Tony McCormack
Ceist:121. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Transport the level of funding allocated to transport projects in County Offaly in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51421/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Funding
Ceisteanna (121)
Freagraí scríofa
Funding is allocated to transport projects in County Offaly both directly through Departmental programmes and through programmes managed by agencies such as the NTA and TII as well as the relevant Local Authority.
Roads
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. Full details of national roads allocations for 2025 are available on the TII website at www.tii.ie.
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. 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.
In 2025, Offaly County Council received an allocation of €17,235,400 which is an increase of €2,481,250 on their 2024 allocation. This funding will support Offaly County Council in carrying out an extensive 2025 programme of maintenance and restoration works. In addition, the funding is earmarked to support various climate adaptation projects, bridge rehabilitation schemes and vital safety improvement works.
Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
In this regard, Offaly County Council received an allocation of €2,600,500 this year under the Specific Improvement Grant Programme for three schemes; the Edenderry Inner Relief Road Phase 2, the Birr Distributor Road and the R441, Monasteroris. Additionally, €140,000 has been allocated to Offaly County Council under the Strategic Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for two schemes; the Birr South Eastern Distributor Road and the Clara Relief Road.
Greenways
As Minister for Transport, I also 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. Offaly County Council have received an allocation of €855,000 in 2025 to progress five greenway schemes, detailed below:
• Grand Canal - Daingean to Edenderry - €650,000
• Grand Canal - Kilbeggan Link €30,000
• Grand Canal - Leabeg to Boora - €25,000
• Grand Canal - Shannon Harbour to Banagher - €30,000
• Grand Canal - Turraun to Shannon Harbour - €120,000
EV Charging
Funding of €99,626.30 was allocated to County Offaly in 2024 from my Department through ZEVI for development of the relevant regional EV Charging Strategy for which Offaly is the lead local authority, however no additional funding has been allocated to date in 2025.
Active Travel
Over €290 million has been allocated by the Department of Transport to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2025 for active travel measures around the country. The NTA disperses this funding to all local authorities, works with them to identify walking and cycling projects and oversees their delivery.
Of the total 2025 funding, €2.75 million has been allocated to Offaly County Council for over twenty active travel projects, including Tullamore Urban Greenway, Edenderry Harbour & Grand Canal Link Active Travel Schemes and Birr Riverside Upgrade Links.
Included in this funding are projects under the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme, which launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools through the provision of active travel infrastructure interventions. Eight schools in Offaly were included in the first three rounds of the Programme and of these, six projects are currently in design. Round 4 of the SRTS Programme is expected to be announced towards the end of 2025.
Public Transport
Finally, as the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including any rail projects in County Offaly in 2025, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (122)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:122. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on current work underway to establish driving licence exchange agreements between the United States of America and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51387/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 not a straightforward matter. It is a technical and independent process that requires adherence to EU standards and the agreement of the other jurisdiction. Agreements may be made only when the authorities in each jurisdiction have compared the licensing regimes and are satisfied that standards for obtaining a licence are compatible. For Ireland, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Reaching such an agreement is not a matter of political will. The core principle for Ireland is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users and the most important element is that anyone who obtains an Irish licence has passed a driving test at a standard comparable to an Irish test.
One of the commitments of the Programme for Government 2025 is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has a licence exchange agreement with Australia and with 7 of the 10 Canadian provinces, with a technical assessment of the licensing and testing system of Nova Scotia currently under way.
In light of the Programme for Government commitments and the time passed since the last consideration of a US agreement, it is timely to explore the possibility of entering into a driving licence exchange agreement with some US States. My Department, in this context, has directed the RSA to examine licence exchange agreements with suitable US states.
State Bodies
Ceisteanna (123)
Pa Daly
Ceist:123. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with a company (details supplied) to discuss the exit package of its CEO; if he is satisfied with the proposed exit package; when he expects a package will be agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51675/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that while it is not appropriate for me to comment on the matter raised at this time, any proposed exits or settlement schemes across our agencies will be considered by me in keeping with the relevant circulars, establishing legislation of the agency and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (124)
William Aird
Ceist:124. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be made available to progress the long-awaited relief road for Mountmellick town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51710/25]
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 2022 Laois County Council concluded the preliminary appraisal of options process in relation to a bypass of Mountmellick. However, this is not included amongst the projects that are identified for development during the current NDP and therefore it was not possible to advance the proposed project at that time.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding a bypass for Mountmellick. 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.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (125)
David Maxwell
Ceist:125. Deputy David Maxwell asked the Minister for Transport the risk mitigation strategies being implemented by his Department to prevent further cost escalations in the National Train Control Centre project; his views on how these strategies align with broader infrastructure governance reforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51582/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, the National Train Control Centre (NTCC).
As the Deputy may be aware, the NTCC project is designed to deliver a modern, safe and efficient national train control system that can effectively meet the needs of a growing railway over the coming decades.
