. Over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for EV grants. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
While the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications held responsibility for electric vehicle and charging grants in 2020, the number of EV purchase grants provided by the Department of Transport, by county, in from 2021 to date are:
|
County |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Carlow |
163 |
123 |
185 |
138 |
108 |
|
Cavan |
114 |
102 |
151 |
85 |
75 |
|
Clare |
252 |
223 |
372 |
223 |
173 |
|
Cork |
1554 |
1130 |
1772 |
1302 |
948 |
|
Donegal |
346 |
248 |
302 |
204 |
158 |
|
Dublin |
5075 |
3757 |
5654 |
4832 |
2965 |
|
Galway |
528 |
532 |
703 |
444 |
303 |
|
Kerry |
223 |
209 |
282 |
205 |
189 |
|
Kildare |
871 |
706 |
1074 |
845 |
587 |
|
Kilkenny |
208 |
197 |
243 |
180 |
147 |
|
Laois |
153 |
149 |
202 |
150 |
152 |
|
Leitrim |
29 |
48 |
59 |
36 |
24 |
|
Limerick |
477 |
322 |
512 |
363 |
261 |
|
Longford |
49 |
43 |
80 |
52 |
35 |
|
Louth |
345 |
241 |
421 |
314 |
240 |
|
Mayo |
198 |
207 |
225 |
136 |
121 |
|
Meath |
543 |
594 |
910 |
697 |
483 |
|
Monaghan |
68 |
48 |
84 |
63 |
59 |
|
Offaly |
145 |
123 |
163 |
129 |
120 |
|
Roscommon |
72 |
102 |
126 |
87 |
62 |
|
Sligo |
169 |
156 |
183 |
113 |
91 |
|
Tipperary |
331 |
287 |
324 |
200 |
217 |
|
Waterford |
330 |
268 |
352 |
328 |
202 |
|
Westmeath |
290 |
189 |
259 |
215 |
163 |
|
Wexford |
399 |
381 |
455 |
406 |
247 |
|
Wicklow |
477 |
506 |
750 |
557 |
343 |
|
Total |
13409 |
10891 |
15843 |
12304 |
8473 |
257. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport to publish, or lay before the Oireachtas, any legal advice received by his Department or the NTA regarding the lawful basis for funding public realm works where the planning authority is in breach of its statutory planning obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31631/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall funding and policy decisions 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, including the development of walking and cycling infrastructure.
While no legal advice has been received at a Department level regarding the lawful basis for funding public realm works where the planning authority is in breach of its statutory planning obligations, I have referred your question to the NTA for reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
258. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to complaints made to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Public Accounts Committee, and the Ombudsman concerning the legality and governance of NTA funding decisions, particularly those referenced in correspondence from a Councillor (details supplied) dated 7 May 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31632/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall funding and policy decisions 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, including the development of walking and cycling infrastructure.
Over €290 million has been allocated by the Department of Transport to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2025 for Active Travel measures around the country. The NTA allocates this funding to all local authorities, works with them to identify walking and cycling projects and oversees their delivery. As part of the allocations determination, the NTA liaises with each local authority to fully understand the projects being proposed by the local authority and its considerations in terms of priorities.
While I am not aware of any complaints made concerning the legality and governance of NTA funding decisions, you may wish to engage further on the matter and can do so by contacting me at Minister@transport.gov.ie.
259. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport whether NTA embedded staff are required to comply with local authority planning policies; whether any guidelines exist to govern oversight and accountability of these activities by elected members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31634/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall funding and policy decisions 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, including the development of walking and cycling infrastructure.
With regard to Active Travel staffing within Local Authorities, sanction was given in 2021 for around 320 dedicated Active Travel staff to be recruited by Local Authorities. While there is an agreement between my Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Local Government Management Agency that the NTA provide funding for Active Travel personnel, these positions are recruited and employed by Local Authorities.
As Local Authority employed personnel, they would be required to comply with Local Authority planning policies and act within any guidelines which exist to govern oversight and accountability of these activities.
260. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport whether he has received any reports or complaints that the NTA has dividing large public works into smaller phases to bypass environmental and planning assessment requirements under the Planning and Development Acts and the SEA Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31635/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall funding and policy decisions 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, including the development of walking and cycling infrastructure.
The NTA have developed a guidance document on the matters that must be considered when pursuing any Active Travel Initiative and in determining whether any screening for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and/or screening for Appropriate Assessment (AA) is required. This will assist Local Authorities and their consultants in the carrying out of EIA and AA.
I have not received any reports or complaints that the NTA has been dividing large public works into smaller phases to bypass environmental and planning assessment requirements under the Planning and Development Acts and the SEA Directive. However, if you wish to engage further on the matter, you can do so by contacting me at Minister@transport.gov.ie.
261. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the number of driving test instructors in each of the years 2020 to 2025, by year, in tabular form. [31688/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including the recruitment and deployment of driver testers. While my Department is responsible for the overall staffing sanction, it is not involved in the delivery of driver testing at an operational level and, as such, the requested information is held by the RSA.
The Deputy may wish to note that to support the RSA in increasing testing capacity and improving service delivery, in September 2024 the my Department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent positions for driver testers. This increases the total permanent sanction for testers to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022. The recruitment process is underway, with the first tranche of new testers now deployed into service and 31 new recruits currently undergoing training. As additional testers enter the system, testing capacity will increase and progress should continue to be seen on reducing waiting times in the months ahead.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply in terms of the breakdown by year. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
262. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated to driving test instructors in each of the years 2020 to 2025, by year, in tabular form. [31689/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service.
