John Connolly
Ceist:141. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the development of park and ride facilities in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51258/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTransport Policy
Ceisteanna (141)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is leading the development and rollout of strategic park and ride sites nation-wide through the Park and Ride Development Office.
The Park and Ride Development Office has developed a Park and Ride Strategy for Galway. The Park and Ride Strategy envisages the development of up to five bus-based strategic Park and Ride sites, three for initial development and two for future development, and the expansion of rail-based Park and Ride site at Oranmore station.
Work by the Park and Ride Development Office is ongoing in relation to proposed bus-based park and ride sites on the N6, at the junction 19 Oranmore exit, and the N83 just north of Claregalway. Planning for enhanced rail infrastructure to facilitate the expansion of rail-based park and ride at Oranmore station is separately being undertaken by Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the NTA.
Overall, I welcome these developments and look forward to the projects progressing, as the provision of park and ride at strategic locations can help to reduce the distances travelled by car, with a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions and congestion.
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.
Ministerial Communications
Ceisteanna (142)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:142. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of times he has met with the CEO or management of Irish Rail since taking office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51538/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since taking office I have met with the management of Iarnród Éireann on the 12th of February and recently on the 18th of August.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (143)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:143. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport the progress on the implementation on the national policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51874/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I launched the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems on 20 August 2025. The Policy Framework aims to guide high-level strategic planning and development of the UAS sector in Ireland, through supporting growth and innovation, while ensuring safe and secure operations and managing environmental and other concerns.
Many of the issues addressed in the Policy Framework fall directly within the remit of the Department of Transport, while other issues cross-over into areas of responsibility of other government departments and agencies. The Policy Framework was developed through cross-departmental engagement structures, and it will also be implemented through similar structures.
The Policy Framework proposes a number of structures and actions, that aim to address concerns in relation to increasing UAS usage and operations in balance with the realisation of the economic and societal benefits from the emerging UAS sector.
It proposes 16 actions under three main areas:
• The Use of Airspace and Planning
• Compliance and Enforcement
• Enterprise and Innovation
Actions in the Policy Framework include:
• The establishment of a National Working Group on UAS Geographical Zones group to develop transparent processes and procedures for the designation of UAS Geographical Zones.
• The establishment of a National U-space Steering Group chaired by my department to develop a National Plan for the Implementation of U-space.
• The Irish Aviation Authority, An Garda Síochána and the Data Protection Commission will work together to establish an operative inter-agency mechanism for the coordination of appropriate investigation of offences related to UAS.
• A collaborative approach will be fostered between local authorities, the Irish Aviation Authority and the UAS sector on education and awareness campaigns.
• National, regional, and local planning policies and objectives will have due regard to new disruptive technology.
• The establishment of a UAS Enterprise and Innovation Leadership Group to foster the development of a robust ongoing policy on UAS innovation.
• My department will introduce fixed charge offences for infringement of UAS regulations to augment the already extensive enforcement provisions in aviation, civil and criminal law already on the statute book.
Implementation of the Policy Framework relies on cross-government structures and the continuation of engagement and support from various government departments, agencies, the UAS sector and the public.
My Department will shortly be making arrangements for the establishment of a National UAS Policy Framework Monitoring Group and the associated working groups referred to above. The work of the groups will be guided by annual implementation action plans. The first of these plans is currently being drafted and will set out the approach to implementing the actions listed in the Policy Framework.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (144)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:144. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport the consultation he will have with residents regarding regulations for unmanned commercial delivery drones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51875/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While there is a comprehensive regulatory framework in place from an aviation safety perspective to regulate UAS commercial operations, there are areas where the rapid pace of expansion of drone operations has resulted in gaps and uncertainty.
The Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems I launched in August seeks to identify and address any policy, regulatory or legislative gaps that may have arisen due to increased expansion of drone operations. Many of the issues addressed in the Policy Framework fall directly within the remit of the Department of Transport, while other issues cross-over into areas of responsibility of other government departments and agencies.
