Written Answers Nos. 245-266
245. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Transport to outline the Taxsaver increases for Kildare commuters following the introduction of the Dublin commuter zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33590/25]
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 April 2023, the NTA published a new National Fares Strategy, aiming to deliver a more consistent, equitable, and transparent fare structure for all passengers. Following this, the NTA commenced a phased rollout of revised fare zones and structures. Phase 1 of this Fares Determination was implemented in June 2024, focusing on fare changes for towns and shorter journeys within Dublin.
As the Deputy may be aware, the second part of this Determination is being implemented in two phases: Phase 2A (commenced from Monday, 28 April 2025) introduced new multi-modal fare caps in Dublin and revised commuter rail fares; and Phase 2B (commenced from Monday, 16 June 2025) for revised commuter bus fares.
The new system aligns fares with distance, meaning some fares increase while others decrease, but the structure is now equitable and easier to understand.
Some stations outside the new City Zone (e.g. Greystones, Skerries, Sallins & Naas) see increases as they are now priced according to the actual distance travelled.
To mitigate the impact of the fares changes for Stations in Zone 2 which were previously within the Short Hop Zone (including Skerries and Balbriggan), the weekly Leap tickets will be charged at €32 (Adult) and €16 (Young Adult / Child) for or an interim period.
However, many outer towns see major cuts (e.g. Drogheda to Dublin -50%; Kildare to Dublin -37%)
It is the NTA’s intention to roll out further changes in future determinations during 2025, designed to deliver a fares approach that is easier for customers to understand.
Average fares on all PSO transport services per passenger in Ireland remains quite low in comparison to other countries. My Department supports these measures in line with the recent commitment in the Programme for Government to keeping fares low and affordable.
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.
246. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the provision of a new bridge to replace the existing Lennox bridge which connects Kinlough in County Leitrim to Bundoran and Ballyshannon in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33625/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
Leitrim County Council presented a Preliminary Project Appraisal for the R280 Lennox Bridge Replacement Scheme in 2019. Between 2021 and 2023, Leitrim County Council received an allocation of €500,000, of which funding of €145,096 was drawn down for the scheme. An Options Report for Lennox Bridge was submitted by Leitrim County Council to the Department in 2023.
The Department responded to this report with concerns regarding the difficulty in achieving alignment with the Modal Hierarchy and Intervention Hierarchy of the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI), which was published in December 2021. As such, the Department deemed it was not in a position to approve the development of this bridge project beyond this point and communicated to Leitrim County Council its openness to future proposals that would specifically address the matter of safety at the bridge. The Department of Transport engages with Leitrim County County on a regular basis and is currently funding a number of projects, including, the development of tender documentation for a proposed new Shannon Crossing to replace Hartley Bridge, Cleaheen, Co Leitrim.
247. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has a designated head of procurement; if each agency or public body under his Department’s remit also has a designated head of procurement; and if so, to list those entities, along with the name or grade of the person holding that role. [33650/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Procurement Function is part of the Governance Division, which also has responsibility for Agency Governances Oversight and oversight of the Governance Framework and Risk Management in the Department, led at Principal Officer level.
The Department’s Procurement Team provide central guidance to Divisions in conjunction with the Office of Government Procurement regarding all stages of the Procurement process and the Procurement Team publish tender competitions centrally. The Procurement Team includes a Procurement Officer at Assistant Principal level. Responsibility for managing contracts arising from tender competitions lies with Divisions.
The designation of posts in the public bodies and/or state agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the public body and state agency directly. I have referred the Deputy's question to the bodies and agencies under my aegis for direct reply. Please contact my office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
248. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff within his Department and its agencies who hold a formal procurement qualification or certification (for example, CIPS, NFQ Level 6 or higher in procurement, EU public procurement training), broken down by organisation, in tabular form. [33668/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department's Learning and Development team, in collaboration with the Procurement Unit, provide all departmental staff with opportunities to attend procurement training at introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. The Department does not hold any records in relation to colleagues who have obtained or hold formal procurement qualifications.
I have referred your query to the agencies under the aegis of my Department and have asked the bodies to respond directly to you on this matter. If you do not hear from them within 10 days please contact my private office.
249. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department and each agency or public body under its remit uses a formal contract management system or procurement tracking platform; to list the systems in use; and if they are centrally monitored or independently operated. [33687/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a contract register in place and is in the process of moving (late Quarter 3 2025) to the Finance Shared Services (FSS) system of the National Shared Services Office (NSSO). The Finance Shared Services (FSS) system includes an integrated contract management system.
The contract management systems or procurement tracking platforms in place in the agencies and/or public bodies under the remit of my Department are a matter for those agencies/bodies. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the agencies and/or bodies for direct response. Please reply to my office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
250. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if a driving test can be expedited for a person (details supplied). [33697/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that my Department does not have access to individual Certificate of Professional Competency applications and may not intervene in that process. Accordingly, I have referred this matter to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
251. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on a road project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33776/25]
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.
I can confirm that €700,000 was provided in 2025 for the N25 Midleton to Youghal scheme, which includes bypasses of the villages of Castlemartyr and Killeagh.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the status of the N25 Midleton to Youghal Project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
252. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport whether he will consider legislating to facilitate the use of bioptic telescopes for driving by individuals with visual impairments. [33793/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the standards for and issuing of driving licences are set out in EU legislation, transposed into national law by Member States.
EU Directive 2006/126/EC on driving licences sets out the minimum standards of driving fitness for all drivers, covering medical conditions that affect driving and setting out restrictions on the ability to hold a licence. Member States may, if they choose, apply higher standards in their own jurisdictions.
The minimum standards of physical and mental fitness required to drive in Ireland are set out in schedule 6 of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 (SI 537 of 2006).
Individuals with visual or other medical conditions that potentially affect their ability to drive must submit a medical report, after consultation with a doctor, to the NDLS. The information provided by the medical report is considered by the NDLS when determining if a driving licence or permit can be granted or renewed.
Guidelines, ‘Sláinte agus Tiomáint Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines’, have been developed to assist Irish doctors and other healthcare professionals to write medical reports and they provide guidance on reviewing the stability, progression, or improvement in an individual’s medical condition. They are compiled by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which has statutory responsibility for testing and licencing and for the National Driver Licencing Service (NDLS), in conjunction with the National Office for Traffic Medicine.
The Guidelines are reviewed and updated regularly to ensure compliance with emerging evidence in the medical literature and with harmonising standards set by EU Directives adopted into Irish law. The most recent update, in April 2025, may be found at www.rsa.ie/docs/default-source/road-safety/slainte-agus-tiomaint-medical-fitness-to-drive-guidelines-2025.pdf?sfvrsn=2855c887_3
The current Guidelines note that bioptic telescope devices are not accepted for driving by the NDLS.
253. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he will instruct Meath County Council to introduce road safety measures at a location (details supplied) which has seen four road accidents in the past twelve months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33796/25]
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.
My Department provides grant assistance to local authorities under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for a number of targeted programmes, including the Safety Improvement Programme. Applications are sought each year from local authorities under this programme for consideration for funding in the subsequent year.
As Meath County Council is responsible for maintaining and improving its regional and local roads, it is the Council's responsibility to determine its priorities and work programme while taking account of the funding provided from grant allocations and from the Council's own resources. As such, it is a matter for Meath County Council to submit such an application for consideration for funding.
254. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport for a full list of all documents, reports, strategies, and resources that have been “unpublished” by his Department over the past ten years (details supplied), including all such materials that have been “unpublished” by divisions, sections and units of his Department that became part of the Minister’s Department following a transfer of functions; and who “unpublished” the materials under a different Minister or Department. [33816/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Gov.ie website underwent a major system upgrade in April 2025. In a mass movement of web content, it is inevitable that some broken links will occur and that these will take time to identify and resolve.
An audit conducted post-migration revealed a small number of broken links on the Department of Transport website. This issue is being actively worked on and it is expected that it will be fully resolved.
If a specific document, report, strategy or resource is required in the meantime, it can be requested from the Department.
255. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if he will support a simplified mechanism in which Ireland will recognise and allow an exchange of US driving licences for an Irish licence (details supplied). [33829/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 - the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The standards for testing drivers are set at EU level and EU driving licences are recognised and exchangeable when a person moves from one Member State to another.
