Wednesday, 25 Jun 2025

Written Answers Nos. 21-40

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Air Corps

Ceisteanna (21)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

21. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if consideration is being given to the acquisition or long-term leasing of a dedicated strategic or tactical airlift capability for the Defence Forces, either independently or in partnership with other EU member states; if such consideration includes the C-130 Hercules or the Airbus A400M, or participation in multinational initiatives such as the European Air Transport Command (EATC) or Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34711/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

Strategic airlift capability has been prioritised as a capability for investment following Government approval of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF) Report as part of the present move to Level Of Ambition (LOA) 2 capability as defined within the CODF Report and subsequent Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) of the CODF Report.

A contract was awarded in December 2022 to Airbus at a cost of €59 million, excluding VAT, for the provision of a new fixed wing Military Transport Aircraft for the Defence Forces. The aircraft is currently being manufactured in Spain and delivery is expected in September 2025.

The Airbus C-295M military transport variant aircraft is highly versatile and will provide a dedicated asset to support Defence Forces' military airlift transport requirements as well as provide a wide contingent capability. The aircraft will enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role.

There is a ‘pooling and sharing’ option through the European multinational initiative known as the European Air Transport Command (EATC). In order to avail of this airlift exchange programme Ireland must contribute a logistical airframe capable of providing common airlift/ freighter flight hours. The forthcoming delivery of the C-295M military transport aircraft would allow Ireland to access this ‘pooling and sharing’ option and utilise hours on larger strategic heavy-lift aircraft in exchange for Ireland contributing to the shared pool by offering partner nations hours on the C-295M military transport aircraft.

Consideration is being given to Ireland joining this initiative, which would provide the State with access to larger strategic airlift platforms should the need arise, and ameliorate the need for the State to purchase a dedicated heavy-lift aircraft, giving the Defence Forces robust access to strategic airlift capabilities when required, but without the associated costs of ownership and operation.

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (22)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

22. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport whether a person (details supplied) can be granted a driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34559/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Bus Éireann

Ceisteanna (23)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

23. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the concerns of commuters using Bus Éireann services on the Cavan-Dublin route in relation to the excessive increase in fares effective from 16 June 2025; if he will ensure that these fares are reviewed and reduced by the National Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34578/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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. 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, and following this, the NTA commenced a phased roll-out of revised fare zones and structures. Phase 1 of this Fares Determination was implemented in June 2024.

As the Deputy may be aware, the second part of this Determination is currently 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. Phase 2B commenced from Monday 16 June 2025 for revised Dublin commuter bus fares and aligns with the new zone structure and the National Fare Strategy.

This implementation has seen the roll-out of the new ‘Dublin City’ fare zone and three new ‘Dublin Commuter’ fare zones. The new zones and revised fares will deliver more consistent and equitable fares and reduce the disparities which currently exist for some passengers, particularly in the outer commuter towns surrounding Dublin.

The fare changes have therefore seen increases for some passengers and decreases for others. It is the NTA’s intention to roll out further changes in future determinations during 2025, designed to deliver a fairer approach that is easier for customers to understand.

My Department supports these measures in line with the recent commitment in the Programme for Government 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 advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (24)

Natasha Newsome Drennan

Ceist:

24. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated to date for each phase of the Waterford to Glenmore road scheme; the amount of funding drawn down to date; and the amount of funding not drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34588/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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.

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the funding that has been allocated and drawn down to date for each phase of the N25 Waterford to Glenmore road scheme.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (25)

Natasha Newsome Drennan

Ceist:

25. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated to date for each phase of the Kilkenny northern ring road extension; the amount of funding drawn down to date; the amount of funding not drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34589/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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 line with Government requirements Kilkenny County Council produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension and a draft was forwarded to the Department in January 2023. The Department reviewed the SAR and returned its comments and observations to Kilkenny County Council for consideration.

Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department continues to liaise 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.

In 2024, the Department provided funding for an updated POD, which has been submitted to the Department by Kilkenny County Council, and while this process was underway funding was also allocated for Traffic/Junction Analysis in the Butts Green area of the City to further assess and understand traffic patterns in the city.

Following a review of the POD by the Department, €200,000 has been allocated to the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project (formerly Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension Project) in 2025 to allow Kilkenny County Council to progress the project to the Options Stage.

