Emer Currie
Ceist:261. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the total investment in bus services in Dublin from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51481/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBus Services
Ceisteanna (261)
Freagraí 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.
BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. A key part ofthe BusConnects Dublin Programme includes the construction of enhanced bus stops and shelters across Dublin to align with the redesigned network and Core Bus Corridors.
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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (262)
Emer Currie
Ceist:262. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of bus stops in Dublin currently and from 2016 to 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51482/25]
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.
As the Deputy may be aware, the BusConnects Dublin Programme includes the construction of enhanced bus stops and shelters across Dublin to align with the redesigned network and Core Bus Corridors.
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 (263)
Emer Currie
Ceist:263. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of bus stops with bus shelters on the Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland network currently and from 2016 to 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51483/25]
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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (264)
Emer Currie
Ceist:264. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of passenger journeys per year on the Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland routes in Dublin from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51484/25]
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 (265)
Emer Currie
Ceist:265. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the increase in passenger numbers on the new routes on the BusConnects stages that have been introduced compared to before their introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51485/25]
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.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (266)
Emer Currie
Ceist:266. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of passenger journeys per year, per route, on the commuter rail networks in the greater Dublin region from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51486/25]
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 query raised by the Deputy is a matter for Irish Rail. 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.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (267)
Emer Currie
Ceist:267. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of passenger journeys per year, per route, on the DART rail network in the greater Dublin region from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51487/25]
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 query raised by the Deputy is a matter for Irish Rail. 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.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (268)
Emer Currie
Ceist:268. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of passenger journeys per year, per route, on the Enterprise route to Belfast from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51488/25]
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 query raised by the Deputy is a matter for Irish Rail. 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.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (269)
Emer Currie
Ceist:269. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the investment per railway route, the current investment, and the investment per year from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51489/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport, including rail. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) in the first instance.
IÉ would have a detailed breakdown of the expenditure on specific projects and potentially across specific routes over the period 2016 to date.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a direct reply on the specific matter raised. 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 (270)
Emer Currie
Ceist:270. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of passenger journeys per year, per route, on the LUAS network from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51490/25]
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 query raised by the Deputy is a matter for Transdev. 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.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (271)
Emer Currie
Ceist:271. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the additional services on the DART network, per year from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51491/25]
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.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (272)
Emer Currie
Ceist:272. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the additional services on the Intercity rail routes, per year from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51492/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports. 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.
Cycling Facilities
Ceisteanna (273, 275)
Emer Currie
Ceist:273. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the spending from central Government on cycle lanes per year from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51493/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmer Currie
Ceist:275. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the increase in the kilometres of cycle lanes across Ireland per year from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51495/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 273 and 275 together.
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 delivery of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Greenways Provision
Ceisteanna (274)
Emer Currie
Ceist:274. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the spending from central Government on greenways from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51494/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to national and regional greenways. The planning, design and construction of the Greenways programme, is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII took this role over from the Department in late 2021.
The below table outlines the spending from central Government on Greenways from 2016 to date in 2025:
|
Capital Expenditure on Greenways |
Total |
|
2016 |
€2M |
|
2017 |
€5M |
|
2018 |
€3M |
|
2019 |
€10M |
|
2020 |
€8M |
|
2021 |
€28M |
|
2022 |
€42M |
|
2023 |
€50M |
|
2024 |
€70M |
|
2025 |
€21M |
Question No. 275 answered with Question No. 273.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (276)
Emer Currie
Ceist:276. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the plans for the €2 fare which was introduced as a cost-of-living measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51496/25]
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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
Under Budget 2025, funding was included for the continuation of popular public transport fare initiatives including the 90-minute fare, the Young Adult/Student Leap Card, and the discounted fares on PSO services, with further provision to extend child fares to include those ages 5-8 years of age which commenced on the 3rd of September this year.
As is the case with all such Budgetary measures, decisions relating to same are a matter for Government which operates within the available fiscal parameters and the medium-term fiscal plan.
I wish to assure you that both Government and the Department remain committed to improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while safeguarding the financial sustainability of the system in the long term.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (277)
Emer Currie
Ceist:277. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if consideration is being given to specific measures to support commuters residing in areas closer to city and town centres whose bus services are at capacity before reaching their locality at peak times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51497/25]
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.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (278)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:278. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend free fares for under nine year olds to private transport operators. [51563/25]
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 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). As you will be aware, following Government decision, Budget 2025 also included an extension of free travel to children aged five to eight years to State-subvented PSO services, with the application portal formally opening on 3rd of September 2025.
As is the case with all such Budgetary measures, decisions relating to same are a matter for Government which operates within the available fiscal parameters and the medium-term fiscal plan.
I wish to assure the Deputy that both Government and the Department remain committed to improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while safeguarding the financial sustainability of the system in the long term.
Greenways Provision
Ceisteanna (279)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:279. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the overall spending from central Government on greenways in Cork city and county per greenway since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51564/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to national and regional greenways. The planning, design and construction of the Greenways programme, is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII took this role over from the Department in late 2021.
The below table outlines the spending from central Government on Greenways in Cork City and County from 2016 to 2024. Information on payments made in 2025 are not readily available at this time.
|
Year |
Spend |
|
2016 |
0 |
|
2017 |
0 |
|
2018 |
0 |
|
2019 |
0 |
|
2020 |
€765,746 |
|
2021 |
€3,194,981 |
|
2022 |
€7,056,408 |
|
2023 |
€7,459,573 |
|
2024 |
€10,515,420 |
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (280)
Aidan Farrelly
Ceist:280. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport the amount requested, broken down by each local authority, from the safety improvement works grant and specific improvement grant, to include project detail and or name and or location in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025 [51593/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
On 14th February 2025 I announced an Exchequer investment of €713 million in our regional and local roads across the State which represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding this year. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
As regards the funding allocated to and drawn down by each local authority for regional and local roads from 2023 to 2025, details of the regional and local road allocations, and 2023 and 2024 payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library.