Written Answers Nos. 235-254
235. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total number of new recruits to the Reserve Defence Force for the years 2019 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52892/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have provided the following table that outlines the inductions from 2019 to 2024, as requested.
|
RDF |
2019 Inductions |
2020 Inductions |
2021 Inductions |
2022 Inductions |
2023 Inductions |
2024 Inductions |
|
Total |
144 |
69 |
41 |
90 |
66 |
268 |
The strength of the RDF is a key focus of the Defence Forces Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) which was established in line with a recommendation from the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF).
One of the priorities of the Defence Forces Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) was the development of the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) Regeneration and Development Plan (RDFRDP), published in July 2024, which coordinates 27 individual actions to drive forward recruitment and retention; resourcing; training and education; as well as integration and deployment - the 4 operational objectives of the plan. Each of the 27 actions contribute to the ultimate goal of developing a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis with the Permanent Defence Force, both nationally and overseas.
Examples of recruitment measures that continue to support this objective include the increase in upper recruitment and mandatory retirement ages, implementation of a ‘managed Induction Process’ and the on boarding process which enables candidates to undergo pre-attestation recruit training.
The initiatives contained in the RDF Regeneration and Development Plan are generating positive change and increased momentum towards a regenerated, trained and capable RDF to support the Permanent Defence Forces.
236. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport whether the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project is identified within the current NDP/National Investment Framework; what, if any, indicative capital envelope is provided for the scheme; and whether any previous 2013 era allocation or provision lapsed or was re-profiled. [52900/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra252. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project (formerly the Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension), including the stage reached under the infrastructure guidelines/public spending code; the expected timeline and key milestones to complete the options stage and proceed to planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52894/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra254. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish the strategic assessment report, the updated project outline document and any 2024-2025 traffic and junction analyses for the Butts Green area; and to place these documents in the Oireachtas Library and Research Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52896/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra255. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport the amounts allocated to the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project in each of the years 2024, 2025 and projected for 2026; the specific deliverables attached to the €200,000 provided in 2025; whether multi-annual funding will be committed to bring the project through options selection, environmental surveys and statutory planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52897/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra256. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport the reason a project is now titled the 'Kilkenny Northern Transport Project'; whether its scope extends beyond a ring road link (such as active travel or public transport components); if any change in scope has contributed to the restart at early appraisal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52898/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra257. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his Department's and TII's engagement with Kilkenny County Council since 2022, including direction given on compliance with updated infrastructure guidelines and the transport appraisal framework; if he will provide target dates agreed with the council for submission of the preferred option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52899/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 236, 252 and 254 to 257, inclusive, together.
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 line with Government requirements Kilkenny County Council produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension and a draft was forwarded to the Department in January 2023. The Department reviewed the SAR and returned its comments and observations to Kilkenny County Council for consideration.
Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department continues to liaise 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.
In 2024, the Department provided funding for an updated POD, which has been submitted to the Department by Kilkenny County Council, and while this process was underway funding was also allocated for Traffic/Junction Analysis in the Butts Green area of the City to further assess and understand traffic patterns in the city.
Following a review of the POD by the Department, €200,000 has been allocated to the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project (formerly Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension Project) in 2025 to allow Kilkenny County Council to progress the project to the Options Stage.
As regards the funding allocated to and drawn down for the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project, details of the regional and local road allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library.
The 2026 regional and local road grant allocations will be finalised following the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume and will take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year. Within the budget available, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
237. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a licence exchange can be expedited (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52644/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that all enquiries relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated under national legislation to the Road Safety Authority.
I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply.
238. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the number of people that have applied for the disabled parking permit over the past five years, per county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52692/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the remit of the Department of Transport in respect of disabled parking is limited to the legislation that underpins the Disabled Parking Scheme. The Scheme itself is operated on behalf of the Department by the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland.
