Written Answers Nos. 85-104
85. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department have conducted health and safety analysis following junction narrowing works to assess the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. [53255/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 grants. Regarding the four Dublin Councils, arising from the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts, the four Dublin Councils are largely self-funding for works on regional and local roads since 2015 and my Department no longer provides grants to these Councils under the main regional and local road grant categories. It is therefore the responsibility of the local authority to ensure that junction improvements are applied, as appropriate, in the design of all urban road schemes.
The layout and geometry of priority junctions in urban areas can have a significant impact on the safety and comfort of people using the junction, particularly those using active travel modes of transport including walking, wheeling and cycling. Historically, most priority junctions in urban areas were designed to standards more applicable to rural roads which prioritised the movement of vehicular traffic, often at the expense of other road users. Large junctions with wide corner radii encourage high vehicle turning speeds, unofficial two lane exits and poor pedestrian crossing facilities, all of which pose a threat to the safety of those walking, wheeling and cycling. Moreover, large junctions negatively impact the most vulnerable in our society. This includes the disabled and elderly people who may struggle to traverse large junctions where vehicles travel at high speeds, thus risking both their safety and mental well-being as they attempt to navigate their way through the urban environment. Junctions are often critical links on any pedestrian route and can represent an area of potential conflict between pedestrians and vehicular traffic. It is therefore important that the layout and geometry of junctions facilitate and prioritise the safe passage of pedestrians in accordance with the national sustainable transport policy.
The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) was first launched in 2013 by the then Ministers for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Housing, Planning and Local Government. The goal of DMURS is to address street designs within urban areas and ensure that the street design considers the type of place in which the street is located while balancing the needs of all users. DMURS aims to put well designed streets at the heart of sustainable communities in order to create connected physical, social and transport networks that promote alternatives to car journeys. As such, DMURS should also be considered in line with other guidelines such as the Cycle Design Manual.
DMURS recommends that road safety audits be undertaken on the design of all roads and streets, where applicable. The purpose of these audits is to demonstrate that appropriate consideration has been given to all the relevant aspects of the design, including visual quality, how the street may be used by the community, road safety, access, walking, cycling, non-motorised users and community street and place checks. It is important to note that the Local Authority as sponsoring agency is responsible for ensuring that all the required audits are undertaken and remedial measures which may be required are put in place.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to junction tightening on the National Road network.
I also 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 roles of TII and the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to these agencies for a more detailed answer. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
86. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport the advice his Department provides to local authorities in instances where lorries and long wheelbase vehicles must cross solid white lines when turning through junctions. [53256/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 grants. In addition, arising from the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts, the four Dublin Councils are largely self-funding for works on regional and local roads since 2015 and my Department no longer provides grants to these Councils under the main regional and local road grant categories.
It is the responsibility of the local authority as sponsoring agency to ensure that junction improvements and narrowing works are applied appropriately in the design of urban road schemes, and reviewed in accordance with the project objectives.
The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) was first launched in 2013 by the then Ministers for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Housing, Planning and Local Government. The goal of DMURS is to address street designs within urban areas and ensure that the street design considers the type of place in which the street is located while balancing the needs of all users. DMURS aims to put well designed streets at the heart of sustainable communities in order to create connected physical, social and transport networks that promote alternatives to car journeys. As such, DMURS should also be considered in line with other guidelines such as the Cycle Design Manual.
While DMURS encourages the use of junction tightening and reduced radii, it does recognise that there are scenarios where larger vehicles may struggle to traverse a junction without crossing the centre line. DMURS provides specific advice on this matter whereby junctions can be tightened while still allowing HGVs to safely traverse the junction. This includes:
• Increasing the carriageway width at junctions to provide additional manoeuvrability without signalling to drivers that the corner can be taken at greater speed;
• Vehicular stop lines can be set back at signalised junctions to allow turning vehicles to cross the centre line of the intersecting street without conflicting with oncoming movements.