There are a number monitoring and reporting procedures that my Department has in place to review the progress of the NTCC, as I will outline.
The Sponsoring Agency which delivers the NTCC is Iarnród Éireann, and the day-to-day Approving Authority is the NTA, which provides independent challenge to Iarnród Éireann in its delivery of the project. The specific responsibilities of both the Sponsoring Agency and the Approving Authority are set out in the Infrastructure Guidelines.
In addition, my Department meets regularly with the NTA to review all major public transport projects, including the NTCC, and it is assisted in that regard by NewERA, external experts with professional infrastructure experience, and through JASPERS which is an EU agency that provides Member States with advice on infrastructure development.
The NTCC building was completed in November 2022, but bringing it into operation has been delayed due to complexities associated with the roll-out of the Traffic Management System or TMS, which is the software system that integrates a range of railway systems such as signalling and communications.
As a result, I recently met with the NTA and the contractor, Indra Sistemas, who are responsible for the TMS project. At the meeting, I noted my dissatisfaction at the rate of progress with the TMS and emphasised the importance of project delivery.
I will continue to keep the NTCC project under close review, with a view to it bringing its benefits to railways users as soon as feasible.
Noting the NTA's specific responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed 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 (126)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:126. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the expected impact of the implementation of the new Bus Connects routes in the Finglas and Ballymun areas; to outline any potential gaps in the routes that connect Finglas east and west, as identified on the proposed map following the removal of existing services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51813/25]
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. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered, with the first six phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years. Most recently, the E-Spine connecting Ballymun to Bray and Dun Laoghaire rolled out in January this year.
The redesign of the entire network, including the F Spine, connecting Finglas to Tallaght, will continue in the coming years subject to funding and driver availability.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions 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.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (127)
William Aird
Ceist:127. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration has been given to extending the timetables on rural transport/local link networks for the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51711/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of increasing public transport 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.
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 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.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (128)
Michael Murphy
Ceist:128. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will set out the strategic importance of the N24 upgrade in connecting the west and southeast, supporting balanced regional development under Project Ireland 2040; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50981/25]
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 €80,000 has been allocated for the N24 Waterford to Cahir scheme and €2,500,000 has been allocated for the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction 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.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (129)
Emer Currie
Ceist:129. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the options being considered to incentivise increased uptake of shared mobility services by commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51821/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Increasing commuter uptake of shared mobility services is a key objective of this Government. As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government commits to investing in a range of transport options for enhancing connectivity across the country, including the establishment of mobility hubs in each local authority area.
Two key initiatives are currently underway to incentivise the uptake of shared mobility services, bolstered by a new National Policy Statement on Shared Mobility and the Provision of Hubs, which was published in June this year. One is the expansion of the Transport for Ireland (TfI) Bikes scheme and the second is the development of a new Mobility Hubs Pilot Programme.
Building on the success of the TfI Bikes schemes in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, the National Transport Authority (NTA) are currently undertaking a re-tendering process for these schemes with the intention of expanding them – in terms of the geographical area to be covered in each city and the variety of modes available - thus supporting greater capacity for commuter uptake. Through the operating model deployed, such schemes incentivise commuter uptake by delivering services to users that are easy to access and cost efficient. For example, the increased provision of e-bikes in the existing schemes has resulted in a significant uptake by users – evidenced by a 51% increase in trips over the first five months of 2025 when compared to the same period in 2024, with particularly strong growth in Cork, which saw 100 e-bikes added to the fleet in early 2025. A further 400 e-bikes will be rolled out across the other regional cities over the coming months.
My Department is also working with the NTA to progress a Mobility Hubs Pilot Programme. The aim of this new Programme is to identify the optimum conditions for user uptake, by delivering and testing a dense network of mobility hubs in a number of locations across the country. On 19 June this year, I announced the candidate locations for this programme, namely Cork City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and the towns of Carlow, Dundalk and Sligo. It is intended that these new hub networks will be rolled out from mid-2026, subject to final approval of a business case for the Programme and securing support from the Climate Action Fund.
These initiatives will contribute to the commitment in the new Policy Statement to “develop and test measures to support the uptake of shared mobility modes in different urban settings and examine how the State can effectively support the sustainable development of shared mobility services”. The Statement commits to exploring a variety of approaches in this context with a view to identifying the most effective means of incentivising the uptake of shared mobility services over the long term. As indicated in the Statement itself, the forthcoming National Sustainable Mobility Policy Action Plan will step out the actions necessary for progressing this and other shared mobility policy goals over the next five years.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (130)
James O'Connor
Ceist:130. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the current status on the BusConnects project in Cork County; the status of the CMATS project in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51607/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040 was developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
Since its publication in 2020, there has been good progress on key elements of CMATS, including the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, BusConnects Cork, Cork Light Rail and the Active Travel Programme.
