Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:241. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for delivery of the Dunkettle interchange completion and the North Ring road; and if funding has been ringfenced in 2025. [51167/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad Projects
Ceisteanna (241)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of the Cork City Northern Transport Project (formally the Cork Northern Ring Road), and any developments in relation to the upgraded Dunkettle Interchange (which opened in February 2024). 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.
Taxi Regulations
Ceisteanna (242)
Mark Ward
Ceist:242. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport to outline the process and criteria for taxi drivers to apply for the WAV grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51185/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Taxi Regulations
Ceisteanna (243)
Mark Ward
Ceist:243. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the number of taxi drivers that applied for the WAV grant in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025; the number that were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51186/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the collection and publication of statistics regarding the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (244)
Grace Boland
Ceist:244. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the timelines for implementation of the Bus Connect plan for the Dublin Fingal west constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51187/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including the Fingal West constituency.
BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State. Central to BusConnects are network redesign, the construction of Core Bus Corridors (CBCs) and cycle lanes, transition to a zero emissions electric bus fleet, implementing a state-of-the-art ticketing system and a simpler fare structure, new bus stops and shelters, and a new bus livery.
As you may be aware, the NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Dublin. An Coimisiún Pleanála has provided planning approval for all 12 Core Bus Corridors in Dublin, and the first - the Liffey Valley to City Centre Scheme - is due to enter construction this year. The Swords to City Centre CBC will be the closest of the Core Bus Corridors to the Fingal West area.
Network redesign is another core aspect of the BusConnects programme. This is be completed in a phase-approach. Currently, six of 11 phases have been rolled out, with further proposed routes due, subject to operational readiness and funding, which will benefit the Fingal West area. This includes the new local route L85 from Dublin Airport to Balbriggan.
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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (245, 247, 248)
Grace Boland
Ceist:245. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the service report for 2023, 2024 and 2025 for the bus routes 33/33x and 33a, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51188/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGrace Boland
Ceist:247. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm Dublin Bus have taken into consideration the NTA's recommendation to improve the capacity of the 33 bus route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51190/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGrace Boland
Ceist:248. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if the schedule fix planned by Dublin Bus for the number 33 bus route will be implemented in October 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51191/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 245, 247 and 248 together.
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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Dublin Bus. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. 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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (246)
Grace Boland
Ceist:246. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will ask the NTA to consider putting triaxle buses back on the 33x route to meet demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51189/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 247 answered with Question No. 245.
Question No. 248 answered with Question No. 245.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (249, 250)
Tom Brabazon
Ceist:249. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding initiating driving licence agreements with US states. [51252/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTom Brabazon
Ceist:250. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider a streamlined process to allow holders of US driving licences to obtain an Irish driving license. [51253/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 250 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law - the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The standards for testing drivers are set at EU level and, accordingly, EU driving licences are recognised and exchangeable when a person moves from one Member State to another.
Ireland may make bilateral driving licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. This is a technical process. Reaching agreement is not a matter of political will and the core principle is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users. Agreements may be made only when the authorities in each jurisdiction have compared the licensing regimes and are satisfied that they are compatible. For Ireland, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority.
The Programme for Government 2025 has a commitment to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with Australia and with seven of the ten Canadian provinces. Ireland does not have an agreement with the USA.
In order to meet the Programme for Government commitment, my Department has directed the RSA to examine licence and testing regimes in selected US states. In this regard, my Department, alongside the Department of Foreign Affairs has written to the Governor of New York State to request that a formal review of both the Irish and New York licensing and testing systems take place, with a view to evaluating whether a bilateral driving licence agreement is feasible.
Question No. 250 answered with Question No. 249.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (251)
Donna McGettigan
Ceist:251. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve the N68 in County Clare to make it fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51264/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the N68.
Noting the above position, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (252)
John Connolly
Ceist:252. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport whether the funding will be provided in 2025 to include a further bundle of schools in the safe routes to school scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51331/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. Schools are processed in tranches with three rounds having been announced to date. 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 opening three rounds will be selected for forthcoming rounds. Round 4 of the SRTS Programme is expected to be announced later this year.
Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (253)
John Connolly
Ceist:253. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the implementation of the proposed new bus network for Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51332/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities, including Galway. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The NTA published its final new bus network for Galway in December 2023. The redesign of the bus network is one of the key elements of BusConnects Galway that aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.
In 2023, the NTA carried out an extensive review of the bus network in Galway, in collaboration with Galway City Council, Galway County Council, local bus operators, and with the specialised expertise of transport designers Jarrett Walker and Associates. In April 2023, a draft new network was published, and the feedback and submissions received have informed the final new bus network published in December.
The new bus network will enable more people to avail of public transport, resulting in increased access to a greater number of schools and workplaces across Galway City, Bearna, and Oranmore. Once this network is implemented, circa 67% of residents will live within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route (running every 15 minutes or better).
The NTA plans to commence the implementation of the new Galway bus network in the coming years, subject to funding and operational readiness. As part of BusConnects, the NTA is also advancing work on the Sustainable Transport Corridor, the Cross-City Link, which will improve travel times on the bus network and improve connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Other parts of the BusConnects programme, such as simpler fares, will be delivered with the new bus network.
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 with 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (254)
Aidan Farrelly
Ceist:254. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport the amount expended on cloud storage solutions in the past five years and to date in 2025; and if he will provide the data storage supplier, in tabular form. [51373/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department uses cloud storage for a small number of solutions ranging from Data and Analytics to backup of our SharePoint Online instance in M365 backup. SharePoint online and OneDrive use cloud storage, however the cost of these is included in our overall Microsoft E3 licence.
The table below details those cloud storage solutions and associated costs over the last 5 years. The costs are annual and paid upfront for the year.
|
Platform |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Azure Data and Analytics |
|
|
|
|
€59,000 |
|
Azure Other |
€4,000 |
€4,000 |
€4,000 |
€4,000 |
€4,000 |
|
M365 Backup |
|
|
|
€931 |
€931 |
|
Total |
€4,000 |
€4,000 |
€4,000 |
€4,931 |
€63,931 |
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (255)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:255. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to amend the local link 391 bus service, Thurles to Limerick, to serve the village of Kilcommon, as it currently bypasses stopping in the village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51399/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in County Tipperary. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to increase 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 Connecting Ireland.
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 for TFI Local Link services, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (256)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:256. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport for the passenger numbers using the improved and now hourly-frequency rail service between Belfast and Dublin, month on month, hour by hour, from January 2024 to date in 2025, following the €12.5 million funding allocated from the Shared Island Fund in February 2024; to consider running the service later to support the cultural, economic and nighttime economy of both cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51441/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Irish Rail.
In light of their responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to both the NTA and Irish Rail for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (257)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:257. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a bus timetable can be reviewed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51459/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (258)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:258. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport when fixed bus stops will be installed on the N51 road between Navan and Slane, specifically, at the stretch of road passing the Graigs Lane and Dunmoe Castle. [51460/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including 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.
Question No. 259 answered with Question No. 238.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (260)
Emer Currie
Ceist:260. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the new investment in each bus route in Dublin from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51480/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus routes in Dublin.
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.