It is important to note that local authorities and their designers are responsible for understanding the surrounding environment, the number of vehicles along with the different vehicle types which a road scheme must cater for and design the junction accordingly.
87. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if officials within his Department have conducted a review regarding the effectiveness and success of junction narrowing works. [53257/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 grants. In addition, arising from the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts, the four Dublin Councils are largely self-funding for works on regional and local roads since 2015 and my Department no longer provides grants to these Councils under the main regional and local road grant categories.
It is the responsibility of the local authority as sponsoring agency to ensure that junction improvements and narrowing works are applied appropriately in the design of urban road schemes, and reviewed in accordance with the project objectives.
The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) was first launched in 2013 by the then Ministers for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Housing, Planning and Local Government. The goal of DMURS is to address street designs within urban areas and ensure that the street design considers the type of place in which the street is located while balancing the needs of all users. DMURS aims to put well designed streets at the heart of sustainable communities in order to create connected physical, social and transport networks that promote alternatives to car journeys. As such, DMURS should also be considered in line with other guidelines such as the Cycle Design Manual.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to junction tightening on the National Road network.
I also 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 roles of TII and the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to these agencies for a more detailed answer. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
88. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport the research his Department has conducted to inform policies and practices on junction narrowing works across Dublin. [53258/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 grants. In addition, arising from the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts, the four Dublin Councils are largely self-funding for works on regional and local roads since 2015 and my Department no longer provides grants to these Councils under the main regional and local road grant categories.
It is the responsibility of the local authority as sponsoring agency to ensure that junction improvements and narrowing works are applied appropriately in the design of urban road schemes, and reviewed in accordance with the project objectives.
The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) was first launched in 2013 by the then Ministers for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Housing, Planning and Local Government. The goal of DMURS is to address street designs within urban areas and ensure that the street design considers the type of place in which the street is located while balancing the needs of all users. DMURS aims to put well designed streets at the heart of sustainable communities in order to create connected physical, social and transport networks that promote alternatives to car journeys. As such, DMURS should also be considered in line with other guidelines such as the NTA's Cycle Design Manual. It is the responsibility of the local authority to ensure that DMURS is applied in the design of urban road schemes, as applicable.
The information contained within DMURS relating to junction tightening was developed using information gleaned from several different resources. Analysis undertaken by the Road Safety Authority Free Speed Surveys confirmed that tighter junctions are just one of a number of physical measures that can be put in place to lower speed limits and increase the safety of all road users. The Manual for Streets (2007) and Manual for Streets 2 (2010), both of which were published by the Charted institute of Highways and Transportation in the UK, were also used as reference material during the development of DMURS. Both documents recommend the tightening of junctions in order to improve safety, reduce vehicle speed and prioritize pedestrian and cyclists.
89. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider and respond to concerns around the air, sea and rescue helicopter expressed in correspondence (details supplied). [53272/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my capacity as Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I have responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard and the SAR Aviation Contract.
Coast Guard Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter services are provided under contract that is currently transitioning from CHCI to Bristow Ireland. This critical lifesaving service provides for the operation of four 24/7 SAR helicopter bases, located at Shannon, Waterford Sligo and Weston in Dublin. The new contract was awarded following a detailed and extensive procurement programme. From an aviation perspective all of the bases are regulated by the IAA and infrastructural matters fall under the gambit of the local authorities. My Department has no role in such matters.
The procurement process specified the location of each base and in the case of Dublin, intending bidders were required to base the service, at or within 25 Km of Dublin airport. I am advised that the management at Weston airport in conjunction with the various airport users has a noise abatement plan and also has established a programme of community engagement. More importantly I am pleased to advise the Deputy that Weston is proving to be well suited to enabling the Coast Guard deliver on its life saving services that includes options for safe and effective transfer of some patients or casualties, by ambulance from helicopter to Dublin area hospitals.
90. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has conducted any study or analysis to examine the effectiveness of cycle lanes constructed to date in increasing cycling rates across Dublin. [53331/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to achieving modal shift in transport and increasing the number of Active Travel journeys over the coming years. This is evidenced in both the commitments made under various policy documents including the Programme for Government, the Climate Action Plan and my Department's National Sustainable Mobility Plan (SMP), as well as the significant increase in funding for walking and cycling measures over the past six years.
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. They are also responsible for a number of studies and surveys aimed at assessing levels of modal shift towards walking and cycling in light of the recent increased investment in Active Travel.
In conjunction with the development of such infrastructure, the NTA carries out a Household Travel Survey annually in line with a requirement in my Department's SMP. The Survey is designed to provide a comprehensive picture of the daily travel patterns of Irish residents. The NTA also conducts the annual Canal Cordon survey which measures the mode share of vehicles and people crossing the canal into Dublin city centre.
Additionally, the Walking and Cycling Index is Ireland's largest assessment of walking, wheeling and cycling activity developed by the NTA and Sustrans. It gathers data through local information, modelling, and surveys of residents to understand usage, public support for active travel, and necessary infrastructure to encourage more walking and cycling. The index provides key insights that inform the NTA's Active Travel Investment Programme and help cities become more sustainable by reducing car reliance.
Finally, an upcoming study on the Benefits of Active Travel investment commissioned by the NTA should provide insights into the economic impact of such investment, inflation pressures and the wider benefits of funding for walking and cycling. This study is due to be published by year end.
Taken in tandem, these studies and surveys provide a comprehensive look at the impact of our investment in walking and cycling in recent years; however both the NTA and my Department are constantly seeking new opportunities to engage in such research and data-gathering with a view to strengthening our evidence base for investment decisions.
91. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport the amount of Exchequer funding allocated to active travel schemes since 2020; the amount spent; and the amount of this funding leftover following the completion of these schemes. [53332/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
92. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport the amount of Exchequer funding allocated to schemes to encourage cycling and walking in County Dublin. [53333/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
€290 million was allocated to the NTA's Active Travel Infrastructure Fund this year, and the NTA in turn have allocated the following funding to the four local authorities in Dublin for walking and cycling infrastructure in 2025:
|
Local Authority |
2025 Funding Allocation |
|
Dublin City Council |
€45,000,000 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
€20,000,000 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€20,000,000 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€20,000,000 |
|
Total |
€105,000,000 |
A full breakdown of project allocations per local authority is available on the NTA's website.
93. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Local Link bus serving Route 887, New Ross to Carlow, arriving in Bagenalstown to pick-up at 8:15 a.m. is already full, and leaves on average 12 - 15 college students attending SETU and Tindall with no transport; that some drivers allow the students on, and others are failing to stop due to the bus being at full capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53351/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in Counties Wexford and Carlow. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continue the roll-out of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA responsibilities, 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.
94. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the bilateral meetings he has had with his EU counterparts to date in 2025, in tabular form. [53358/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince taking office I have not met with my counterparts in other EU member states. However, I have met with my counterparts in The UK and Northern Ireland. In addition to this I have had engagements with The EU commission, including officials from the EU which I have included in the table below.