The expansion of UAS delivery services is an area where clarity is required in relation to roles and responsibilities and cooperation and engagement with stakeholders and appropriate authorities. The Policy Framework aims to facilitate consideration of how matters such as planning and environmental issues will be addressed by the appropriate authorities. It proposes a number of structures and actions that aim to address concerns in relation to increasing UAS usage and operations in balance with the realisation of the economic and societal benefits from the emerging UAS sector. This will include ensuring that appropriate authorities have the required regulatory powers and that they have mechanisms in place to ensure that the views of all stakeholders are taken into account.
Air Services
Ceisteanna (145)
David Cullinane
Ceist:145. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on funding for Waterford Airport. [51388/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government commits to working with all stakeholders to quickly progress Waterford Airport’s project to lengthen and widen the runway, building on the previous Government decision of 2019.
In line with this commitment, and the requirements under the Infrastructure Guidelines, Waterford Airport has been invited to submit a Preliminary Business Case for this development proposal. This was discussed in detail when I met with Government colleagues, Minister Butler and Minister Cummins and the CEO of Waterford City and County Council on 2 July last.
I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department will work with the airport in its development of the business case and any such case will be assessed as a matter of priority when received by my Department.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (146)
Shane Moynihan
Ceist:146. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport his most recent engagements with the NTA in relation to the emerging preferred route for the Luas for Lucan which is due to be identified early 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50982/25]
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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is progressing the Luas Lucan project in collaboration with the NTA. Earlier this year, the NTA submitted the Project Outline Document (POD) for Luas Lucan to my Department, as required under the Transport Appraisal Framework for investment proposals in the transport sector with an estimated potential cost of €20 million or more. TII are currently working to identify the emerging preferred route for Luas Lucan and this is expected to undergo a non-statutory public consultation in 2026.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA, 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.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (147)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:147. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the feasibility study for the extension of the Red Line Luas to Poolbeg, due to be complete this summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51783/25]
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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
As the Deputy will be aware, the development of a Luas red line extension to serve Poolbeg is currently one of the longer-term proposals in the NTA's Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042, for development and delivery within the 2037-2042 timeframe. The Strategy states that the proposed Luas extension to Poolbeg is subject to the assessment of forecast travel demand arising out of development patterns in the Poolbeg Strategic Development Zone and environs.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA, 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.
Cycling Facilities
Ceisteanna (148)
Micheál Carrigy
Ceist:148. Deputy Micheál Carrigy 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. [51584/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (149)
Mark Ward
Ceist:149. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport for an update on increasing buses and trains at peak hours through the Dublin mid-west area; if capacity at these hours has been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51715/25]
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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (150)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:150. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the promised bus service linking Athenry to Galway city, which was schedule to commence in Q2 of 2025; the reason for the delay; a timeline for the introduction of this vital service to Athenry, which is currently lacking any public bus service. [51765/25]
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 new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and new town services.
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 upcoming Budget 2026 discussions, which is an annual process.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including 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.
Transport Costs
Ceisteanna (151)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:151. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has undertaken any assessment on how reducing or subsidising the cost of public transport impacts on passenger numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51537/25]
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 the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In 2022, the NTA commissioned a report with Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services which examined the impacts of free fares on public transport. That report concluded that to fund a fully free public transport system at the time, without accounting for the likely increased passenger demand, would have required an additional €540m in Exchequer funding per annum at a minimum, on top of the existing annual PSO subvention. Given the increase in costs in the intervening period, this figure increased to closer to c. €786m for 2024.
The report also found that any increase in public transport demand due to free fares would largely be achieved by reductions in walking (7%) and cycling (13%), resulting in just a 1% reduction in car travel.
My Department’s funding for public transport services is therefore focussed on existing fare initiatives and service improvements such as BusConnects in the five cities, expanding town services in the larger towns, and rolling out Connecting Ireland in rural Ireland. These improvements are delivering real benefits for citizens across the country.
