Written Answers Nos. 267-286
267. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for increasing funding for the protection and renewal of the rural road network to resolve road maintenance backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25652/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority and Exchequer funding is intended to supplement local authorities’ own resources.
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. In 2025, €643 million from the total budget of €713 million has been allocated to protection and renewal works.
As regards funding beyond 2025, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation is leading the review of the NDP, and work is ongoing within my Department to contribute to this review. The review of the NDP will be aligned with the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040 and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Funding commitments for roads for 2026 and beyond are currently under consideration as part of this review.
268. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if the new N22 between Ovens and Macroom can be prioritised in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27807/25]
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. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP.
It is a matter for the local authority, in the first instance, to engage with TII regarding the progression of any proposed national road project. I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight that all projects, including those listed in the NDP or any revision of the NDP, require statutory approval and compliance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation are leading the review of the NDP, and work is ongoing within my Department to contribute to this review, with input from TII and other agencies. The review of the NDP will be aligned with the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040 and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Funding commitments for National Roads for 2026 and beyond are currently under consideration as part of this review.
269. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce on street EV charging infrastructure. [30251/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.
While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, there is a vital need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.
To date this has been led by private sector investment, and the number of publicly available charge points in Ireland has increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to 2,400 in 2024.
The National EV Charging Network Plan outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging. The objective is to be ahead of demand and deliver on the AFIR requirements and install EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs.
We are already seeing significant increased capacity of EV charging on our national roads, and this plan provides additional reassurance and certainty for EV drivers and those thinking of making the switch to EVs that they will be able to find high powered, fast and convenient EV charge-points where and when they need them.
The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging, was published in April this year. The plan will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.
A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed, including:
• A Shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which will install up to 200 fast chargers in sports clubs on the island of Ireland.
• An EU Just Transition Fund supported scheme, which is planned to install 60-80 chargers in the midlands.
• Local Authority pilot schemes, funding the roll out of EV charging in Local Authorities who have already developed local EV network plans, while supporting the development of local EV Network plans in other areas.
• To address a particular challenge of home-charging access a Shared Charging Pilot Scheme was also recently launched. This innovative, peer-to-peer programme enables homeowners to rent their EV chargers to others through a booking platform, offering cost-effective charging options for EV owners who don’t have private off-street parking. The pilot will be supported by ZEVI and will be rolled out in urban, suburban and rural areas.
The use of a home charger across a public footpath is currently not legally permissible due to "private wires" legislation. This matter is currently under consideration by officials in the Department of Climate Energy and the Environment.
270. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport to examine the case for the establishment of a new bus stop in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34208/25]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to ensure that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers and a commitment to work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public transport options and infrastructure.
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.
271. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport for an update on how he has progressed the commissioning of a preferred route for the proposed Luas extension to Poolbeg since taking office; if he will supply a timeline in respect of constructive same; and if not, his plans to supply such a timeline. [34226/25]
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.
As the Deputy may be aware, the development of a Luas red line extension to serve Poolbeg is currently one of the longer-term proposals in the NTA’s Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042. Its delivery is planned within the 2037-2042 timeframe.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is the Sponsoring Agency for the proposed Luas to Poolbeg project and the NTA is the day-to-day Approving Authority. Earlier this year, the NTA instructed TII to undertake a pre-feasibility analysis of the Luas to Poolbeg project. This analysis will include updated demand modelling to assess the initial feasibility of Luas Poolbeg from a passenger demand viewpoint. This is in line with the objective on the Luas to Poolbeg project outlined in the Transport Strategy for the GDA. The analysis is expected to be completed this year.
Noting the NTA's responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA, 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.
272. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the total amount of funding his Department or agencies under its aegis have provided to each local authority in each of the past five years and to date in 2025; the total spend in respect of this funding by each local authority in each of those years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34247/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are four main programmes supported by my Department which provide funding to local authorities -
• Active Travel: my Department funds the National Transport Authority (NTA) which in turn allocates funding to individual local authorities. Details of those allocations are published by the NTA: www.nationaltransport.ie/planning-and-investment/transport-investment/active-travel-investment-programme/active-travel-publications/
• Greenways: my Department funds Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) which in turn allocates funding to individual local authorities. Details of those allocations are published by TII: www.tii.ie/en/news/press-releases/
• National Roads: my Department funds Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) which in turn allocates funding to individual local authorities. Details of those allocations are published by TII: www.tii.ie/en/news/press-releases/
• Regional & Local Roads: my Department funds local authorities directly in relation to the regional and local roads programme and a a detailed breakdown of funding for each local authority per grant type (of which there are currently 17 types) per year (including outturn) is outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library.
I have also forwarded your question to both NTA (active travel) and TII (greenways and national roads) for further detailed reply, please contact my Office if you do not receive such a reply within 10 working days.
273. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of concerns within local authorities regarding the provision of capital funding for bus stops without providing administrative, engineering or human resources to develop projects under the scheme. [34248/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus shelters and bus stops.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to ensure that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers and a commitment to work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public transport options and infrastructure.
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.
274. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport when it is next scheduled to meet the Iarnród Eireann CEO. [34261/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy most recent meeting with the CEO of Iarnród Éireann took place on the 12th of February 2025. While I currently have no meetings scheduled with him in the immediate term, I look forward to meeting with him in the future.
275. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Transport the status of funding for phase three and four of the PANCR project in County Louth given phase two is due to commence shortly. [34275/25]
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 existing network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Louth County Council is the statutory planning and road authority in its functional area. It is, therefore, a matter for Louth County Council to consider options regarding the development of the proposed Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) scheme in Drogheda.
It should be noted that there is a limited budget available for projects under the Regional and Local Road Strategic Grant Programme and that, under the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code), a Project/Programme Outline Document is required for all projects which are estimated to cost in excess of €15 million (previously €10 million). A Project Outline Document has been received by my Department from Louth County Council in connection with a Phase 3 of the PANCR and following consideration by my officials was returned for further consideration by Louth County Council.
Funding of €30,000 has been allocated to Louth County Council for the Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) scheme in 2025.
276. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with an organisation (details supplied) regarding its pre-Budget 2026 submission; if his Department has assessed the merit of its pre-Budget 2026 submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34283/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I can confirm that my department has received a submission from Mobility Partnership Ireland (MPI) containing their proposals for Budget 2026, and that representatives from the Department will meet with MPI to discuss these proposals in more detail in the coming days. The Department is currently considering this submission, along with others received, and these will inform the approach to engagement with the Department of Finance in relation to Budget 2026.
277. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the Minister for Finance on options to extend tax relief to more commuters and more modes of sustainable transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34284/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEvery year, as part of the budgetary cycle, my Department and the Department of Finance engage on a range of possible changes to the tax code, including changes that might encourage people to travel more sustainably. Specific tax incentives are now in place to support cycling, encourage the use of public transport and support the transition to EVs.
My Department is continuously exploring ways to encourage the uptake of cycling as a mode of transport. Our National Sustainable Mobility Policy examines the different behavioural change measures that can be explored to promote modal shift away from private car use and towards zero-emission transport modes such as walking, cycling and e-biking.
The Deputy may be aware that in Budget 2021, my colleague, the then Minister for Finance, increased the thresholds for the Cycle to Work scheme to enable the purchase of e-bikes and more recently the thresholds were increased again in the most recent Budget to accommodate the purchase of cargo bikes and e-cargo bikes.
My Department will continue to undertake research into other additional measures which could be introduced to promote modal shift and encourage uptake of cycling across all demographics as part of the annual Budgetary process.
In respect of the day-to-day operations of public transport, including TaxSaver ticket offerings, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under 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’ this year (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.
