Written Answers Nos. 10-32
10. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the need to provide additional support for Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36672/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRussian aggression against Ukraine features prominently on the monthly agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council, where EU Foreign Ministers are regularly joined by Foreign Minister Sybiha of Ukraine to hear directly from him about the situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most pressing needs. This is an important forum for discussion with my EU counterparts on what more the EU can do to ensure Ukraine gets the support it urgently needs to defend itself and to deter future Russian aggression.
On 23 June, the Council’s discussion focused on coordinating a strong and united European response behind Ukraine, including by stepping up the EU’s political and military support for Ukraine. The Council took stock of ongoing efforts to ensure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and underlined the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression. An important long-term guarantee we can offer to Ukraine is membership of the European Union. The Ukrainian people have made clear their European choice and the Ukrainian government has demonstrated its commitment to the reform process. I continue to advocate at EU level for progress on Ukraine’s EU accession path.
Throughout the discussion, I emphasised the critical importance of the EU sending a strong and united message of support for Ukraine, and continuing to deliver on that support. I am committed to working with my EU partners in the period ahead to ensure Ukraine gets the support it needs to defend itself. This will remain a key focus of my engagements with my EU counterparts, both bilaterally and in Brussels.
11. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment how his Department is working to address the rising costs faced by householders on district heating systems. [36392/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA District Heating Steering Group Report (www.gov.ie/en/publication/3f132-district-heating-steering-group/) was published in 2023 and contains a suite of recommendations for the development of district heating in Ireland, including a recommendation that my Department bring forward proposals for legislation to provide a suitable regulatory and legal environment for the heat sector. The General Scheme of the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024, which is published on my Department's website (www.gov.ie/en/publication/3dd66-heat-networks-and-miscellaneous-provisions-bill-2024/), was drafted to give effect to the recommendations of the Steering Group and was approved by Government on 30 October 2024.
The Bill will seek to introduce a regulatory system for district heating that ensures consumer protection and facilitates the development of a vibrant district heating sector. The legislation has been designed to provide, inter alia, a legislative underpinning for the district heating sector, regulatory certainty for district heating project sponsors, safeguards for the State in terms of district heating network ownership, and protections for consumers.
The general scheme has been drafted with the intention of appointing the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) as the regulator for all heat networks, including district and communal heating. The general scheme sets out proposed functions for the regulator, including provisions in respect of consumer protection, competition, tariffs and charges. Officials in my Department are engaging with the CRU in this regard, and will continue to do so as the legislation is further developed and finalised.
The Programme for Government commits to enacting this legislation.
12. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there is a list of the number of district heating systems across Dublin. [36393/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDistrict heating is a proven technology that can play a key role in improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the heat sector. District heating schemes are generally of a larger scale, supplying heat to a range of buildings that can include public, commercial and/or residential buildings. Group heating schemes are smaller-scale operations typically involving single buildings, apartment complexes or residential housing estates.
Government policy recognises the contribution that efficient district heating can make to Ireland’s climate and energy goals. This is underpinned by the findings of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) 2022 National Heat Study which highlighted significant potential for heat in buildings to be supplied by district heating, particularly in cities and large towns, where demand is concentrated and heat sources are prevalent. The City of Dublin Energy Management Agency (Codema) also estimates that Dublin has enough renewable and waste heat sources in Dublin to heat over 1 million buildings.
To date, there is a single relatively large-scale scheme operational in Ireland, which was developed by South Dublin County Council (SDCC) in Tallaght, supported by the Climate Action Fund. The next phase of this project now being planned by SDCC.
Dublin City Council is also working to develop a large project that will use waste heat from the Dublin Waste to Energy facility in Poolbeg to heat public sector, commercial and residential buildings, initially in the adjacent area with plans to progressively expand into Dublin city. In addition, the Blanchardstown District Heating Project is now being actively progressed by Fingal County Council and Codema. This will seek to take waste heat from a data centre to supply low-carbon heat to public sector, business and residential customers.