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to delivering an accessible, reliable and affordable public transport system for all our citizens, including children. Under the Programme for Government, our commitments include the rollout of contactless payments, keeping fares affordable, and examining the further expansion of free public transport for children. Adopting an equity-based approach to fares, the NTA also commenced a phased rollout of revised fare zones and structures under their Fares Determination Strategy in the first half of this year, aiming to deliver a more consistent, equitable, and transparent fare structure for all passengers. The new system aligns fares with distance, lending to an easier to understand fares structure.
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.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (152)
Emer Currie
Ceist:152. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for an update on his Department’s efforts to close a loophole where learner drivers repeatedly renew their permits without sitting a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51822/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Department is committed, under Action 7B of the Road Safety Strategy Phase 2 Action Plan, to addressing the matter of learner drivers with multiple successive learner permits. It is intended to require learner permit holders to complete a driver test prior to renewal after holding a permit for 4 years. If a learner holds a two year permit, this will be required when seeking a third permit.
It is also intended that any application for renewal after 7 years of holding a learner permit will be treated as a first learner permit application, requiring the learner to begin the learning to drive process from the start (theory test, learner permit, 12 Essential Driver Training lessons, practical test).
The Department is working on secondary legislation to provide for the changes and the RSA is in the process of finalising an implementation plan.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (153)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:153. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the earliest estimated completion date of the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney road project. [51820/25]
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.
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 Costs
Ceisteanna (154)
Keira Keogh
Ceist:154. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Transport the measures being considered to mitigate the impact of fare increases on students and young adults following the recent fare zone restructuring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51551/25]
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 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (155)
Cathy Bennett
Ceist:155. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his proposals, and the status thereof, arising from the strategic rail review with regards to County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51815/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken by the Department of Transport in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024.
The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes.
The recommendations include a proposal to reinstate the railway between Portadown and Mullingar, and this new route would have stations in both Monaghan town and Clones.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies across the island, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication later this year.
Moreover, 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 plans for investment in the rail network, and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming months.
It should also be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the Rail Review will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (156)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:156. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the work being done to ensure that public transport for those with disabilities is more accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51763/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
From a policy perspective, yesterday I met with members of the disability sector for a constructive dialogue around our shared ambition to ensure 100% transport accessibility in Ireland. The Government launched the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People on 3rd September 2025. In line with the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the strategy puts great importance on engagement with disabled people. Pillar 5 of the strategy, 'Transport and Mobility' contains a number of transport priority actions. I really welcomed the opportunity to hear views on transport accessibility and the new strategy’s actions. It was a valuable and rewarding exchange with Disabled Person Organisations, service providers, Disability User Groups, and board representatives from transport operators.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated, accessible public transport networks and infrastructure. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport more accessible.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, including managing the Public Transport Accessibility Retrofit Programme, 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.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (157)
Erin McGreehan
Ceist:157. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport the actions being taken to decarbonise our transport fleet; and in particular the role hydrotreated vegetable oil is playing in decarbonisation. [51662/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
For the transport sector, Ireland is required to pursue a decarbonisation pathway to achieve a 50% reduction in transport emissions by 2030 (against 2018 levels) in a manner that is consistent with sectoral emission ceilings that were agreed by Government in August 2022.
Since CAP23, the transport chapter of the annually updated national Climate Action Plan (CAP) has set out a clear and consistent policy pathway to achieve these emission reductions, which uses an Avoid-Shift-Improve framework with the aim of:
• Avoiding generating unsustainable additional transport demand through better spatial and land-use planning and, where possible, seeking to manage existing levels of demand.
• Shifting to more sustainable modes of transport, such as active travel and public transport.
• Improving the efficiency of residual vehicle journeys through widespread electrification and the use of renewable alternative fuels.
The Climate Action Plans, which are updated nationally, are underpinned by a detailed Annex of Actions, and reported upon quarterly (www.gov.ie/en/publication/55fde-climate-action-important-publications/#climate-action-plan-2024) by the Department of An Taoiseach.
Decarbonisation of the transport sector in Ireland is, however, very challenging. While CAP23 and the following two updates set out very ambitious measures and targets, it clearly identified that the impact of these interventions would take time, and that abatement would be skewed to the latter half of the decade.