It is currently anticipated that the NTA will commence the review of CMATS in 2026 with the aim to complete the review in 2027.
In relation to BusConnect, the Deputy will be aware that, following an extensive public consultation, the new BusConnects Cork network was published in June 2022, and it aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented on a phased basis in the coming years.
A key component of the BusConnects Cork programme is the implementation of bus priority measures, generally bus lanes, on key bus corridors serving the city. A third round of non-statutory public consultation on the 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors ran from November to December 2023.
I am pleased to say that I will shortly seek Government's approval of the Preliminary Business Case for BusConnects Cork which, once approved, will represent a significant milestone in the programme's overall delivery and allow the infrastructure elements of the programme enter the statutory planning process.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (131, 167)
Pa Daly
Ceist:131. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport for a timeline for the introduction of contactless payment services on public transport throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51674/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:167. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to "roll out contactless fare payments on all public transport" [51712/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 167 together.
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 development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing project will provide for a transformative upgrade to the ticketing system for public transport passengers in Ireland. The project will facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, involving a new-generation 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating both mobile and card-based payments for passengers.
Following a competitive procurement process, in April 2024 the NTA awarded an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of the new multi-modal ticketing system to a Spanish information technology company, Indra Sistemas, who have designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question on the timeline for the introduction of contactless payment on public transport throughout Ireland to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact 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.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (132)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:132. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if the use of 15,000 driving tests completed between June 2025 to August 2025 using overtime is considered necessary, when the number of driving testers increased from 153 at the start of June 2025 to 181 at end of August 2025; the extra cost of 15,000 driving tests completed using overtime during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51762/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. Accordingly, the information requested is held by the RSA.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, the Deputy will be aware that reducing driving test wait times has been one of my key priorities since taking office. I want to commend the RSA, in particular the driver testers, who have worked hard to ensure that the service returned to the 10-week average national waiting time target by September. Overtime has been a critical element of this recovery plan.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (133)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:133. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the current review of small public service vehicle provision in rural areas; whether he is aware of the challenges facing rural hackney providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51814/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the local area hackney licence, 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.
Currently, the NTA issues local area hackney (LAH) licences where applicants can show that there is a need for this part-time service and that it will not displace or replace current SPSV providers in a given area. To operate a local area hackney, two licences are required. These are: (1) a local area hackney licence for the vehicle - this three-year licence is obtainable from the NTA; and (2) a licence to drive a local area hackney - this licence is obtainable from An Garda Síochána. It is not required if a person already holds a valid licence to drive SPSVs.
A resident of the area in respect of which the local area hackney licence is sought, is not required to undertake the Industry Knowledge or Area Knowledge tests normally applying for SPSV driver licences. LAH drivers nevertheless must be licensed, and their vehicles must be licensed and insured. A local area hackney may only pick up passengers within a designated area of about 10km and may not pick up a new fare at a drop off point or any other point outside its designated area. As of 31 August 2025, there are 23 licensed LAH vehicles and 26 licensed LAH drivers.
I have been informed by the NTA that they are conducting a review of the Local Area Hackney regulations and associated processes with a view to increasing uptake of this special licence type. Where amendments to the current regulations are proposed as an output of the review, the NTA will undertake a public consultation on the matter.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (134)
Joe Neville
Ceist:134. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport the scale of funding that will be given in 2026, 2027 and 2028 through the National Development Plan to the Dart+ projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51817/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ Programme.
The DART+ Programme aims to modernise and improve existing rail services in the GDA, by electrifying the lines and purchasing new rolling stock among other works. The expansion will create a connected and electrified rail network for the GDA, increasing the electrified network from circa 50km to 150km and doubling city centre capacity from circa 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours.
The DART+ Programme, which was approved in principle by Government in 2021, comprises five different projects in and around the Greater Dublin Area –
• DART+ Fleet: A ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric fleet.
• DART+ West: This will involve the extension of DART services from the City Centre to the M3 Parkway and Maynooth, and the construction of a new depot and city centre enhancements.
• DART+ South West: This will involve the extension of DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch, including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston.
• DART+ Coastal North: This will extend DART overhead electrified wires to Drogheda.
• DART+ Coastal South: This project will improve DART services on the existing DART line south of Dublin city, with the current focus on enhancing services between Bray and Greystones. The extension of the DART to Wicklow using battery technology is also under examination.
The recently concluded Review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The Department is currently reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope, including elements of the DART+ Programme, and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming months.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed 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 (135)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:135. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of service challenges on Bus Éireann routes serving Ashbourne and Ratoath in County Meath; his plans to address these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51160/25]
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 Bus Éireann.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann, in conjunction with the NTA. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann and the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (136)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:136. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding will be put toward rural public transport to continue expanding access to public transport in rural areas, particularly given the pressure on bus routes such as the 424; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51423/25]
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 rural Ireland, including in Galway. 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.
