Tony McCormack
Ceist:301. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Transport to set out his policy on improving public transport in rural areas; and if he will outline any planned investments or service expansions. [37624/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Transport
Ceisteanna (301)
Freagraí scríofa
As 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 continuing the roll-out of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, and the continued investment in new town bus services.
Under Budget 2025, the Department has secured a funding package of €658.442 million for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This package includes funding for the continuation of the various fare initiatives, such as the Young Adult Card, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025. Funding has also been provided to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5 to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out of new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and new town services. As is the case with all such measures, these services will form part of the ongoing budgetary discussions for 2026.
I think the Deputy will agree with me when I say that the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan has been a huge success, with over 175 new or enhanced services introduced since 2022. This means that over 240 towns and villages have been connected to the public transport network, and approximately 600,000 people have access to new and enhanced bus services.
61 new connections have been provided to healthcare facilities, 41 new connections to higher education facilities and 71 of the new and enhanced services provide connections with existing rail services. Almost 8 million passenger journeys were carried on Connecting Ireland services in 2024.
There has been considerable investment in services throughout the country under Connecting Ireland, including in County Offaly, with the commencement of the new Route 815 between Athlone and Tullamore, which now operates five daily return services Monday to Sunday with an additional late evening service operating from Thursday to Sunday, with improved connectivity to both Tullamore and Athlone Train Stations, as well as Athlone TUS, Tullamore Hospital and other regional bus services along its route.
2025 is the fourth year of the five-year Connecting Ireland plan and more new and enhanced bus services are planned throughout rural Ireland for 2025 and 2026. As with all such measures, an increase in funding for all public transport services, including for rural transport, will be considered in the upcoming Budget 2026 discussions, which is an annual process.
The rollout of the current phase of the Towns Bus Programme for new towns is expected to conclude in late 2026. As part of this phase, new town services have been launched in Carlow and Portlaoise, with Mullingar, Ennis and Letterkenny town bus services due to launch during 2025 and 2026, subject to final confirmation of funding availability during the upcoming Budget 2026 discussions.
Finally, a new Smart Demand Responsive Transport (SDRT) pilot scheme commenced in Achill in July 2025 and in Killarney Town in August 2025, with a further location to be announced by the end of this year.
This Government's dedication to enhancing public transport is evident in the major investment made across services and infrastructure in recent years. I strongly believe that expanding the network and increasing service levels nationwide will improve regional balance and strengthen connectivity for all users.
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 TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport service expansions in rural areas, 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.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (302)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:302. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to the proposal to provide a grant scheme to support the provision of electric vehicle charging stations at hotels, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses to encourage their use and relieve pressure on public charger stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49141/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are working together to accelerate the delivery of EV charging infrastructure across Ireland's National Road Network by incentivising private sector involvement.
The objective is to support the roll out of EV recharging infrastructure at regular intervals across relevant parts of the road network.
Phase 3 of the ZEVI TII EV Recharging Infrastructure LDV National Road Grant Scheme was launched February 2025 and scheme results will be published when the evaluation process concludes.
It will target publicly accessible facilities within 3km driving distance of the Scheme roads and was open to hotels and other publicly accessible sites.
This third grant scheme follows on from Phase 1 which focused on motorways and Phase 2, focusing on national single carriageway roads. Both these schemes were also open to hotels and other publicly accessible sites.
A range of new charging schemes are also being developed which will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging, including a Shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which will install up to 200 fast chargers in sports clubs on the island of Ireland, and Local Authority pilot schemes, funding the roll out of EV charging in Local Authorities who have already developed local EV network plans, while supporting the development of local EV Network plans in other areas.
Local Authority EV Network plans will include plans for destination charging at locations around Local Authority areas, and hotels and B&Bs may also be eligible for this funding.
Other incentives from Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland include a Home Charger Grant Scheme. The grant is open to homeowners to apply for a grant, whether they own an electric vehicle or not. This charge point can also be used for visitor use or at rented accommodation.
EV incentives and grants are reviewed regularly to ensure that they are delivering value for money and supporting delivery of EV targets, and the Government will consider any reasonable initiative which may increase EV uptake or the availability of EV charging.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (303)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:303. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to expedite major improvement works to the main road in and out of Dingle and West Kerry, the N86, a critical national secondary road that is in a shocking condition [50222/25]
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 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €1,250,000 has been allocated for the N86 Tralee to An Daingean scheme in 2025. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2026 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
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.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (304)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:304. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to expedite the delivery of a new roadway and footpaths through Cahersiveen town on the N70 Ring of Kerry road. [50223/25]
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.