There has been an unprecedented level of investment in sustainable transport and EV supports over recent years, and the annual EPA inventory of Greenhouse Gases 1990-2024 showed that 2024 transport missions were 5.4% below pre-COVID levels, with 2024 marking the first post-COVID emissions decrease in the transport sector. Economic growth (as expressed by modified domestic demand / MFDD) increased by 2.7% during 2024 and population growth was strong with an increase of 1.9% to April 2024. In contrast, transport emissions decreased by 1.2%, meaning we are now seeing an absolute decoupling of transport emissions from economic growth.
It is acknowledged, however, that we are not yet achieving the pace of change required to achieve our 2030 climate objectives.
To seek to address this, my Department is working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to re-assess and strengthen the transport decarbonisation policy pathway, through the “corrective action modelling project”. This project is intended to identify measures to correct the trajectory of carbon emissions from the transport sector out to 2030, as well as decarbonisation interventions and policy pathways that will continue to deliver sustained and accelerated emissions abatement beyond 2030 into Carbon Budget 3, in line with national and European targets.
Our challenge over the coming years is to continue to accelerate our pace of delivery so that we can, collectively, enable a widespread behavioural change in how we move in our daily lives. Continuing to further decouple emissions from transport activity remains the pivotal challenge for the sector. While we are finally seeing the trajectory of emissions in transport move in a positive direction, increased levels of wider social and economic activity and continued population growth could continue to undermine the level at which our actions and policies are delivering emissions savings.
We must continue to be ambitious, to deliver infrastructure and services that facilitate the transition to more sustainable forms or transport, and to make it as easy as possible for all sectors of the economy to switch to low- or zero carbon forms of transport at pace.
Role of HVO
In June of this year, I published the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy 2025-2027, which sets out a pathway to incentivise supply of renewable fuel in transport through annual increases in the renewable transport fuel obligation (RTFO) rate to 2030. The aims of this policy are to achieve national Climate Action Plan biofuel targets, European targets for renewable energy in transport as set out in the Renewable Energy Directive, as well as ensuring EU sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions reduction criteria are adhered to.
The RTFO places a statutory obligation on suppliers of road transport (fossil) fuels to ensure that a proportion of the fuels they place on the market in Ireland is produced from renewable sources. Renewable transport fuel used in transport, including HVO, which fulfils EU criteria for sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, is eligible for RTFO certificates and can be counted against the obligation.
Corresponding to an RTFO rate of 21% by energy in 2024, a physical blend of approximately 10% biofuel in diesel was achieved in road transport, of which approximately 7% was FAME biodiesel and 3% was HVO blended in diesel. It is expected that further increases in the RTFO rate projected to 2030 under the Policy will see a physical blend in the region of 13% HVO in diesel in the State.
The Climate Action Plan biofuel target is for at least B20 (biodiesel equivalent) in diesel and E10 (ethanol) in petrol by 2030 (with an interim B12/E10 by 2025 target). Modelling analysis of the Climate Action Plan target projects a 1.08 MtCO2eq abatement saving annually by 2030 from the 2030 biofuel target.
Renewable transport fuels will remain an important transition measure in transport decarbonisation in the coming years as the shift to electrification and further increases in public transport and active travel are fully realised. Sustainable renewable transport fuels, including HVO, provide immediate climate-change mitigation utilising the existing vehicle fleet. Ireland’s policy on renewable fuels will continue to promote future supply of sustainable advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (158)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Ceist:158. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the implementation of the Programme for Government commitment to develop sustainable transport options in the Dublin commuter belt, including provision of shuttle buses to train stations from surrounding towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51682/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware transport was one of the four prioritised areas for investment under this NDP Review 2025 and secured a core allocation of €22.3billion across the next five years, with a further €2billion allocated from the Infrastructure Nature and Climate Fund to assist with MetroLink’s delivery.
The allocation is significant both as a share of the overall NDP investment programme and in comparison to the last five year period which saw approximately €13billion allocated toward transport between 2021 and 2025.
