Written Answers Nos. 200-214
200. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the work his Department is undertaking to address the dangers associated with the use of e-scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50956/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that legislation for e-scooters, the Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024 (SI 199 of 2024) (www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/199/made/en/print), came into force in May 2024.
A legislative framework to provide for the safety of vulnerable road users is a vital part of the Government's approach to road safety. These Regulations (www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/199/made/en/print) provide for technical standards and conditions for safe e-scooter use. E-scooters used on public roads must:
• have a maximum continuous rated power output of 400 watts or less
• have a maximum net weight of 25 kilograms (including batteries)
• have a maximum design speed of 20 kilometres per hour or less
• have wheels with a minimum diameter of 200 millimetres
• be fitted with front and rear lights and reflectors, brakes and a bell
• be fitted with a manufacturer’s plate certifying the power output, weight and design speed
• not have a seat
• not carry more than one person
• not be used for the carriage of goods
E-scooters which do not comply with these requirements are not legal to use on public roads.
As for bicycles, e-scooter users are required to obey the rules of the road. In addition, the minimum age to use an e-scooter on a public road is sixteen.
Wearing of helmets and protective/hi-vis gear while operating e-scooters and e-bikes on public roads, in line with bicycles, is not mandatory. However, the use of such safety equipment is strongly encouraged by both the Department of Transport and the Road Safety Authority, the agency responsible for public road safety education and awareness.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) have launched an educational campaign to inform the public of the e-scooter regulations and of safe e-scooter use on Irish roads: www.rsa.ie/road-safety/campaigns/e-scooters.
Enforcement of road traffic legislation, including these Regulations, is a matter for An Garda Siochana.
All usage requirements for e-scooters may be found on www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/5e95b-e-bikes-e-mopeds-and-e-scooters/.
201. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the installation of traffic light cameras in Cork; to outline the Department’s decision making process as to what areas are prioritised; the timeline for completion of all phases of the introduction of such cameras; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50971/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTraffic management in Cork city is a matter for Cork City Council in the first instance. Although I am aware of calls for red light cameras by elected representatives from Cork earlier this year, neither I nor my officials have been involved in any discussions or decision-making processes in this area. I understand that the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council are currently working together on the introduction of a small number of red light camera locations within Dublin, and this may serve as a template for expanded use of such cameras in urban areas across the country in the future.
With regard to safety cameras more generally, the Programme for Government commits to further expansion of cameras to encourage safer driving. This commitment is reaffirmed by Primary Action 6 of the Phase 2 Action Plan of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy to 2030, which was published on 16 July.
This rollout will be guided by the National Safety Camera Strategy, the development of which is being led by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, in partnership with key road safety agencies and departments.
The Strategy is focused on speeding, red light running and bus lane violations in the first instance but has been designed to accommodate other offences over time. Work on the Strategy is at an advanced stage and it is expected to be completed shortly. It is important to note that finalisation of the Strategy has not prevented the rollout of additional cameras in the short-term, with three new average speed camera zones and nine fixed camera locations added since late 2024. A static speed camera on the N22 Cork commenced operation on 2 May 2025.
Finally, there are also 58 GoSafe mobile safety cameras operational at 1,500 locations across the country.
202. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for bringing forward draft legislation to give effect to lifting the passenger cap at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50972/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to working with stakeholders to achieve the objective of lifting the passenger cap at Dublin airport as soon as possible.
I intend to bring a Memorandum to Government shortly on the policy decision to pursue a legislative course of action and to seek approval for the development of a general scheme and associated heads of Bill.
The challenge facing Dublin Airport is not solely in relation to lifting the cap on passengers. In order to facilitate growth at the airport, planning permission is required to develop infrastructure capacity. In this regard, daa must continue to work to progress its planning application which seeks to lift the passenger cap to 40m passengers per annum and permission to build infrastructure including new piers and stands to facilitate this growth.
203. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the development of the new National Aviation Policy/Strategy; the means by which it will address connectivity, sustainability, and regional balance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50974/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2015 National Aviation Policy (‘NAP’) established a policy framework for the development of the aviation sector in Ireland. It was designed to create an environment that encouraged the sector to enhance Ireland's connectivity, to foster the growth of aviation enterprise and maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development.
While the principal goals of the 2015 NAP remain valid, and it continues to guide decision-making, my Department has commenced preparatory work on revising the NAP, with a view to publication in 2026.
The revised NAP will update existing policy in response to developments in the aviation sector since 2015 and will include a focus on maximising use of our regional airports, in line with commitments made in the Programme for Government.