My Department is aware of a strong pipeline of further district heating projects, including potential projects both within and outside Dublin. My Department and the District Heating Centre of Excellence in the SEAI are working with project sponsors to try to progress efficient district heating projects. Developing this initial core infrastructure by 2030 would reduce heat-related greenhouse gas emissions from connected buildings this decade. It would also enable many more citizens, businesses and public bodies to decarbonise their homes and buildings throughout the 2030s and beyond.
13. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the implementation of the national biomethane strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36642/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDelivery of the Government's target of up to 5.7 TWh of indigenous biomethane per annum by 2030 for use within our energy system will have multiple cross-sectoral benefits for Ireland’s economy, energy security and emissions profile. As such, development of the industry will require a coherent and collaborative approach to policy implementation across all sectors including energy, agriculture and enterprise.
The Biomethane Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy and delivery of the 25 key strategic actions to ensure the necessary infrastructure and supports are in place to support development of an indigenous biomethane industry of scale.
Chaired by my Department, with strong support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Group reports directly to the Heat and Built Environment Taskforce on on-going progress and is comprised of a number of focused sub-groups, namely Industry, Sustainability, Infrastructure and Economic Issues. The group meets quarterly and membership includes key Government Departments and Agencies, and industry representatives.
The group continues to engage with action owners and key stakeholders to monitor implementation and preparation of a yearly progress report on delivery to date is underway. It is expected this progress report will be finalised shortly with a view to publishing it on Gov.ie.
14. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 86 of 9 September 2024, if he will provide a copy of the findings of the mid-term Irish Farm Film Producers’ Group review, which his Department advised it was completing, which was initiated in November 2023 and was to be completed in the last quarter of 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36242/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe mid-term review of Irish Film Farm Plastics Group’s (IFFPG) operation under its current ministerial approval has been completed by my Department, and its conclusions have been communicated to IFFPG. My officials continue to work with the scheme on ensuring full compliance and successful delivery of the scheme's objectives.
I would be happy to arrange a briefing for the Deputy on the matter.
15. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide a report on the meeting of EU environment Ministers (council) held on 17 June 2025; to outline Ireland’s position on the agenda item: ‘the proposed ban on lead in ammunition and fishing tackle under the reach regulation - information from Czechia, Lithuania and Slovakia’; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36349/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis matter was dealt with as an 'AOB' item for information on an ongoing file at the recent meeting of Environment Council in Luxembourg. As an AOB item, it was not open for a broader discussion.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is leading Ireland's input on the proposal and I understand that as Ireland does not have a final position at this time, we have entered a scrutiny reservation on the text proposal.
16. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department would consider the creation of a dedicated app to highlight the locations of public bins across Dublin to reduce littering. [36436/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaste management planning, including with regard to infrastructure provision is the responsibility of local authorities under Part II of the Waste Management Act, 1996 (as amended). Under section 60(3) of that Act, the Minister is precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance, in specific cases, by a local authority of its statutory functions under the Act. As such, the provision of public bins and any associated awareness raising tools is a matter for each local authority within its functional area.
Under the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to litter pollution lies with local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement, and clean-up actions in relation to litter taking account of local circumstances and priorities.
My Department provides financial support to local authority efforts to tackle litter through the Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme. In 2024, €750,000 was provided under this Scheme and a similar amount is being made available in 2025.
Funding is also provided annually in support of a number of important anti-litter initiatives such as the National Spring Clean, Picker Pals, the PURE Project and Irish Business against Litter.
17. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department will review the existing legal and regulatory framework governing kerbside electric vehicle charging, with a view to enabling practical solutions for residents without driveways, such as regulated cable gully systems or footpath-accessible charging infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36545/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Question relates to the policy area of Private Wires. I have recently answered a number of Parliamentary Questions on the topic of Private Wires including Dáil Questions Numbers 24 of 10 April, 135 of 22 May, and 20 of 11 June. This matter was also the subject of debate in the House recently. The position is unchanged and it is my intention to bring a policy document on Private Wires to Cabinet shortly.
The Private Wires policy will, amongst other things, aim to unlock private sector resources to build new electricity infrastructure by expanding the rights of private undertakings to connect supply directly with demand. Once introduced, the policy will require primary legislation, along with increased powers and staffing for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, which this Government will move to implement as a priority.
18. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 229 of 24 June 2025, the full amount paid to the private security firm mentioned in his reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36320/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware from my previous reply on this matter, my Department has been working with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO) on this matter since October 2024. The CSSO is the principal provider of solicitor services to the Attorney General and government, providing advisory, litigation and transactional services to Government Departments and offices. The use of a private security contractor was necessary to assist with the implementation of an agreed legal process to address the issues with illegal encampments.
To date the amount which has been paid to the private security company is €10,490 excluding VAT.
19. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on his Department’s work in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration on the establishment of a national security authority. [36394/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is the policy lead on the development of the national security authority. Officials from my Department are proactively engaging with officials in that Department in relation the specific needs of the Defence organisation, Defence Industry and operators of critical infrastructure.
20. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on his Department’s work in conjunction with the Department of the Taoiseach, on the development of the national security analysis centre’s national security strategy statement. [36396/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland's Future, sets out a number of commitments relating to national security and defence, and work to give effect to these is well under way. The establishment of a Ministerial Council on National Security is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and it will function to enhance central co-ordination of the Department of the Taoiseach on strategic national security matters. The Council will ensure that at the highest level there is a structured, ongoing review of our strategic national security interests and systematised monitoring of progress with delivery on the Government’s commitments in this area, including the delivery of a National Security Strategy.
The preparation of a draft National Security Strategy, as set out in the Programme for Government, is ongoing by the Department of the Taoiseach, and will cover the range of national security issues that are being considered by the Ministerial Council. It will include the implications of more recent security, defence and international developments and their related impacts, including the implementation of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. The work will integrate inputs from a range of relevant stakeholders, including the Departments of Defence; Foreign Affairs; Justice; Environment, Climate and Communications as well as the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána and the National Cyber Security Centre. In this context, I expect that both the Department and the Defence Forces will contribute positively to the development of the national security strategy and the whole-of-Government response to defence and deterrence.
Work is also underway in my Department on the National Maritime Security Strategy.
21. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of times the Defence Forces has engaged in static guard and cash escorts for the Central Bank in each of the past four years. [36397/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAmong the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power, which in practice, means providing assistance to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
The Defence Forces publish the number of requests for Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP), including the number of Central Bank security guard escorts, on an annual basis. I am advised that the Defence Forces responded to in excess of 3,000 requests for ATCP in 2024.
The number of Central Bank security guard ATCP operations for the last 4 years is outlined in the table below:
|
Type of ATCP Operations |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Central Bank security guard (days) |
365 |
365 |
365 |
366 |
|
Central Bank Patrols Number |
1095 |
1095 |
1095 |
1094 |
22. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on the work of the Joint Task Force on Drug Interdiction. [36398/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Joint Task Force on Drug Interdiction was established as a Government measure to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs. It comprises members of Revenue's Customs Service, An Garda Síochána and the Naval Service, assisted by the Air Corps and the Army as required. The Defence Forces act in an Aid to the Civil Power capacity, upon request from Revenue and An Garda Síochána.
The Joint Task Force has proven to be a very successful model for disrupting the smuggling of drugs on the high seas into Ireland, and beyond. While a number of drug interdiction operations have received significant media attention, the Deputy will appreciate that for operational and security reasons it is not appropriate to comment on any specifics of the work of the Joint Task Force.
Overall responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking rests primarily with the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners, while responsibility for the prevention of crime rests primarily with An Garda Síochána.
23. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces continues to provide security on campus at any prisons across Ireland. [36399/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP), which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
The Commission on the Defence Forces, which was published on the 9 February 2022, included a recommendation “That an immediate focus be given to standing down a number of current Defence Forces’ ATCP taskings which no longer seem justified in the current security situation”. As part of the implementation of that recommendation, the supports that had historically been provided at Portlaoise Prison ceased, with effect from 30 September 2024.
24. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on the planned withdrawal of tasking the Defence Forces from the provision of static security at a premises (details supplied). [36400/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission on the Defence Forces, published on the 9 February 2022, included a recommendation “That an immediate focus be given to standing down a number of current Defence Forces’ ATCP taskings which no longer seem justified in the current security situation”. My Department with the Defence Forces continue to implement the recommendations contained in the Report, some of which relate to legacy security duties at various locations. Given the operational sensitivity on such matters, the Deputy will appreciate it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this juncture.
25. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an updated timeline for the full roll-out of contactless payment on Dublin Bus, and across the wider public transport network. [36258/25]
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 development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing project will provide for a transformative upgrade to the ticketing system for public transport passengers in Ireland. The project will facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, involving a next-generation 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating both mobile and card-based payments for passengers.
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.
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 working days.
26. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the publication of new guidelines on the implementation of lower speed limits in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36270/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Government’s road safety strategy 2021 to 2030 ‘Our Journey Towards Vision Zero’, includes the primary aim of reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads in half by 2030 and to achieve ‘Vision Zero’, zero deaths or serious injuries, by 2050. To help achieve this aim the strategy included an action for a working group to be established to review the framework for the setting of speed limits and to give specific consideration to the introduction of a 30km/h default speed limit in urban areas.
Accordingly, this working group was established, and it comprised representatives from the City & County Managers Association, the Road Safety Authority, an Garda Síochána, the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and the Department of Transport. Their work led to the publication of the ‘Speed Limit Review’ in 2023, which included a number of principal recommendations concerning speed limit reductions in the interest of improving road safety:
1. A reduction in the default speed limit on rural local roads from 80km/h to 60km/h.
2. The introduction of a 30km/h default speed limit in built-up and urban areas.
3. A reduction in the default speed limit on national secondary roads from 100km/h to 80km/h.
The first phase, the change in the default speed limit on rural local roads from 80km/h to 60km/h took effect nationally on the 7th February 2025. Speed surveys were carried out at approximately 100 locations before the speed limit change took effect and the intention is to resurvey traffic speeds at these locations in the coming months to determine if there has been any discernible change in traffic speeds. Before and after collision data will also be assessed for the purpose of determining if the speed limit change has had any impacts in this regard. This work is ongoing.
The second phase of the proposed speed limit changes concerns the introduction of a 30km/ h speed limit in urban areas. It is intended that this speed limit change will be introduced by way of ‘special speed limit bye-laws’, rather than a change in the ‘default speed limit’. Accordingly, in respect of those roads in urban areas where local authorities propose to change existing speed limits to 30km/h, it will be necessary for each local authority to undertake a statutory public consultation process and consider representations, in accordance with the requirements of the ‘Road Traffic Act 2004’, as amended. As the making of ‘special speed limit bye-laws’ is a reserved function, the speed limits on roads in urban areas will only be changed where a majority of the elected members vote to do so.
To assist local authorities with the process of setting ‘special speed limits’ in urban areas and the attendant bye-laws procedures, a working group is presently revising the ‘Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland’. Five regional workshops were held with local authorities during April 2025, for the purpose of highlighting the proposed revisions to the ‘Guidelines’, together with the procedures to be followed, and the criteria to be considered by local authorities, in respect of setting speed limits in urban areas. The workshops also provided an opportunity to gather feedback from local authorities on the proposed the ‘Guidelines’ for the purpose of improving the ‘Guidelines’.
It is expected that the ‘Guidelines’ will be finalised in Quarter 3, this year, and thereafter issue to the Minister. Subject to the Minister’s approval, it is envisaged that the updated ‘Guidelines’ will issue to local authorities with a direction to commence the process of reviewing existing speed limits in urban areas in their respective administrative areas, and to set appropriate speed limits in accordance with the Guidelines.
27. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority is currently undertaking a tender process for bike sharing schemes in cities across Ireland; when this process is expected to conclude; the estimated expenditure on professional fees for advisors supporting the NTA on this tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36325/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to sustainable mobility, including the provision of funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in support of public bike-sharing schemes in Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford.
