Louis O'Hara
Ceist:127. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the reopening of the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34005/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRail Network
Ceisteanna (127, 128, 133)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:128. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the amount of money that has been ring-fenced towards the commencement of works on the re-opening of the western rail corridor between Mayo and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27502/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Joe Cooney
Ceist:133. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the progress made on the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33943/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127, 128 and 133 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken by the Department of Transport in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
The Review’s Final Report was published on 31st July 2024. The Review sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes, including the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris.
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. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication later this year.
This work also involves a more detailed examination of a number of projects, one of which is the reinstatement Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris, and in this regard the Department of Transport has recently agreed to allocate Iarnród Éireann circa €300,000 this year to progress a scoping study on the reinstatement of the line.
This work will inform the Department's engagement on the review of the National Development Plan (NDP), which is currently underway. Once the NDP review is complete, it will help provide clarity on the funding available to progress projects over the medium term.
It should be noted that that individual programmes and projects referred to within the final Review Report will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals.
Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 127.
Active Travel
Ceisteanna (129)
Micheál Carrigy
Ceist:129. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the amount of funding allocated to active travel projects, by county in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33910/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (130)
Tony McCormack
Ceist:130. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Transport his Department's plans to expand town bus services in regional towns across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34105/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in the regional towns across Ireland, which I am reinforcing through my introductory interactions with Local Link offices nationwide. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continuing the roll-out of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and continued investment in new town bus services.
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.
As with all plans, any additional funding for new and enhanced town services would be subject to the annual Budgetary and Estimates process.
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.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the continued investment in new town services, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (131)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:131. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on his engagements about accelerating Luas extensions as part of his NDP review negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34128/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Implementation of the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 has been divided into three phases – short-term up to 2030 to align with the current National Development Plan (NDP), medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042. The development of Luas lines to Finglas, Lucan, Bray and Poolbeg are part of the Strategy’s medium to longer-term proposals.
The Programme for Government commits to reviewing and enhancing the NDP, to deliver on existing strategically important transport infrastructure commitments and to consider the needs of new or accelerated potential projects and programmes. Having worked closely with the NTA in considering such needs, my Department is engaged in the ongoing NDP Review with the Department of Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. This will inform the level of Exchequer funds available for public transport capital investment, including Luas projects. More information on this matter is expected in the coming months.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (132)
James O'Connor
Ceist:132. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on projects in Cork east (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34138/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.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.In this regard, Cork County Council submitted an initial project appraisal to the Department in 2019 regarding the upgrade of the R624 Cobh Road. The project, as submitted, includes upgrading the existing N25-R624 interchange, the provision of a dual carriageway from the interchange to Marino Point, widening of Slatty Bridge, the provision of a new bridge crossing to Great Island at Belvelly and upgrading the existing R624 from Marino Point to Cobh. The estimated cost of this scheme was more than €100 million, with possible staged implementation.In line with Government requirements Cork County Council also produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Great Island Connectivity Scheme and a draft was forwarded to the Department in November 2022. Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department liaised with the Council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure Guidelines and the TAF including the preparation of a Project Outline Document (POD) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the SAR stage.The Council submitted the POD to the Department in March 2024. Following the submission of the POD, the Council commenced work on developing a brief for the appointment of consultants to deliver the scheme through options assessment, design and planning, starting with the commencement of a Preliminary Business Case. The Council submitted the brief for appointment of consultants in December 2024 to the Department for review. The Council hopes to appoint a consultant in mid-2025 once the brief has been finalised.An allocation of €350,000 was made to Cork County Council as part of the 2025 Regional and Local Roads Grants to assist in the development of the Preliminary Business Case.
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. 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.
Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 127.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (134)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:134. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport when contactless payments will be an option on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33953/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing project is to provide for an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, including bus services. Fundamental to this project is a transition to an 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating mobile and card-based payments.