The Department does not have access to information on applications for permits. However, the most up to date information held in the Department on permits issued per year, from the ongoing review of the Scheme, is set out in the table below. Information on permits for 2023 and 2024 and a breakdown by county have been requested from the issuing organisations and will be forwarded to the Deputy on receipt.
|
Year |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Total |
53,833 |
55,126 |
53,489 |
54,304 |
58,920 |
Source: Review of the Disabled Parking Scheme: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/publications/review-of-the-disabled-parking-scheme/
239. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the drafting of the revised National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025; to provide an indicative timeline for when the sharing and processing of road traffic collision data with local authorities will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52719/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra251. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary questions No.437 of 13 May 2025, No. 318 of 15 July 2025 and No. 501 of 29 July 2025, if the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025 has now been drafted; if the Bill has been approved by the Oireachtas and targeted for enactment before the end of 2025, which includes a provision to strengthen the legislative basis for all agencies including An Garda Síochána requiring access to data held on the NVDF database; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52840/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 251 together.
The National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025 strengthens the provisions of the Finance Act 1993 in relation to access to vehicle and driver data by An Garda Síochána and other bodies. The Bill updates the Act, which is pre-GDPR, to bring it in line with current data protection principles. The Bill provides for the making of data sharing agreements with those bodies, as well as providing for limitations on the access to, and use of data both internally in the Department and by those with whom the data is shared. It should be noted that, in practice, extensive data date sharing is already in place and that the relevant provisions of the Bill are intended to underpin current policy and procedures.
The Bill also provides for the sharing of traffic collision data with local authorities. Collision data are collected by members of An Garda Síochána at the scene of road traffic accidents. These data were previously shared with local authorities, to enable them to identify locations of interest (accident blackspots) that would benefit from safety improvements. Due to the presence of personal information in the data, legal advice related to GDPR has meant that local authorities have stopped receiving collision data since November 2023. As an interim measure, the Department of Transport has been undertaking detailed collision analysis on the regional and local road network to identify locations of interest. When locations of interest are identified, the Department notifies the affected local authority. In turn, local authorities can apply for funding of low-cost safety schemes for these locations of interest.
The Bill also provides for the abolition of the requirement to display a motor tax disc, provides for open-ended declarations of non-use of a vehicle and amends a provision relating to the variation of speed limits.
The General Scheme of the Bill has been approved by Government and the Bill is a priority for drafting during the current legislative term. Once published, enactment is subject to Oireachtas scheduling and to approval of the Bill by the Oireachtas.
240. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that as part of the DART+ West project there are some stations along the proposed Maynooth line which will not have an elevator facility, which has caused concerns amongst disability advocacy groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52720/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 (IÉ), the DART+ Programme and the Accessibility Retrofit Programme.
The Dart+ West project 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. A Railway Order was granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála in July 2024 subject to certain conditions, notably that the proposed depot near Maynooth not be constructed due to concerns about flood risk. IÉ and the NTA are currently engaging on the submission of a new Railway Order for a depot.
Procurement for DART+ West and South West is progressing, with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
In relation to the Deputy's query on elevators and accessibility of stations on the DART+ West line, accessibility features are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects, including new stations, from the design stage. However, there are legacy issues in relation to older infrastructure and facilities. To address these issues, the Department of Transport funds the Accessibility Retrofit Programme, managed by the NTA. Under the programme, the NTA oversees accessibility projects for rail stations to improve access and provide lifts to allow access to transport platforms.
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.
241. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the frequency and causes of service cancellations and power outages on Irish Rail and Luas services in the past 12 months; the financial and operational measures being introduced to improve reliability; and whether his Department sets performance targets for these operators. [52762/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 issue raised in relation to service cancellations and power outages by the Deputy is a matter for Irish Rail and Transdev. The issue raised in relation to financial and operational measures and performance targets is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA). The NTA has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
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.
Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail, Transdev, and the NTA for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days
242. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of Bus Éireann PSO fleet that are over 12 years old, as of 22 September 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52800/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 Bus Éireann. 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.
243. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if the NTA funding allocation for the full delivery of phase 4 of the Royal Canal greenway project remains in place and is protected, pending the receipt of full planning permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála. [52812/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra244. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if the NTA will commence works immediately on phase 4 of the Royal Canal greenway project upon receipt of planning permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála. [52813/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development 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.
245. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of learner permit holders, by county, who were disqualified in court in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025; the number that surrendered their learner permit to the Road Safety Authority; the number who were prosecuted for failing to surrender their learner permit to the RSA; the number convicted of the offence; the penalties delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52834/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra246. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of learner permit holders disqualified in court in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025 whereby the offence could not be matched automatically to the correct learner permit holder; the number of learner permit cases that the RSA attempted to match through a manual search; the number that were successfully matched to a record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52835/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.
Table 1 below details the number of learner permit holders, by county, who were disqualified in court in 2023, 2024 and to 31 August 2025 and the number that surrendered their learner permit to the Road Safety Authority.
A notification of disqualification is issued by the Courts Service for drivers convicted of a court disqualification, the notification includes the requirement to surrender the driving licence or learner permit to the Road Safety Authority within 14 days of commencement of disqualification.
It is important to note that, while the non-surrender of licences is of concern, the more important issue from a road safety perspective is that the disqualification from driving is observed. The individuals in question are fully aware of the Court's decision and the disqualification from driving is in effect regardless of whether their licence is surrendered.
An Garda Síochána have access to the NVDF as part of their Mobility Strategy and therefore can detect and prosecute a driver who continues to drive while disqualified. This is the case whether a licence has been surrendered or not.
The Department shares information on non-surrender of licences with An Garda Síochána but does not maintain records on additional convictions and penalties for drivers who have failed to surrender their licences. This is the responsibility of the Department of Justice.
Table 1
|
County |
2023 Court DQs |
2023 Surrendered |
2023 Surrendered % |
2024 Court DQs |
2024 Surrendered |
2024 Surrendered % |
2025 Court DQs |
2025 Surrendered |
2025 Surrendered % |
|
CARLOW |
24 |
1 |
4.17% |
30 |
4 |
13.33% |
22 |
0 |
0.00% |
|
CAVAN |
38 |
3 |
7.89% |
25 |
1 |
4.00% |
27 |
1 |
3.70% |
|
CLARE |
37 |
1 |
2.70% |
36 |
0 |
0.00% |
36 |
1 |
2.78% |
|
CORK |
230 |
10 |
4.35% |
211 |
18 |
8.53% |
156 |
8 |
5.13% |
|
DONEGAL |
42 |
2 |
4.76% |
33 |
1 |
3.03% |
34 |
3 |
8.82% |
|
DUBLIN |
591 |
23 |
3.89% |
540 |
13 |
2.41% |
488 |
12 |
2.46% |
|
GALWAY |
72 |
7 |
9.72% |
78 |
4 |
5.13% |
71 |
6 |
8.45% |
|
KERRY |
50 |
2 |
4.00% |
46 |
2 |
4.35% |
25 |
0 |
0.00% |
|
KILDARE |
93 |
5 |
5.38% |
75 |
3 |
4.00% |
64 |
4 |
6.25% |
|
KILKENNY |
35 |
2 |
5.71% |
27 |
3 |
11.11% |
28 |
3 |
10.71% |
|
LAOIS |
58 |
1 |
1.72% |
48 |
1 |
2.08% |
27 |
3 |
11.11% |
|
LEITRIM |
11 |
1 |
9.09% |
4 |
1 |
25.00% |
6 |
0 |
0.00% |
|
LIMERICK |
111 |
6 |
5.41% |
90 |
3 |
3.33% |
78 |
3 |
3.85% |
|
LONGFORD |
26 |
2 |
7.69% |
18 |
0 |
0.00% |
24 |
0 |
0.00% |
|
LOUTH |
54 |
2 |
3.70% |
52 |
0 |
0.00% |
30 |
1 |
3.33% |
|
MAYO |
34 |
1 |
2.94% |
26 |
1 |
3.85% |
36 |
3 |
8.33% |
|
MEATH |
60 |
0 |
0.00% |
52 |
2 |
3.85% |
63 |
3 |
4.76% |
|
MONAGHAN |
20 |
0 |
0.00% |
15 |
1 |
6.67% |
19 |
0 |
0.00% |
|
OFFALY |
43 |
0 |
0.00% |
41 |
2 |
4.88% |
39 |
3 |
7.69% |
|
ROSCOMMON |
26 |
1 |
3.85% |
23 |
1 |
4.35% |
23 |
2 |
8.70% |
|
SLIGO |
20 |
3 |
15.00% |
7 |
0 |
0.00% |
8 |
0 |
0.00% |
|
TIPPERARY |
117 |
3 |
2.56% |
84 |
5 |
5.95% |
70 |
1 |
1.43% |
|
WATERFORD |
58 |
1 |
1.72% |
39 |
2 |
5.13% |
32 |
0 |
0.00% |
|
WESTMEATH |
33 |
1 |
3.03% |
32 |
1 |
3.13% |
50 |
3 |
6.00% |
|
WEXFORD |
71 |
0 |
0.00% |
67 |
4 |
5.97% |
54 |
1 |
1.85% |
|
WICKLOW |
52 |
2 |
3.85% |
57 |
5 |
8.77% |
38 |
0 |
0.00% |
|
Total |
2,006 |
80 |
3.99% |
1,756 |
78 |
4.44% |
1,548 |
61 |
3.94% |
Table 2 below details the number of drivers disqualified in court in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and the number of these that could not be matched to a driving licence. Unmatched records can include foreign licence holders, unlicensed individuals, and unmatched Irish licence holders. The nature of the latter cohort (unmatched Irish licence holders) means we are unable to tell if they are learner permit holders.