Details related to the operation of these schemes, including any related tender processes , are a matter for the NTA. As such, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
28. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if the two core bus corridors scheduled for construction under BusConnects in quarter 3 or 4 of 2025 are proceeding as planned. [36416/25]
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 in relation to core bus corridors in Dublin.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this 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 working days.
29. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport to report on the work of his Department in the development of a national position on the revision of EU Regulation U261/2004. [36418/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegulation (EC) 261/2004 ("EU261") sets out common rules on compensation and assistance to air passengers in the event of denied boarding, cancellation or long delay of flights. While EU261 has provided important consumer protections to air passengers across the EU, there have been ongoing difficulties with the interpretation of the Regulation, with a large number of cases having been taken to the Court of Justice of the European Union in this regard.
Proposals for reform of EU261 have been on the table for over a decade and political agreement on the revision was reached at EU Transport Council on 5th June. The agreed text is a much needed and long overdue update.
Ireland’s priority in respect of this file has been to agree a text that gives greater certainty to passengers as regards their rights without imposing an undue burden on industry.
My Department's approach to this file has been informed by the research carried out by the EU Commission, which shows that the areas of highest priority for passengers in the event of disruption are: being provided with timely information on disruption; ensuring they are properly cared for while they wait to travel; and entitling them to re-routing or reimbursement, where appropriate. This position has also been informed through consultation with the Irish Aviation Authority, who are the designated National Enforcement Body for EU261 in Ireland, based on their experience of dealing with passengers and the airline industry on enforcement. Other stakeholders, including Irish airlines, have also been consulted.
The Polish Presidency of the EU, which concluded at the end of June, has identified over 30 new rights that will be created by this proposal. These are targeted primarily at the areas of highest priority to passengers including provision of information, care & assistance and reimbursement or rerouting.
The next step on the EU legislative process is that the text moves into trilogue negotiations between the EU Council, the Commission, and the European Parliament. This will begin in the second half of this year and the Danish Presidency will lead the Council’s negotiations with the Commission and Parliament.
I look forward to working with all sides to find a compromise that will deliver long-awaited reforms for the benefit of passengers and industry alike.
30. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport to report on the work of his Department in reviewing the National Aviation Policy 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36419/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has commenced preparatory work on reviewing the National Aviation Policy 2015 with a goal of developing a new Policy.
The review will update existing policy in response to developments in the aviation sector since 2015 and will also include a focus on regional airports development, in line with commitments made in the Programme for Government.
There was extensive stakeholder consultation during the development of the National Aviation Policy 2015. This consultation included the publishing of an issues paper for consultation, with the policy document also being published in draft for further consultation before finalisation. I would intend that consultation of a similar scope would be involved as part of the development of the new National Aviation Policy.
31. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport to report on his Department’s delivery of active travel and greenway programmes. [36420/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area. I also have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and in line with Section 32(2) of the Road Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
The allocation of €360 million in 2025 for Active Travel and Greenway infrastructure demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to expanding sustainable transport options.
Approximately 1,000km of walking and cycling infrastructure was delivered between 2020 and 2024. 8 bridges, 2,494 bike stands, 272 zebra crossings and 323 junction upgrades were delivered in 2024 alone. In addition, approximately 200km of walking and cycling infrastructure is expected to be delivered in 2025.
Significant ongoing projects include the South Kerry Greenway, the Grand Canal Greenway in Counties Dublin and Kildare, the Waterford Sustainable Transport Bridge, Broadmeadow Estuary Greenway and South Dublin County Councils Grand Canal to Lucan Urban Greenway.
My Department is also committed to funding programmes such as CycleRight, Bike Week, Green Schools and the Safe Routes to School Programme. Continued delivery of education initiatives and infrastructure under the active travel and greenway programmes are critical enablers in developing and promoting walking and cycling facilities which offer safe, sustainable and healthier transportation options to communities in cities, towns, villages, and rural areas.
32. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport to report on the delivery of the safe routes to school scheme. [36421/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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, 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 the Rounds to date will be selected for forthcoming rounds.
The NTA has published annual reports in respect of the programme since 2022 and those reports are available at www.nationaltransport.ie/publications/safe-routes-to-school-srts-annual-reports/