It is important to note that investment in the N70 Ring of Kerry road is taking place. Improvement works at Creamery Cross and between Waterville and Ballybrack are at the design stage and have been allocated funding this year. In addition, pavement improvement works have been carried out recently between Creamery Cross and Kenneigh.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the N70 in Cahersiveen. 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.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (305)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:305. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will review with TII Ireland the case for a road development (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51912/25]
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 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
It is important to point out that it is for the local authority, in the first instance, to engage with TII regarding the progression of any proposed national road project. All projects, including those listed in the NDP or any revision to the NDP, require statutory approval and compliance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the development of 2+1 road projects in Kerry. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
National Transport Authority
Ceisteanna (306)
Grace Boland
Ceist:306. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will instruct the National Transport Authority to increase capacity on the 9:00 am four-carriage commuter service from Drogheda to Connolly Station, in view of the sustained and growing passenger demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51993/25]
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 an operational 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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (307)
Grace Boland
Ceist:307. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of the exact methodology that was used to assess the appropriateness of the Bus Connects proposal in relation to the removal of bus route 33; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51999/25]
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 services.
As the Deputy may be aware, 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, and is managed by the NTA.
In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of BusConnects comprises Core Bus Corridor Schemes. New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered as part of BusConnects, with the first six phases of the BusConnects Network Redesign having rolled out since 2021.
Routes 33 and 33x will be replaced by new routes L85 and X76 as part of the new BusConnects Dublin network redesign. This was devised after three rounds of public consultation in the 2018-2020 period. The NTA worked closely with members of the public, local authorities, bus operators and other stakeholders during the network redesign development process.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably.
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.
Road Tolls
Ceisteanna (308, 309)
Pa Daly
Ceist:308. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the estimated annual, first year and full-year costs of deferring toll charge increases. [52057/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:309. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the estimated annual, first-year and full-year costs of deferring toll charge increases, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52067/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 308 and 309 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Question No. 309 answered with Question No. 308.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (310)
Shane Moynihan
Ceist:310. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport when international English language students will be granted eligibility for the young adult and student leap card. [52100/25]
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.
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 (311)
Emer Currie
Ceist:311. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the total cost to the Exchequer of PSO subventions to public transport providers in each of the past five years; and the estimated cost for 2025 and 2026. [52135/25]
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. This includes scheduling and timetabling, which is carried out in conjunction with the relevant transport operators — namely Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, and Go-Ahead Ireland.
The NTA has entered into contracts with these operators and provides subvention for services that form part of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) network. The total Exchequer funding provided to the NTA for the period 2020–2024 is publicly available in the NTA’s Annual Reports & Financial Statements (which can be accessed via their website or the Oireachtas library) and the PSO allocation for 2025 is €658.442 million.
Given the NTA’s contractual arrangements and its responsibility in this area, I have also forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for a direct response with a more detailed breakdown. Please advise my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (312)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:312. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to ensure recent changes to the Leap Card scheme eligibility criteria does not exclude students studying English. [52145/25]
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.
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.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (313)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:313. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to ensure that international students are given access to the student (young adult) Leap Card following recent changes to the scheme. [52146/25]
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.
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 (314)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:314. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will address, in the Budget, the unfairness of low paid workers paying more for TaxSaver public transport tickets than higher paid workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51848/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, it is a longstanding practice that the Minister for Finance does not comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
I would note, however, that the Taxsaver scheme, as provided for in section 118(5A) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA), offers an exemption from benefit-in-kind (BIK) where an employer purchases a travel pass for one of their employees or directors, subject to certain conditionality. Under section 118B TCA, an employer and employee may also enter into a Revenue-approved salary sacrifice arrangement under which the employee agrees to sacrifice part of his or her salary in exchange for the benefit.
The scheme was implemented as tax-exempt BIK in order to keep the implementation as simple as possible and reduce administrative burden on the part of employers. However that means that, under these schemes, the qualifying benefit is exempt from income tax, PRSI and USC at whichever rate the taxpayer would otherwise be liable to pay. Although those individuals liable to tax at the higher rate will, as a result, effectively get tax relief at that rate, generally over the course of the tax year they will pay a significantly greater amount of income tax than individuals that are liable to the standard rate of tax. This is due to the progressive nature of the Irish personal income tax system.
In fact, I would note that Ireland has among the most progressive systems of taxes and social transfers of any EU or OECD country. Progressive income tax systems contribute to the redistribution of income and to the reduction of income inequality. Ireland’s income tax system generally ensures that the burden of taxation falls most heavily on those with a higher ability to pay. This means that those on lower incomes pay less income tax as a share of their income than those on higher incomes. It is my view that a broad-based, progressive income tax system, where the majority of income earners make some contribution but according to their means, is the fairest and most sustainable income tax system in the long term.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (315, 334)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:315. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer in 2024 of the reduced 9 percent VAT rate for hospitality; and whether an analysis has been conducted on its effect on small business survival rates in Cork and Munster. [51152/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:334. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance to provide an update on VAT rates for tourism and hospitality (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51955/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 315 and 334 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, it is a longstanding practice that the Minister for Finance does not comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
In the Programme for Government 2025 it was pledged to support SMEs, particularly those in the retail and hospitality sectors, by examining changes to VAT, PRSI and other measures. Any changes to tax rates, including to the timing and scope of such changes, must be done by balancing their impact against their cost on the overall budgetary framework. This will be done as part of the budget process.