As regards the funding allocated to and drawn down for the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project, details of the regional and local road allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library.

Greenways Provision

Ceisteanna (26)

James O'Connor

Ceist:

26. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will update the status of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34607/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. There has a significant amount of investment in the Midleton to Youghal Greenway to date by my Department with an investment in excess of €20,000,000.

In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Investment in Greenway and National Roads Active Travel projects is also subject to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Parking Provision

Ceisteanna (27)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

27. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 277 of 4 March 2025, the reason the response has not been received; if the response will be sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34646/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including together with Iarnród Éireann, car parking at Kildare town train station.

Given the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I referred Parliamentary Question 277 of 4 March 2025 to the NTA for a direct reply. I apologise that a reply has not yet issued.

Primary Medical Certificates

Ceisteanna (28)

Martin Daly

Ceist:

28. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for the implementation of the revised primary medical certificate grant scheme, as outlined by a sub-group under the Department of the Taoiseach, which has recommended a new grant-based model to be developed and led by his Department. [34710/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Following a review of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (DDS) Scheme, as part of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy review of Government-funded transport and mobility supports for those with a disability, it was recommended that the DDS should be replaced with a modern vehicular adaptation scheme, in line with international practice.

On foot of this recommendation, the Department of Transport is developing a new grant-based scheme. The Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS) will provide needs-based support for vehicle adaptations, to improve the ability of those with a physical disability to travel via a personal means of transport.

The VAS will be a reimbursement scheme, assisting with the additional cost of adapting a vehicle. The intention is that scheme will be open to drivers and passengers who have a clinically assessed need for vehicle adaptations to enable them to enter or exit a vehicle or to operate a vehicle. As eligibility will be based on a clinical assessment, a primary medical certificate will not be required for the VAS.

My officials have just begun development of the scheme and are in the initial stages of process-mapping. Accordingly, and as primary legislation will be required to underpin the scheme, it is not possible to provide a definitive timeline for its introduction. However, at this point my Department is working towards a provisional commencement date of 1 January 2027.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (29)

Naoise Ó Muirí

Ceist:

29. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered extending the young adult Leap card to those aged 26-30; the cost of extending this scheme by each additional year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34768/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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. 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.

The Department of Transport secured €658.442 million in Budget 2025 for funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This includes funding for the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the Young Adult Card on both PSO and commercial bus services, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025.

Budget 2025 also included the measure to extend free child fares on PSO services to children aged 5 to 8 years old.

Therefore, funding for public transport services is focussed on existing fare initiatives and service improvements such as BusConnects in the five cities, expanding town services in the larger towns, and rolling out Connecting Ireland in rural Ireland, in order to enhance factors such as frequency, accessibility and reliability in attracting and retaining users.

Furthermore, the NTA has recently introduced a new, distance-based, zonal fare structure in the Greater Dublin Area. This move, aims to makes fares equitable, more consistent, and easier to understand, with significant reductions for many commuting from outer areas, aligning prices more closely with distance travelled.

Under the Programme for Government, our commitments include the roll-out of contactless payments, keeping fares affordable, and examining the further expansion of free public transport for children.

I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to delivering an accessible, reliable and affordable public transport system for all our citizens, including young people.

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.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (30)

John Connolly

Ceist:

30. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport to confirm the intention of the National Transport Authority to licence and seek an operator of the 414 service between Galway and Bearna described as an existing route in the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34775/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in County Galway. 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 roll-out of new and enhanced services, including in County Galway, 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.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (31)

John Connolly

Ceist:

31. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport whether it is the intention of his Department to review the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34776/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I think the Deputy will agree with me when I say that the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan has been a huge success, with over 150 new or enhanced services introduced since 2022. This means that over 240 towns and villages have been connected to the public transport network, and approximately 600,000 people have access to new and enhanced bus services.

61 new connections have been provided to healthcare facilities, 41 new connections to higher education facilities and 71 of the new and enhanced services provide connections with existing rail services. A total of 5.8 million passenger journeys were carried on Connecting Ireland services in 2024.

There has been considerable investment in services throughout the country under Connecting Ireland, including in County Galway, with the commencement of the new Route 439 between Galway and Loughrea, and the enhanced Route 934 from Gort to Loughrea, which now operates three daily return services Monday to Friday serving Peterswell, Castleday and Kilchreest.