Driving instruction in Ireland is delivered by Approved Driving Instructors registered with the RSA, having obtained the necessary qualifications and permit to operate as an ADI. The process of becoming an ADI is a private, commercial undertaking.
263. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the funding provided to the Connecting Ireland rural bus scheme in each of the years 2020 to 2025, by year, in tabular form. [31690/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continuing the roll-out of Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
Under Budget 2025, the Department has secured a funding package of €658.442 million for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This package includes funding for the continuation of the various fare initiatives, such as the Young Adult Card, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025. Funding has also been provided to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5 to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and new town services.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.
Connecting Ireland is a major 5-year public transport initiative developed by the National Transport Authority to increase connectivity outside our major cities and towns, which commenced in mid-2022.
Below are the funding details for new Connecting Ireland services, and Rural Regular Services:
|
Year |
New Services |
Rural Regular Services |
|
2020 |
n/a |
€9.62m |
|
2021 |
n/a |
€11.1m |
|
2022 |
€5.6m |
€13.45m |
|
2023 |
€8.35m |
€19.6m |
|
2024 |
€10m* |
€32m |
|
2025 |
€15m* |
€51m |
*Combined allocation to New Services (Connecting Ireland, New Town Services and Bus Connects).
264. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the funding provided to road maintenance in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and a breakdown of the funding provided to road improvement in each of the years 2020 to 2025, by year, in tabular form. [31691/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are 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.
On 14th February 2025 I announced an Exchequer investment of €713 million in our regional and local roads across the State which represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding this year. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
As regards the funding allocated to and drawn down by local authorities for road maintenance and road improvement works in each of the years 2020 to 2025, details of the regional and local road allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library.
As 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 operation and maintenance 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 necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the funding of national roads maintenance from 2020 to 2025.
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.
265. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the average cost to establish a mobility hub. [31694/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra267. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 312 and 313 of 20 May 2025, the estimated full- and first-year cost to operate a mobility hub. [31696/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 267 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, it is proposed to provide a network of mobility hubs through the National Transport Authority's Shared Micromobility Schemes, and also through a planned Mobility Hubs pilot that will deliver and test the operation of mobility hub networks in diverse urban locations across Ireland.
At this time, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer on costs, given the variables involved. For example, depending on the location of a hub and the related demand for the service, mobility hubs could consist of one or more of the following shared modes: shared bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-cargo bikes and Electric Vehicles (EVs).
Accordingly, the cost of establishing and operating each hub could vary significantly due to a number of factors:
• The size of the mobility hub (the quantum of modes available, and the number of units being provided e.g. number of bikes, e-scooters, electric vehicles etc);
• The need for installation of EV charging and, if so, the length of cabling required and the costs of the associated civil works (which will vary from location to location);
• The positioning of the hub (existing on-road space such as repurposed car-parking spaces or new build-outs);
• The need for additional civil works at the location, such as the provision of dropped kerbs; and
• The nature of the hub (stand-alone versus part of a network, which may allow for economies of scale).
Due to these factors, no single estimate can be provided for the cost of setting up a mobility hub. However, the Mobility Hub pilot project that is under development estimates that the likely capital construction cost for hubs - depending on all of the variables involved - could fall somewhere between €15k and €65k.
It should be noted, however, that this range of costs is not absolute and relates only to the construction of the mobility hub infrastructure and not the shared assets (EVs, bikes, cargo bikes, e-scooters, etc.). The costs of providing theses assets can also vary considerably depending on the operational model – whether State-owned and/or operated, privately owned and operated on a fully commercial basis, privately owned and operated with the support of a State subsidy, or a mixed approach in which different financial models are in place for different modes. It is intended that a variety of financial models will be considered as part of the NTA’s expansion of its Shared Micromobility Schemes as well as the Mobility Hubs pilot project.
266. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 312 and 313 of 20 May 2025, the funding allocated to expand the shared micromobility scheme. [31695/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to sustainable mobility, including the provision of funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in support of public bike-sharing schemes in Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford and the planned expansion of these as shared micromobility schemes later in 2025.
Matters related to the day-to-day operations, management and allocations for the expansion of these schemes are primarily a matter for the relevant local authorities, in conjunction with the NTA. As such, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
268. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the funding that has been allocated to making public transport accessible in each of the years 2020 to 2025, by year, in tabular form. [31697/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
As the Deputy will be aware, substantial funding is provided annually for new public transport, which is accessible from the design stage. However, the real challenge is older infrastructure and facilities which may not be accessible, for example our Victorian era train stations.
Since 2020, the Government has allocated increased levels of funding under the Public Transport Accessibility Retrofit Programme going from €7m in 2020 to €25m in 2025. The table below provides the total REV allocations between 2020 and 2025 for the Retrofit Programme. The allocations in 2020 and 2021 were part of the 2018-2021 four year allocation of €28m announced under Budget 2018.
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Allocation €m |
7 |
9.8 |
15.35 |
15 |
15 |
25 |
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated, accessible public transport networks and infrastructure. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport more accessible. In line with its statutory remit, the NTA manages the Public Transport Accessibility Retrofit Programme.