This new Dublin Commuter Zone sees the introduction of a range of Taxsaver products which will allow unlimited multi-modal travel within the zone purchased, along with zones closer to Dublin city centre. For example, a Zone 1 ticket now costs €960 annually or €96 per month which represents a saving of 38% - this is outside of the additional savings which can be made by customers availing of the product via Taxsaver.
The transition to electric vehicles is currently supported through a number of existing taxation measure including BIK relief, VRT relief and low rate of motor tax. Officials within my Department have commenced consultation with officials in the Department of Finance around a number of proposals as part of the 2026 Budgetary process.
278. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Transport if he has recently engaged with the Road Safety Authority in respect of any new large-scale public information campaign that could be carried out to ensure proper use of e-scooters and to increase the public’s knowledge of existing rules around proper use of e-scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34293/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that, under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of road safety and of measures, including the advancement of education, relating to the promotion of the safe use of roads.
I have therefore referred the question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 established a new vehicle class, “powered personal transporters” or PPTs, which encompasses light electric vehicles like e- scooters. Regulations on the use of e-scooters came into effect from 20 May 2024, following the finalisation and commencement of the Road Traffic Act 2024 and the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023. Only e-scooters complying with the regulations are legal on Irish roads and this includes a requirement to be 16years or older to operate an e-scooter and a speed limit of 20km/h must be obeyed. In addition, the use of e-scooters on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways is prohibited. Requirements for minimum technical standards apply for lighting, brakes, audible warning devices, minimum wheel diameter, amongst other specifications.
In 2024, the RSA developed and aired a new E-scooter TV-led campaign that raised awareness of the new rules for e-scooter use. The RSA also developed social assets to raise awareness of the new rules for E-bike use and these were promoted across social media channels. This year, the RSA aired an E-scooter TV-led campaign for the month of April. Additional Information on this campaign is available on the RSA website.
The RSA has also developed educational resources from preschool level up to third level and these resources are delivered in schools and communities throughout the country. Each of these resources highlight the importance of personal responsibility when on our roads and the benefits of wearing a helmet to protect your head while cycling or using an e-scooter. The value of wearing a high visibility garment or accessory to ensuring the road user can be seen is also highlighted.
279. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the lack of resources for bus and truck driver testing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34294/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that, under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. I have therefore referred the question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply and I would ask that the Deputy contact my private office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
Pending this more detailed response, I am informed by the RSA that driving tests for all categories, including trucks and buses, can be booked and continue to be provided. However, the driver testing service is currently experiencing significant pressure. To address this issue on 22 May the RSA published its plan to return the service to its service level agreement target of 10 weeks by September.
The Deputy may wish to note that progress is being made, though wait times remain at an unacceptably high level. As of 14 June the current average wait time for a driving test now stands at approximately 18 weeks. This builds on the progress to the end of May where the average wait time was approximately 21 weeks and is an improvement of almost 9 weeks on the average 27 weeks wait time at the end of April.
280. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport his views on a case (details supplied) regarding a driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34305/25]
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 National Driver Licence Service, which includes licence application matters.
My Department does not have access to individual driving licence exchange applications and may not intervene in that process. Accordingly, 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.
281. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport his plans to examine the current EV grant system and the introduction of additional incentives to encourage the uptake of EVs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34313/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to increasing the uptake of EVs as evidenced in the ambitious targets set in the Climate Action Plan.
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 ZEVI, 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.
The Department regularly reviews EV incentives and grants to ensure that they are delivering value for money and supporting delivery of EV targets. As specified in the Programme for Government, I have asked officials to examine the existing range of incentives for EV uptake and consider incentives that could increase the takeup of EVs and replace older, polluting vehicles.
282. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the impact on car dealerships in getting dates from the NCT service for their vehicles within a reasonable timeframe; the plans to ensure that car dealers with a trader account number have an NCT service for their vehicles within a reasonable timeframe (details supplied). [34327/25]
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 Car Testing Service. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the delivery of the service at an operational level.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days
283. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the possible roll out of the taxi EV grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34338/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2025 Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV25) Grant Scheme will re-open on Monday 23rd June.