I am advised by Revenue that the estimated cost to the Exchequer in 2024 of reducing the rate of VAT applied to businesses in the hospitality sector to 9% would have been €735 million. This is split between €601 million for food and catering and €134 million for accommodation services.
To the best of my knowledge, no analysis has been carried out on the impact of the VAT rate on businesses in Cork and Munster.
Mortgage Interest Rates
Ceisteanna (316)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:316. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance the projected cost to the Exchequer in 2026 of mortgage interest relief and his Department's assessment of its impact on first-time buyers in Cork and Munster. [51169/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The number of taxpayer units who benefitted from the MITR in 2023 was 52,320, and the cost was estimated at €35.4 million. This is the first year the credit was claimable and is the latest year for which data is available, as the 2024 Form 11 filing deadline for self-assessed taxpayers has not yet passed. These figures are published in Revenue's Cost of Tax Expenditures publication, available at:
[www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/cost/index.aspx] .
While no data is available specifically in relation to first-time buyers and therefore it is not possible to assess the scheme's impact on that cohort, Revenue advise that the total number of beneficiaries of the MITR in 2023 in each county in Munster is as outlined in the table below. The numbers benefitting is provided on a taxpayer unit basis, which differs from a count of individuals as jointly assessed couples are counted as one taxpayer unit.
|
County |
Number of Taxpayer Units |
|
Clare |
1,070 |
|
Cork |
5,910 |
|
Kerry |
1,000 |
|
Limerick |
1,685 |
|
Tipperary |
1,260 |
|
Waterford |
1,270 |
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, and having regard to the sound management of the public finances. It is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax matters which might be the subject of Budget decisions.
Tax Reliefs
Ceisteanna (317)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:317. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the cost of extending the accelerated capital allowance income tax for slurry storage for 2026. [51199/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Finance Act 2022 introduced Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) scheme for capital expenditure incurred on the construction of slurry storage facilities by farmers who carry on the trade of farming. This allows for qualifying capital expenditure incurred on the construction of slurry storage buildings and associated equipment to be written off at a rate of 50 percent per annum over a period of two years as opposed to the standard period of seven years in the case of farm buildings and eight years in the case of plant and machinery.
The objective of the accelerated capital allowance is to support the agriculture sector to meet its emissions targets by incentivising the construction or upgrading of slurry storage facilities.
This measure is due to sunset at the end of the year.
Revenue data are not yet available in relation to the tax cost or uptake of this scheme.
The original estimated full-year Exchequer cost was €18m. If the measure were to be extended beyond its current end-date this original estimate may be subject to revision to take account of up to date relevant data.
Finally, and as the Deputy will appreciate, decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, and having regard to the sound management of the public finances. It is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax matters which might be the subject of Budget decisions.
Tax Reliefs
Ceisteanna (318)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:318. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the cost of extending the young trained farmer stamp duty relief for 2026. [51200/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that the cost of extending the young trained farmer stamp duty relief for 2026 cannot be costed as it is not possible to forecast how many people will avail of the relief in 2026. I am advised however, that the cost of the young trained farmer stamp duty relief in 2024 was €19.8m.
Further information is available on the Revenue website here: [www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/tax-expenditures/costs-tax-expenditures.pdf].
Tax Reliefs
Ceisteanna (319)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:319. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the costing of extending farm consolidation stamp duty relief for 2026. [51201/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that the cost of extending the farm consolidation stamp duty relief for 2026 cannot be costed as it is not possible to forecast how many people will avail of the relief in 2026. I am advised however that the cost of the farm consolidation stamp duty relief in 2024 was €1.5m. Further information is available on the Revenue website here: [www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/tax-expenditures/costs-tax-expenditures.pdf].
Tax Reliefs
Ceisteanna (320)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:320. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the costing of extending farm restructuring CGT relief for 2026. [51202/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that the cost of extending farm restructuring CGT relief for 2026 cannot be provided as it is not possible to forecast how many people will avail of the relief in 2026. Furthermore, I am advised that the cost of farm restructuring CGT relief for 2023 (Latest year for which data is available) was €0.8m. Further information is available on the Revenue website here: [www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/tax-expenditures/costs-tax-expenditures.pdf].