Following a competitive procurement process, the NTA awarded, in April 2024, an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of a new multi-modal ticketing system to a Spanish information technology company - Indra Sistemas S.A. - who have designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to roll out contactless fare payments on all public transport and to keep 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 contact my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (135)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:135. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the design manual for urban roads and streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33555/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets was first launched by the then Ministers for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Housing and Planning in 2013. The development of DMURS commenced in 2010 via a working group which consisted of staff from the various local authorities, together with both Departments. A revision to DMURS, which was issued in August 2019, was overseen by a Steering Committee that included a representative of the National Disability Association (NDA). A number of individual meetings were also held with further correspondence received from the NDA prior to the issue of the revised document. Based on these interactions with the NDA, several amendments were made to DMURS with regard to the use of materials, kerb heights, use of zebra crossings and references to ‘Building for Everyone, A Universal Design Approach’, published by the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design.
DMURS has always been viewed as a ‘live’ document, and the website (www.dmurs.ie) was developed to provide an accessible resource for all updates and supplementary material (including advice notes), along with links to key publications and case study material. Both the Department of Transport and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage consult on issues as they arise, such as those raised during conferences or forums. When required, additional expertise is drawn on to address specific issues. The Sustainable Mobility Policy highlights the continuation of a joint approach in respect of DMURS to ensure widespread and consistent implementation. This is ongoing and work is currently underway to develop a new DMURS Advice Note 7, on the Reallocation of Street Space.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (136)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:136. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position on the expansion of bus route 233; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34076/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in County Cork, which I am reinforcing through my introductory interactions with Local Link offices nationwide, including in Co. Cork. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to increasing Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns and cities.
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 of new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and new town services.
As with all plans, any additional funding for Connecting Ireland services would be subject to the annual Budgetary and Estimates process.
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.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new and enhanced services, including in County Cork, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Question No. 137 answered with Question No. 118.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (138)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:138. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand rural bus services in east Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34079/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in County Cork, which I am reinforcing through my introductory interactions with Local Link offices nationwide, including in County Cork. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to increasing Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns and cities.
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.
As with all plans, any additional funding for rural bus services would be subject to the annual Budgetary and Estimates process.
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.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new and enhanced services, including in County Cork, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (139)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:139. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the current earliest construction commencement and completion dates for the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney and Clontibret-to-the-Border road schemes. [34013/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
In 2025, the N2 Clontibret to the Border project received an allocation of €3 million. The N2 Ardee to South of Castleblaney did not receive funding for 2025. However the delivery programme for this project will be kept under review in the coming years and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney and N2 Clontibret to the Border projects. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Haulage Industry
Ceisteanna (140, 175)
Michael Murphy
Ceist:140. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with his British counterparts and seek an end to the £10 levy that applies to all Irish registered HGVs over 12 tonnes entering Northern Ireland (details supplied). [33394/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Murphy
Ceist:175. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will support the call for the abolition to the £10 levy that applies to all Irish registered HGVs over 12 tonnes entering Northern Ireland and engages with his Northern Ireland counterpart in this regard (details supplied). [33401/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 175 together.
The UK HGV road user levy was introduced in 2014, affecting all UK roads including in Northern Ireland. Prior to its introduction, the Irish Government engaged with UK authorities seeking to exempt Northern Ireland from the charge because of the potential impact on cross-border trade. The UK ultimately decided to maintain the levy, with only very minor exemptions for Northern Ireland. The levy was suspended in August 2020 to support the haulage sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was subsequently reinstated from 1 August 2023 with amendments to align the levy with the environmental performance of a vehicle in support of decarbonisation goals.
The UK HGV road user levy aims to ensure that HGV road users make a contribution towards the upkeep of the road network. While it is appreciated that the levy imposes additional costs on HGV operators, including Irish hauliers, operating across the region, its application is a matter for the UK authorities.
On 20 February 2024, as part of the Shared Island initiative, the Government announced a funding commitment of €600 million for the progression of the A5 project. This funding relates solely to the construction of the project.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (141)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:141. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the rollout of BusConnects for Cork including route numbers 2a, 14a, 14b, 17 and 38; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34075/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 BusConnects Cork.
BusConnects is the NTA's programme to greatly improve bus services in all our cities. It is a key part of the Government's policies to improve public transport and address climate change in Cork and other cities.