Ireland may make bilateral driving licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. This is not a straightforward matter. Reaching them is not a matter of political will and the core principle is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users. Agreements may be made only when the authorities in each jurisdiction have studied and compared the licensing regimes and are satisfied that they are compatible. For Ireland, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority.
People with a non-exchangeable licence who are resident in Ireland must, in order to drive here, obtain an Irish licence. A person with a full but non-exchangeable licence must go through the normal driver learning process, but can avail of shorter Essential Driver Training of only 6 lessons, instead of 12, and does not have to be a learner for the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.
One of the commitments in the Programme for Government 2025 is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with Australia and with seven of the ten Canadian provinces, so holders of these licences may, if resident in Ireland, exchange them for an Irish licence. Ireland does not have an agreement with the USA. My Department will be exploring how this Programme for Government commitment might be addressed.
256. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the absence of reciprocal driving licensing agreements between Ireland, America and Canada (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33899/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 - the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The standards for testing drivers are set at EU level and EU driving licences are recognised and exchangeable when a person moves from one Member State to another.
Ireland may make bilateral driving licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. This is not a straightforward matter. Reaching them is not a matter of political will and the core principle is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users. Agreements may be made only when the authorities in each jurisdiction have studied and compared the licensing regimes and are satisfied that they are compatible. For Ireland, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority.
A person resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU driving licence to drive here. It is possible to drive in Ireland on a foreign licence under the Geneva Convention, but this only applies to visitors.
People with a non-exchangeable licence who are resident in Ireland must, in order to drive here, obtain an Irish licence. A person with a full but non-exchangeable licence must go through the normal driver learning process, but can avail of shorter Essential Driver Training of only 6 lessons, instead of 12, and does not have to be a learner for the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.
One of the commitments in the Programme for Government 2025 is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with Australia and with seven of the ten Canadian provinces, so holders of these licences may, if resident in Ireland, exchange them for an Irish licence. Ireland does not have an agreement with the USA. My Department is considering how this Programme for Government commitment might be addressed.
257. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the absence of reciprocal driving licensing agreements between Ireland, America and Canada (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33915/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 - the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The standards for testing drivers are set at EU level and EU driving licences are recognised and exchangeable when a person moves from one Member State to another.
Ireland may make bilateral driving licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. This is not a straightforward matter. Reaching them is not a matter of political will and the core principle is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users. Agreements may be made only when the authorities in each jurisdiction have compared the licensing regimes and are satisfied that they are compatible. For Ireland, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority.
One of the commitments in the Programme for Government 2025 is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with Australia and with seven of the ten Canadian provinces, so holders of these licences may, if resident in Ireland, exchange them for an Irish licence. Ireland does not have an agreement with the USA. My Department is considering how this Programme for Government commitment might be addressed.
258. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the amount of revenue generated through advertisement on the sides and rear of the Dublin Bus fleet in the years of 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [33962/25]
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.
Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) is responsible for managing the advertising of its operating subsidiaries: Bus Átha Cliath, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
259. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the nature of refurbishment works that were carried out at Busáras in the years of 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025; and the future refurbishment works that are scheduled to be carried out at this station over the next 18 months. [33963/25]
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.
260. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the reason representative organisations (details supplied) have not yet been contacted regarding the disability-proofing of the National Cycle Manual by the National Transport Authority (NTA); and if he will give an assurance that these two disabled persons’ representative organisations in Ireland specific to physical impairment and visual impairment, respectively, will be closely consulted and actively involved in this process. [33995/25]
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.
The newly revised Cycle Design Manual (CDM), previously the National Cycle Manual, was published in 2023 and local authorities were trained in its use. This new Manual was developed through consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including disability groups such as the NDA, and efforts were made to make the contents of the CDM as beneficial to all potential road users including those with disabilities.
Delivery of improved active travel networks continues apace across the country, supported by active travel teams now established in every local authority. The roll-out of improved and continuous active travel networks brings benefits to all users of such networks, including persons with disabilities and I look forward to seeing continued delivery in the years ahead.
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.
261. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the recommendations he is considering under the Climate Change Advisory Council’s recent Transport Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34078/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the publication of the Climate Change Advisory Council’s 2025 annual sectoral review of the transport sector and my Department will be reviewing its recommendations as we update our approach to next iteration of the Climate Action Plan.
While there has been an unprecedented level of investment in sustainable transport and EV supports over recent years, I fully agree with the Council’s assessment that we are not yet achieving the pace of change required to achieve our 2030 climate objectives.
The report acknowledges that - despite challenges - good progress is being made, particularly in relation to the increased usage and expansion of public transport services, which has further benefitted from the Government’s support for reduced public transport fares.
The Government has made various committments in the new Programme for Government which align with the recommendations of the CCAC including accelerating the roll out of EV recharging infrastructure and consideration of EV incentives to target particular cohorts without easy access to public transport.
I have also asked my official to update the draft ‘Moving Together’ strategy in light of these new PfG committments with a view to bringing it back to Government over the coming months.
We will be publishing the revised National Ports Policy later this year, alongside the new Transport Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan, which is currently out for public consultation.
Finally, my Department is also conducting a major re-assessment of our decarbonisation policy pathway including modelling of measures to bridge the gap to target with a view to informing CAP26.
262. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the infrastructure projects being built or commissioned by his Department that are currently late in their delivery; and the infrastructure projects currently over budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34101/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the above question which I wish to address jointly, alongside PQ No. 32687/25 for which you received a holding reply. That PQ asked "the Minister for Transport to detail which transport infrastructure projects are currently late in their delivery and which transport infrastructure projects are currently over budget".
My understanding is that the reference to projects being commissioned refers to projects which are at the design and planning phase, but for which construction tenders have not yet been signed. As you will be aware, a key part of the process of design and planning involves scoping the complexity of projects via detailed project appraisal.
The Infrastructure Guidelines, which are available on the Department of Public Expenditure's website set out the steps to be taken during the project life cycle. These can be accessed at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/collections/infrastructure-guidelines/.
As per the guidelines, the project sponsoring authority must seek approval from the approving authority at three key points, Approval Gate 1, 2 and 3:
• Approval Gate 1 consists of a review of the strategic assessment and preliminary business case. At this point approval may be given for a project to proceed to pre-tender - project design, planning and a procurement strategy.
• Approval Gate 2 consists of a review of the detailed business case and procurement strategy. At this point approval be be given for a project to to proceed to tender.
• Approval Gate 3 consists of a review of the final business case and the tendering process. At this point, the Approving Authority may decide to give the Sponsoring Authority approval to proceed with the project.
The timelines in reaching Gate 3 and receiving approval to proceed are contingent on all the factors that may be identified during the strategic assessment, scoping, preliminary and detailed analysis, planning, legal and any other issues that may be identified during the project development stages leading up to Gate 3 Approval. As a result, delivery timelines in reaching this point are indicative and not contractually binding.
Once a project has been given approval to proceed and contracts have been signed, the project will be accompanied by a specific budget and timelines. The budget will typically contain an element of contingency to manage risk.
To view projects at various stages of the project lifecycle, the NDP Project Tracker and Interactive Map is available at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/collections/myprojectireland-interactive-map-and-tracker/
In relation to projects where contracts have been signed and construction is underway, with associated assigned budgets and delivery dates, I have requested that Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority respond to you directly. If you do not receive a response within ten working days, please contact my Private Office.
263. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recommendation from an organisation (details supplied) to increase the uptake of battery electric vehicles, by introducing grants of up to €10,000 for lower income households, particularly in areas with limited access to public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34109/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting the transition to zero-emission transport and the ambitious target to have 30% of private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
Over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure.
There is a suite of incentives in place from Zero Emission Vehicle Ireland, and where applicable with support from taxation incentives through the Department of Finance, to support the continued transition to EVs and for the rollout of EV charging infrastructure, including:
•A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
•A Home Charger purchase grant scheme;
•VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;
•The eSPSV grant scheme for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV, including wheelchair accessible vehicles;
•ZEHDV grant scheme – a grant for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
•Low rate of annual motor tax.
As detailed in the new programme for Government, I am examining the current EV grant system and the introduction of additional incentives with a view to increasing take-up of EVs and replacing older, polluting vehicles. However, it should be noted that decisions on financial incentives, including EV grants, must be taken in the context of overall financial sustainability and greatest impact.