As was the case in the development the 2015 NAP it is intended to undertake extensive stakeholder consultation as part of the process of revising the NAP.
204. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on Government support for the development of Waterford Regional Airport, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to ensure the airport's future viability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50975/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to working with all stakeholders to quickly progress Waterford Airport’s project to lengthen and widen the runway, building on the previous Government decision of 2019.
In line with this commitment, and the requirements under the Infrastructure Guidelines, Waterford Airport has been invited to submit a Preliminary Business Case for this development proposal. This was discussed in detail when I met with Government colleagues, Minister Butler and Minister Cummins and the CEO of Waterford City and County Council on 2 July last.
I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department will work with the airport in its development of the business case and any such case will be assessed as a matter of priority when received by my Department.
205. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the level of investment planned in the Local Link network for 2026, the means by which this will support the expansion of rural bus services under the Connecting Ireland Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50976/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in rural Ireland. 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 such measures, further expansion will be considered in the upcoming Annual 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 TFI Local Link network, 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.
206. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the means by which he will ensure that Local Link services are expanded to guarantee equitable access to public transport for rural communities, particularly in counties such as Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50977/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in County Tipperary, 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 public transport services would be subject to the annual 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 Tipperary, 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.
207. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline plans to integrate Local Link services more closely with Bus Éireann and rail services under the Connecting Ireland programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50978/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in rural Ireland. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continue the roll-out of Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and to increasing Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns and cities.
The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility plan has been a huge success, with over 170 new or enhanced services introduced since 2022. This means that over 240 towns and villages have been connected to the public transport network, providing connections to 61 Healthcare facilities, 41 Higher education facilities, and 71 rail services.
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.
In light of the NTA responsibilities, 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.
208. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide multi-annual funding certainty for Local Link services, so that rural operators can plan and expand routes with confidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50979/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in rural Ireland. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continue the roll-out of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and to increasing Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns and cities. Funding for the Rural Transport Programme has increased significantly in recent years from €16 million in 2022 to over €25 million in 2025.
My Department supports the expansion of Local Link in line with the recent commitment in the Programme for Government to expand these services. As with all such measures, an increase on funding for all public transport services (incl Local Link) will be considered in the upcoming Budget 2026 discussions, which is an annual process.
209. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to expedite the opening of the first completed section of the South Kerry Greenway; to ensure that it is opened in Q4 2025 as previously stated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51004/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. There has been a significant amount of investment for Greenway schemes in County Kerry with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025.
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.
210. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport for a progress report regarding the Tralee to Listowel Greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51033/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. There has a significant amount of investment for Greenway schemes in County Kerry with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025, of which €400,000 has been allocated to the Tralee to Listowel Greenway.
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.
211. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to expedite the Tralee to Listowel Greenway; to provide landowners and farmers with all necessary accommodation works and compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51034/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. There has a significant amount of investment for Greenway schemes in County Kerry with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025, of which €400,000 has been allocated to the Tralee to Listowel Greenway.
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.
The Code of Practice for National and Regional Greenways includes information on the acquisition of private lands for developing Greenways. The Code acknowledges the important role of farmers and landowners in the process. It outlines the procedures to ensure that they are treated fairly and equitably. TII are tasked with maintaining the Code.
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.
212. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to consider connecting Ardfert to the Tralee to Listowel Greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51035/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
In relation to funding, a significant amount of investment for Greenway and National Roads Active Travel schemes has been provided to Kerry County Council in 2025 with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025 alone; €400,000 of which was allocated to the Tralee to Listowel Greenway project.
In relation to new greenway proposals, it would be for the relevant local authority to conduct an initial assessment on the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII for funding consideration. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications.
Noting their responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
213. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to consider connecting Tarbert with the Tralee to Listowel Greenway in view of the fact that when completed this will be a significant boost to businesses and jobs throughout North Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51036/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
In relation to funding, a significant amount of investment for Greenway and National Roads Active Travel schemes has been provided to Kerry County Council in 2025 with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025 alone; €400,000 of which was allocated to the Tralee to Listowel Greenway project.
In relation to new greenway proposals, it would be for the relevant local authority to conduct an initial assessment on the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII for funding consideration. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications.
Noting their responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
214. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to consider connecting Greenways to all schools adjacent to Greenways throughout the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51037/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
In relation to the proposal to provide for walking and cycling infrastructure connections between schools located adjacent to Greenways in County Kerry, this would be a matter for Kerry County Council in relation to conduct an initial assessment on the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII or the National Transport Authority for funding consideration. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications received by these agencies.