Since its inception in 2018, the eSPSV Grant Scheme has facilitated over 3,200 SPSV operators to make the switch to electric vehicles, contributing significantly to Ireland's climate goals.
The scheme was initially launched in February with a €12.5 million budget. It received a record number of applications, which have now been assessed. Almost €7.5 million has been allocated to successful applicants, meaning just under €5 million will be available when the scheme re-opens.
Successful candidates will receive substantial grants to enable the switch to electric vehicles, including:
€10,000 towards the purchase of a new full battery electric SPSV
€12,500 towards the purchase of a new full battery electric wheelchair-accessible SPSV.
For those scrapping older, high-mileage, or more polluting vehicles, the grant doubles to:
€20,000 for a new full electric SPSV
€25,000 for a new wheelchair-accessible electric vehicle.
From 23rd June anyone eligible for the scheme and interested in applying for the grant can find detailed information, including application forms and guidelines, on the National Transport Authority’s website.
284. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the work of his Department, in conjunction with the NTA, on identifying the necessary legislative proposals to progress the transport security force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34428/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnti-social behaviour is a broad societal issue, to which public transport is unfortunately not immune, and it is those passengers and staff who regularly use and work within our public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network.
There is a strong commitment under the Programme for Government to create a Transport Security Force under the NTA, which would operate and have similar powers to Airport Police and Customs Officers.
Work in my Department is ongoing around identifying the necessary legislative proposals to progress the Transport Security Force commitment, in conjunction with the NTA, and is in the preliminary stages of the deliberative process. However it is important to note that the introduction of such a force will require the development of legislation, which can have a significant lead time.
Nonetheless, the Government commitment to delivering a safe and secure public transport network, and the ongoing interim work on public transport safety, will continue, as will the continued support and funding for operator measures – such as the recent extension of the Dublin Bus Security Pilot Scheme.
We will continue to work with all stakeholders to provide safe, sustainable public transport.
285. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the 'National Policy Statement on Shared Mobility and the related Development of Hubs'; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34429/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am delighted to advise the Deputy that I published a new 'National Policy Statement on Shared Mobility and the Provision of Hubs' on 19 June. The Statement fulfils commitments in the National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) and annual Climate Action Plans to support the expansion of shared mobility options, with a particular focus on the development of shared mobility hubs.
Shared mobility hubs offer people a wide range of choice in how they make their journeys, by providing a range of transport modes, such as bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-cargo bikes and electric vehicles, on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis
The new Statement aims to bring greater coherence to the development of shared mobility services and hubs, ensuring that these can be rolled out across the country in a consistent, safe and measured way.
To this end, the National Transport Authority - with the support of the Department of Transport - is also developing a Mobility Hubs pilot project under the Climate Action Fund. This project will test how a dense network of hubs might be designed and operated on a long-term basis to ensure the best conditions for sustainable travel.
As part of the pilot, around 300 hubs will be provided across five urban locations. While the business case for the project is still in development, I took the opportunity to announce the five candidate locations for this pilot on 19 June also. These are Carlow town, Cork city, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, and Sligo town.
The hub networks envisaged in these locations will have a similar look, feel and operating model to the shared micromobility schemes that will be in place later this year in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford (i.e. schemes that will replace the existing Transport for Ireland (TfI) public bikes schemes).
The new Statement, the ambitious pilot and the impending expansion of shared mobility schemes in the regional cities are all key steps in the 2025 Programme for Government commitment to invest in a range of transport options for enhancing connectivity and, more specifically, the pledge to establish mobility hubs in each local authority area in the country.
286. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport to report on the Department's progress on publishing its new statement of strategy. [34431/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is finalising its Statement of Strategy 2025 - 2028, following an extensive consultation process, and expects to present it to me in the coming weeks.