2025 is the fourth year of the five-year Connecting Ireland plan and more new and enhanced bus services are planned throughout rural Ireland for 2025. However, I must add that all future funding for public transport expansion will be considered through the Annual Estimates process.

The NTA also publish implementation reviews of each phase of Connecting Ireland. The reviews of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Connecting Ireland are available on the NTA website, and the review of Phase 3 will be published shortly. The NTA also publish quarterly bulletins with the bulletin for Q4 of 2024 now available on the NTA website.

This Government's dedication to enhancing public transport is evident in the major investment made across services and infrastructure in recent years. I strongly believe that expanding the network and increasing service levels nationwide will improve regional balance and strengthen connectivity for all users.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (32)

John Clendennen

Ceist:

32. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport when Tullamore might receive a bus service akin to that recently established in the town of Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34785/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in County Offaly, which I am reinforcing through my introductory interactions with Local Link offices nationwide, including in Co. Offaly. 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 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 new 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 roll-out of new and enhanced services, including in County Offaly, 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.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (33)

John Clendennen

Ceist:

33. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport if the safer routes to schools programme will be opened for new applications, if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34787/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions. This should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school.

Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 170 schools were notified on 21st June 2021 that they were selected for inclusion in the first round of the SRTS Programme, a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2. Round 3 of the programme was announced in November 2024 which saw a further 141 schools enter the programme, including 67 schools located on high-speed rural routes. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in Rounds 1, 2 or 3 will be selected for forthcoming rounds.

Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently. Some schools outside the SRTS Programme are included in wider Active Travel projects if they are in the vicinity of these works. I would therefore recommend that any school not currently registered with the SRTS Programme to contact their local authority in relation to potential funding in this area.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (34)

John Clendennen

Ceist:

34. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport to outline how schools might benefit from the active travel funding in the absence of access to the safer routes to schools programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34788/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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.

The provision of safe and connected walking and cycling infrastructure is at the forefront of my department’s priorities, and funding for Active Travel infrastructure for schools is not confined to the Safe Routes to Schools Programme alone. It is important to note that all Active Travel funding looks to improve links to schools where possible.

Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently. However, some schools outside the SRTS Programme are included in wider Active Travel projects if they are in the vicinity of these works.

Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer in relation. 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.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (35)

John Clendennen

Ceist:

35. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport of those schools that expressed an interest in the safer routes to school programme when it was introduced in 2021, the number that are yet to receive funding through the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34789/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.

These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.

Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 167 schools form Round 1 of the SRTS Programme while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme was launched in November 2024 with a further 141 schools entering the programme. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the Rounds to date will be selected for forthcoming rounds.

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.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (36)

John Clendennen

Ceist:

36. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport for the breakdown of schools that have benefited from the safer routes to schools programme since its inception in 2021, by round of funding allocated and by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34790/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.

These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.

Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 167 schools form Round 1 of the SRTS Programme while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme was launched in November 2024 with a further 141 schools entering the programme. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the Rounds to date will be selected for forthcoming rounds.

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.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (37)

John Clendennen

Ceist:

37. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the number of the schools active in the safer routes to school programme that have benefited from the reduced speed limit on rural roads introduced in February 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34791/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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.

The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.

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 (38)

John Clendennen

Ceist:

38. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport when a bus stop will be provided for a village (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34792/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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 stops/shelters nationally.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (39)

Robert O'Donoghue

Ceist:

39. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if toilets will be provided on the new DART+ North trains being procured as part of the DART+ programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34802/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.

The first of the new DART rolling stock carriages, ordered under the DART+ Fleet project, have started arriving, for testing and commissioning before deployment. The first batch of battery-electric train carriages are expected to enter service on the Dublin to Drogheda line, in 2026. In advance of the roll-out of overhead electrified wires under DART+ Coastal North, battery-electric charging infrastructure is being developed at Drogheda station. This will allow the DART trains to operate on battery power between Malahide and Drogheda.

There are no toilets fitted to these vehicles, in line with the existing DART fleet. The interiors are designed to provide for additional passenger capacity. This also improves train accessibility for those with mobility impairments.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (40)

Sinéad Gibney

Ceist:

40. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Transport the action his Department is taking to provide more bus shelters at bus stops particularly exposed to harsh weather or on large roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34938/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

• Written Answers Nos. 1-20
• Written Answers Nos. 41-60