As with all other Government departments we are now preparing a transport sectoral plan for publication in the coming weeks which will provide further sectoral details in relation to the distribution of that allocation across the various programmes within the Department. A clear focus of that plan will be on providing greater certainty on the projects and programmes that will advance and get delivered in the next five years.
All Greater Dublin Area infrastructure projects to be progressed following the review of the National Development Plan will be reflected in the forthcoming National Sustainable Mobility Policy Action Plan 2026-2030.
Active Travel
Increased funding for Active Travel measures in recent years has seen a significant improvement in the number of footpaths, cycle lanes, urban greenways and connected active travel networks being delivered in Dublin and surrounding counties. This investment has been made with a view to increasing modal shift away from private car use, which should result in a reduction in transport emissions as well as decreased congestion levels in and around the city centre.
Over €290 million has been allocated nationally to Active Travel measures in 2025, with €134.5 million of this funding dedicated to infrastructure provision in the four Dublin local authorities and the surrounding commuter counties of Kildare, Meath and Wicklow.
This significant level of funding aims to provide an alternative sustainable transport option to all transport users, including commuters, either for whole journey or last-mile trips alongside public transport journeys.
DART
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 Greater Dublin Area, by increasing the electrified network from circa 50km to 150km and doubling city centre capacity during peak hours. The programme will extend DART services as far as M3 Parkway, Maynooth, Hazelhatch and Drogheda, and will also provide an improvement on the existing DART line south of Dublin City. The improvement in capacity provided by the DART+ programme will provide a significant benefit for those commuting to Dublin city.
The Programme is made up of five made up of five separate projects:
DART+ Fleet:• a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet;
DART+ West:• extension of DART services from the City Centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth, and the construction of a new depot and city centre enhancements;
DART+ South West:• extension of DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge;
DART+ Coastal North:• extension of DART services from the City Centre to Drogheda;
DART+ Coastal South:• improvement of current DART services from the City centre to Greystones. The extension of the DART to Wicklow using battery technology is also under examination.
Railway Orders for DART+ South West and DART+ Costal North were approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in November 2024 and August 2025 respectively, and conditional approval for the Railway Order for DART+ West was granted in July 2024.
Procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works recently advertised in May 2025.
The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which comprise 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, has started arriving and the carriages are currently undergoing certification and safety testing. It is intended that the new battery-electric sets will be initially deployed on the Northern Commuter Line serving Dublin to/from Drogheda, providing a boost to commuters on that line.
BusConnects and Connecting Ireland
BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities, including Dublin. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the NTA.
Central to the BusConnects Dublin Programme is the construction of Core Bus Corridors, bus Network Redesign, and a Transition to a Zero Emissions Bus Fleet. While centred on Dublin city and its suburbs, BusConnects Dublin will also, in time, provide enhanced bus services to towns in commuter counties including Meath, Wicklow and Kildare.
The new bus network is being rolled out in phases, having commenced in 2021. To date, six phases have been implemented. The redesigned network has to date seen an increase in bus capacity and frequency for passengers, for implemented phases, facilitating greater use of sustainable transport through the bus network. Over 100 electric buses are currently in service in the GDA , with more due to enter service in the coming years.
Where possible, BusConnects and the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan incorporate greater connectivity to rail stations as part of their design. For example, under Connecting Ireland a new route 888 between Athy and Allenwood was introduced in June of 2025. This route offers peak time, and evening services, improving connectivity to regional bus services and to Athy and Monasterevin Train Stations. The route offers improved connectivity to the villages and areas of Rathstewart, Kilberry North & South, Kildangan, Monasterevin, Mountrice Cross, Tullylost Cross, Mullantine, Ard Mhuire, Rathangan, Newtown and Lullymore.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (159)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:159. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if additional services will be provided on the 15b bus route during the morning peak, as buses are routinely full in the mornings since the schools went back; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51684/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (160)
Maeve O'Connell
Ceist:160. Deputy Maeve O'Connell 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. [51603/25]
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.