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.
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 these 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 recorded across Connecting Ireland services in 2024.
There has been considerable investment in services throughout the country under Connecting Ireland, including in County Galway, with bus service levels on the Galway to Clifden corridor increasing by over 30% thanks to an integrated schedule for route 923 and route 419. Route 424, mentioned by the Deputy, was significantly enhanced under this plan to improve frequency and expand hours of operation, offering passengers greater connectivity with Galway Ceannt Station.
My Department supports the expansion of rural transport in line with the recent commitment in the Programme for Government to continue the roll-out of Connecting Ireland. As with all such measures, an increase on funding for all public transport services, including Rural Transport, will be considered in the ongoing budgetary discussions.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (137)
Noel McCarthy
Ceist:137. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progression of the proposed upgrade of the R624 access road to Cobh and the Great Island in east Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51552/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
In this regard, Cork County Council submitted an initial project appraisal to the Department in 2019 regarding the upgrade of the R624 Cobh Road. The project, as submitted, includes upgrading the existing N25-R624 interchange, the provision of a dual carriageway from the interchange to Marino Point, widening of Slatty Bridge, the provision of a new bridge crossing to Great Island at Belvelly and upgrading the existing R624 from Marino Point to Cobh.
The estimated cost of this scheme was more than €100 million, with possible staged implementation.
In line with Government requirements Cork County Council also produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Great Island Connectivity Scheme and a draft was forwarded to the Department in November 2022.
Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department liaised with the Council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure Guidelines and the TAF including the preparation of a Project Outline Document (POD) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the SAR stage.
The Council submitted the POD to the Department in March 2024. Following the submission of the POD, the Council commenced work on developing a brief for the appointment of consultants to deliver the scheme through options assessment, design and planning, starting with the commencement of a Preliminary Business Case. The Council submitted the brief for appointment of consultants in December 2024 to the Department for review. The Council hopes to appoint a consultant in late 2025 once the brief has been finalised.
An allocation of €350,000 was made to Cork County Council as part of the 2025 Regional and Local Roads Grants to assist in the development of the Preliminary Business Case.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (138)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:138. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on Bus Connects Galway; the current expected date that the network redesign will be implemented; the work his Department is doing to ensure that the new bus network will be implemented as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51422/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority or NTA published the final new bus network design for Galway in December 2023. The redesign of the bus network is one of the key elements of BusConnects Galway, which aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.
This new Galway network redesign involved extensive analysis and public consultation. The NTA carried out a detailed review of the bus network in collaboration with Galway City Council, Galway County Council, local bus operators, and with the specialised expertise of transport designers. In April 2023, a draft new network was published, and the feedback and submissions received have informed the final new bus network published that December.
The new bus network will result in increased access to more schools and workplaces across Galway city, Bearna and Oranmore. Once implemented, approximately 67% of residents will live within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route, that is buses running every 15 minutes or better.
The NTA are currently working closely with Galway City and County Councils to progress key infrastructure required for the rollout of the redesigned services. The redesigned services are expected to commence in the coming years, subject to operational readiness and funding.
Other elements of BusConnects Galway include the Cross City Link project, which was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in September 2024 and is currently subject to Judicial Review, and the Dublin Road scheme in Galway, for which a planning application has been submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála. The Droichead an Dóchais (then known as Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge) was officially opened to the public in May 2023, helping to improve existing bus services.
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 within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Transport Costs
Ceisteanna (139, 235)
Grace Boland
Ceist:139. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to simplify fare structures to ensure equity train and bus fares, in particular for those commuting to and from Dublin Commuter zone 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51534/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGrace Boland
Ceist:235. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to simplify fare structures to ensure equity train and bus fares, in particular for those commuting to and from Dublin commuter zone 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52161/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 235 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 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 NTA published its National Fares Strategy in 2023 which aims to deliver a fairer, simpler, and more consistent fare system across the public transport network by aligning fares with distance travelled.
In line with this strategy, the NTA introduced new fare zones in January 2024: the Dublin City Zone within 25km of the city centre; and the Dublin Commuter Zone within 50km.
The zones were informed by future transport plans such as DART+ and ticket sales data. The fare changes were implemented in two phases, with Phase 2 completed in June 2025. The new zonal structure aims to reduce fare disparities, especially in outer commuter towns.
Budget 2025 also included funding for the continuation of public transport fare initiatives including the 90-minute fare, the Young Adult (YAC)/Student Leap Card, and the discounted fares on PSO services.
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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (140)
Mark Ward
Ceist:140. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport to outline the bus routes in the Dublin mid-west area that are 24-hour services; if there are plans to introduce 24-hour service bus routes for the Dublin mid-west area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51714/25]
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.