Table 2
|
- |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Driver Disqualified in Court |
7,833 |
8,969 |
7,861 |
|
Number Unmatched to Drivers |
1,859 |
2,113 |
1,904 |
|
% Unmatched |
23.7% |
23.6% |
24.2% |
247. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if primary legislation is required to introduce a requirement on learners applying for a renewal of a learner permit after seven years of holding a permit, to begin the learning to drive process from the start; the timeframe to introduce such a provision in law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52836/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
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.
248. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce a mandatory requirement on drivers disqualified in court to present their licence or permit, to the court clerk on disqualification, in order for the unique driver number to be recorded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52837/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 2002, as amended, provides that, where a person is charged in court with a road traffic offence, other than for specified exceptions, they are required to produce their driving licence or learner permit to a court official. The Court shall record whether or not the licence or permit was produced and, where it was produced, the details specified on it.
249. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to report on the success rate of the system used for mutual recognition of disqualified drivers between the UK and Ireland; to provide an update on his Department's review of the system used in Ireland; his intention to adopt the UK 'administrative' system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52838/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra250. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of applications made by the Road Safety Authority in 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, to an appropriate judge for the purposes of giving effect to a decision imposing a disqualification made in the UK; the number that resulted in a disqualification here; the number of cases where the disqualification had expired in the UK before it was recognised in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52839/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 250 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the agreement on the mutual recognition of driving disqualifications between Ireland and the United Kingdom is set out in the Road Traffic Act 2016.
Under section 40(10) of the Act, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the competent authority of the State and the central authority of the State for the purposes of the agreement.
Information regarding the operation of the agreement is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
It is my Department's intention to review the agreement. However, this will have to be done in conjunction with the UK, as set out in the agreement.
253. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport if the €44 million announced in July 2013 for completion of the Kilkenny ring road was formally allocated, drawn down or ring-fenced; if not, when and why that position changed; and to provide a chronology of Departmental and TII decisions from 2013 to date, including the effect of the 2014 An Bord Pleanála approval and subsequent legal proceedings on project reset; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52895/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
The Kilkenny Northern Transport Project (formerly Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension Project) is a non-national project and therefore has never received an allocation from TII. The Department first received a Preliminary Appraisal Form from Kilkenny County Council in December 2019. Any queries regarding funding and legal proceedings prior to this date would be a matter for Kilkenny County Council.
In line with Government requirements Kilkenny County Council produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension and a draft was forwarded to the Department in January 2023. The Department reviewed the SAR and returned its comments and observations to Kilkenny County Council for consideration.
Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department continues to liaise 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.
In 2024, the Department provided funding for an updated POD, which has been submitted to the Department by Kilkenny County Council, and while this process was underway funding was also allocated for Traffic/Junction Analysis in the Butts Green area of the City to further assess and understand traffic patterns in the city.
Following a review of the POD by the Department, €200,000 has been allocated to the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project (formerly Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension Project) in 2025 to allow Kilkenny County Council to progress the project to the Options Stage.