Government’s aim is to create an optimum environment to keep up with demand for EV charging and make it possible for anyone who wants an EV to have one. We will continue to take a balanced approach, ensuring that our incentives and policy measures are both ambitious and deliverable within our current environment.
264. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport to make provision for commercial testing for bus drivers as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34015/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the driver testing and licensing.
I understand that the Deputy's enquiry relates to the driver certificate of professional competence (CPC). To drive a truck or bus professionally in Ireland and elsewhere in the EU, a person with C or D categories on their licence (trucks and buses) must have a valid CPC.
The driver CPC process is based on European Union Directive 2022/2561 on the initial qualifications and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers, transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Vehicle Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence) (No. 2) Regulations 2008 (SI 359 of 2008), as amended.
Gaining a driver CPC qualification involves passing four exams (theory test, case study, driving test and walkaround). This qualification is maintained by completing CPC periodic training of 35 hours in each five-year training cycle. Each module consists of 7 hours periodic training and drivers are required to do 7 hours of periodic training every year, adding up to 35 hours (five modules) over the five years. If the driver is maintaining both a bus and a truck CPC, they must complete 42 hours of training over each five year period.
I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
265. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his plans to develop a new scheme to support people with disabilities to access personal transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34153/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and funding in relation to 'open' public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible, especially for disabled people, persons with disabilities and older people.
From a policy perspective, I wish to advise the Deputy that the Department of An Taoiseach has established a unit within its Department which will focus on disability, reflecting a commitment in the Programme for Government to a step change in supports and services required by disabled people. In my role as Minister for Transport, I will be engaging with that unit with an emphasis on addressing the wider issues such as ensuring that all public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers.
However, 'closed' transport services, for example dedicated disability transport supports are outside of my 'open' public transport remit.
Responsibility for policy and funding for disability transport services, lies with the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality and the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability.
266. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will give detailed consideration to a recent briefing note of the Northern & Western Regional Assembly: Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region, June 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34168/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, air transport and roads. The recent briefing note of the Northern & Western Regional Assembly: Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region, June 2025 is wide ranging in terms of policy scope and includes some projects outside of my remit.
In relation to public transport, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, undertaken by the Department of Transport in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, 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 in 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 and reinstated routes. This includes proposals to reinstate the Western Rail Corridor rail line between Athenry and Claremorris. Extending to line beyond Claremorris to Colloney was not included in the recommendations at this stage.
The Review also noted other potential interventions, including double-tracking between Athenry and Galway, and improving service frequencies between Counties Galway and Mayo and Athlone by building more passing loops, as well as a rail connection between Derry and Letterkenny.
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.
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 to help optimise the sequencing and implementation of the proposed investments. This work will inform the Department's engagement on the review of the National Development Plan, which is currently underway.
BusConnects Galway will provide a major enhancement to the bus system in Galway comprising changes to the network, the fleet, ticketing, bus shelters/poles and the development of bus lanes and bus priority. Key elements are currently under development, namely the Cross City Link project, which was approved by An Bord Pleanála in September 2024 (currently subject to Judicial Review), and the Dublin Road scheme, which the NTA has submitted to An Bord Pleanála. Droichead an Dóchais (formerly: the Salmon Weir Pedestrian/Cycling Bridge) was officially opened to the public in May 2023. The bus network design was finalised in December 2023 following a public consultation.
The new bus network will enable more people to avail of public transport resulting in increased access to a greater number of schools and workplaces across Galway City, Bearna and Oranmore. Once this network is implemented 67% of residents will live within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route (running every 15 minutes or better). The NTA plans to commence the implementation of the New Galway Bus Network in the coming years.
Regarding National Roads projects, 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 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. Therefore, TII are better placed to advise you on the status of the various National Roads Projects mention in the report.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
In relation to air transport, national policy on regional airports is designed to optimise conditions for connectivity and regional development in line with Project Ireland 2040 as well as related Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies. Government recognises the social and economic benefits that can be derived from facilitating access to and from the regions. In line with this, Government provides substantial annual funding under a Regional Airports Programme. This Programme, which is administered by my Department, supports Ireland’s smallest regional airports, those that provide scheduled passenger services and handle fewer than one million passengers per annum. Ireland West Airport along with Donegal and Kerry airports are currently eligible for funding under this Programme. Funding under the Programme supports vital safety, security and sustainability operations and activities at these airports.