The NTA submitted the Preliminary Business Case for the programme to my Department in January 2025. Officials in my Department are currently reviewing this business case. In line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, the Preliminary Business Case is also going through an external assurance process and will be reviewed by the Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation’s Major Projects Advisory Group before being submitted to Cabinet for consideration. If approved by Cabinet at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines, this will allow the programme to enter the planning process.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply on bus route numbers 2a, 14a, 14b, 17 and 38. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (142)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:142. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will start discussions with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment regarding the possibility of adding bus mechanics to the critical skills VISA list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34071/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware the Programme for Government (PfG) has committed to "Work to enhance and support the delivery of a skilled workforce to maintain and operate public transport vehicles".
My Department chairs the Public Transport Workforce Taskforce which aims to progress this PfG commitment and to identify options to assist with resolving challenges regarding the recruitment of drivers and mechanics/craftworkers. The taskforce includes representatives from the school transport section in the Department of Education, relevant transport operators and agencies, and training bodies. The aim of the taskforce is to work collaboratively to identify contributing factors to the recruitment issues, and put forward an action plan with recommendations and measures to create a pipeline of workers to address these issues. Officials in my department will also continue to engage with other stakeholders, including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, during the preparation of the action plan.
In line with this work, the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment signed regulations on 11 April 2025 extending the general employment permit quotas for HGV/Bus mechanics and vehicle repairers, increasing the total number of quotas available for these roles by 200 permits.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (143)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:143. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to improve the quality and comfort of the rail carriages on the Dublin to Rosslare rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34073/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
I can assure you that my Department is committed to providing investment in our public transport network and that I am supportive of the Governments goals in delivering an accessible, affordable and reliable public transport network throughout the country.
The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (144)
Catherine Callaghan
Ceist:144. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide confirmation of the exact funding which will be provided for the N25 in 2025; the amount of funding will be provided to progress to the next phases of the development of the N24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34126/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
The N24 Waterford to Cahir project has been allocated €80,000 for 2025 to meet outstanding route selection commitments, and while the N25 Waterford to Glenmore project did not receive an allocation for 2025, there are a number of minor works on the N25 which received allocations this year. Kilkenny County Council received allocations of €58,500 for minor works on the N25 and €330,000 for minor works on the N24 this year. Full details of these allocations are available in TII's allocation booklet here: www.tii.ie/media/orbdngms/tii_local-authorities_2025-road-grant-allocations.pdf.
Both projects remain part of the NDP and the delivery programmes will be kept under review in the coming years. Funding commitments for National Roads for 2026 and beyond are currently under consideration as part of the ongoing NDP review.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (145)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:145. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider additional funding allocation for local authorities during 2025 to address the need for improvements on local and regional roads across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34030/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
This funding will support local authorities in carrying out an extensive 2025 programme of maintenance and restoration works. Funding also supports various safety improvement works, bridge rehabilitation schemes, drainage works, climate adaptation measures, community involvement schemes and the maintenance of former national roads.
In addition to protecting and renewing the regional and local road network, it is a priority to carry out targeted improvements to sections of the network. In 2025, €47.8 million is being invested in developing and upgrading this infrastructure through vital strategic projects which are continuing to be progressed. These include projects identified for development under the National Development Plan such as the Tralee Northern Relief Road and the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road.
An additional 22.2 million is provided for smaller-scale road improvements under the Specific Grant category.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (146)
Colm Burke
Ceist:146. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progress of the northern distributor road, Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34133/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the Northern Distributor Multi-Modal Route, which will link the N22 (Carrigrohane Road) to Glanmire, was established in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. It is intended that the Northern Distributor Multi-Modal Route will include both car traffic and bus lanes, as well as cycling and pedestrian facilities.
In December of 2023, the National Transport Authority (NTA) approved a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the project. The approval of the SAR authorised Cork City Council to proceed with the next stage of the project, namely the route selection stage.
Cork City Council launched a public consultation on the emerging preferred route for this project earlier this year. That process is now completed and the Public Consultation Report is being finalised. It is expected that the Preliminary Design stage of the project will commence before the end of the year.
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.