This Government’s Programme for Government provides a clear commitment to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This new Programme is being progressed by my Department as a matter of priority this year.
An Exchequer funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between Donegal and Dublin airports is also supported under this Programme. This service provides the people and business in the North West with vital twice daily two-way air services to attend medical and other important appointments. Services facilitate same day return from Donegal Airport and onwards international connectivity via Dublin Airport. My Department is currently preparing to go to tender for the continuation of this important service beyond the expiration of the current contract in February 2026. There are no plans to include a stopover at Sligo under the upcoming tender process. However, it must be recognised that Sligo to Dublin is well served by alternative transport modes, including the M4 motorway and rail services which operates up to 11 departures daily. Such factors are taken into account when determining the necessity for the imposition of a PSO in accordance with EU Regulation.
In addition, in the context of building our shared Island, the Programme for Government also includes a commitment to engage with relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin and Derry City airports. My Department is currently progressing the preparatory work necessary to introduce a PSO air service on this route in 2026.
The North West has established good connectivity with the UK and Europe via Ireland West and Donegal airports, with further international connectivity provided from Donegal via Dublin Airport. The targeted Exchequer funding provided by my Department to these airports has supported this connectivity, with overall passenger traffic across these airports in 2024 3% above 2023 levels. I was pleased to note a significant 12% increase in passenger traffic to end May this year.
Regarding the Port of Galway’s plans for infrastructure expansion, the Department is aware of this. As a local authority port, Galway does not come under the remit of the Department of Transport. Nonetheless, the Minister for Transport supports the development of port facilities that may play an active role in the offshore wind industry. In the 2021 Policy Statement on the Facilitation of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) by Commercial State ports, the Department recognised the important role that ports such as Galway can play in the developing ORE sector.
In 2022, the Port of Galway met the European Commission’s criteria for inclusion in the Trans-European Transport (TEN-T) Network. The role the Port of Galway played in facilitating the import of onshore wind turbines contributed to this new designation under new climate criteria in the regulations. The upgrade to the port’s TEN-T status means that the port can now apply for part-funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
As part of its wider plans, there is potential for the port to support the development of ORE by accommodating an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) base. Given its position, the port may also play a role supporting the wider supply chain for ORE. The Port of Galway is strategically located on West Coast of Ireland, placing it in an ideal position to service future offshore wind demand.
Finally, in terms of our regional and local roads, the improvement and maintenance of them is the statutory responsibility of each local authority and Exchequer funding is intended to supplement local authorities’ own resources. The primary focus for investment is on the maintenance and renewal of the network. In 2025, €643 million from the Department of Transport's Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme total budget of €713 million has been allocated for such works.
In this context the three most significant grants for Councils in terms of monies and in terms of maintaining the road network in a serviceable condition are Restoration Maintenance (RM), Restoration Improvement (RI) and Discretionary Grant (DG). The amount that each local authority receives under these three grant programmes is based on the regional and local road length in each county or city area (taken as a proportion of the total road length and multiplied by the amount available for the programme) with some account taken of traffic. The funding allocations provided to local authorities of the Northern and Western Region of Ireland are, therefore, consistent with other local authorities' allocations.
There are some factors that affect each local authority's Discretionary Grant allocation which can be used for winter maintenance purposes. The cost of salt for the previous winter, which is purchased centrally, is subtracted from the gross Discretionary Grant allocation to each authority to recoup the cost of salt used by each authority in the previous winter.
There is also a limited budget available for road improvement schemes - €70 million has been allocated this year. This covers projects under the Strategic and Specific Grant Programmes. Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific or Strategic Grant Programmes are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis taking into account the Infrastructure Guidelines and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Road length is not, therefore, a factor in allocating funding under these programmes.
Where projects are being implemented under the Specific or Strategic Grant programmes, this can result in significant variances between the total amount of funding provided to local authorities with similar networks and this affects total grant per kilometre comparisons between different local authorities.