|
Date |
Meeting |
|
5th of March 2025 – 6th of March 2025 |
UK-Irish Summit. |
|
4th of April 2025 |
British - Irish Council on Transport Ministerial Meeting. |
|
4th of April 2025 |
Bilateral with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport in Scotland, Fiona Hyslop. |
|
9th of April 202 |
Virtual meeting with Minister Andrew Muir from Northern Ireland. |
|
6th of May 2025 |
Minister Caoimhe Archibald for the Economy of Northern Ireland |
|
13th of May 2025 |
Virtual Meeting with EU Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Transition Wopke Hoekstra |
|
20th of May 2025 |
TEN-T Corridor Coordinator for the European Maritime Space Gesine Meissner |
|
16th of June |
Energy Council Luxembourg. |
|
17th of June |
Environment Council Luxemburg. |
|
20th of June 2025 |
North-South Ministerial Council Plenary. |
|
4th of July 2025 |
North-South Ministerial Council Environment Sectoral. |
|
14th of July 2025 |
Meeting with the UK Secretary of State for Energy Security & Net Zero Kerry McCarthy. |
|
16th of July 2025 |
Meeting with The UK Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander. |
|
11th of September 2025 |
EU Ten T Coordinator Pawel Wojciechowski. |
|
12th of September 2025 |
Virtual meeting with Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, The EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism. |
|
18th of September 2025 |
EU Environment Council - Vote on Emissions. |
95. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for the payment of the five percent increase for those availing of the CIÉ pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53398/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport to consider including those people who have retired since January 2023 in the five percent increase to CIÉ pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53399/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
From the outset I would like to clarify that I, as Minister for Transport, have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Regarding the recent engagement between CIÉ and the Trade Union Group (TUG) on the matter of the CIÉ Pension Schemes, the Department acknowledges the longstanding tradition within CIÉ of ensuring that terms and conditions of employees, which include pension provision, are negotiated collectively with recognised Trade Unions.
I welcome the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward, which is aimed at balancing the objectives of supporting the future sustainability of the schemes, protecting existing benefits for members of the scheme (including pensioners), and contributing to the overall financial stability of the CIÉ Group.
I acknowledge the positive outcome from the ballot held on the CIÉ Pension Proposal for both Schemes, which was agreed by CIÉ and the TUG in May of this year.
In line with the appropriate processes and compliance with all applicable requirements, my Department will continue to engage with CIÉ as well as financial advisors at NewERA, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members.
Decisions regarding pension increases are ultimately a matter for the CIÉ Board as informed by actuarial advice and is subject to requirements imposed by statute and scheme rules. Accordingly, I have referred Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
97. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the due diligence his Department has completed in assessing the greenhouse gas emissions impacts resulting from State intervention to lift the Dublin airport passenger cap, in the context of both climate obligations and related human rights obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53579/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to work with stakeholders to achieve the objective of lifting the passenger cap at Dublin airport as soon as possible. On the 30th of September, I secured Cabinet approval to progress primary legislation to make this happen.
We have seen the success of aviation in growing our economic, political, and cultural connections. However, as acknowledged in Ireland’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy Roadmap which was published in August, to continue to benefit from such connectivity, it is clear that industry and government must act together if we are to meet our ambitious climate goals.
The Roadmap, also a Programme for Government commitment, estimates the demand for conventional jet fuel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) up to 2035, based on the EUROCONTROL base forecasts of Irish aviation activity. It recognises the important contribution that SAFs can make toward decarbonising the aviation industry and it aims to provide the building blocks for the deployment of SAF in Ireland.
Of course, the necessity of decarbonising aviation transcends national borders. The global approach to decarbonisation of the aviation industry is based on the ICAO ‘basket of measures’ which identifies four pillars from which reductions are to be realised. These are aircraft technology improvements, operational improvements, the use of SAFs, and a global market-based measure known as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Of these measures, it is widely acknowledged that deployment of SAFs will play the greatest role in decarbonising the aviation sector in the short to medium term.
At European level, Ireland continues to support the EU’s “Fit for 55 Package” which aims to facilitate a minimum net 55% EU greenhouse gas emission reduction by 2030. Furthermore, there are a number of EU regulations and directives in place that are aimed at reducing aviation emissions. This includes the EU emissions trading system, and the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation which places an obligation on aviation fuel suppliers to supply an increasing share of aviation fuel blended with SAF at European Union airports and requires airlines to increase their uptake of SAF in pre-defined incremental steps.
I and my officials regularly engage with the key stakeholders across the aviation sector in relation to efforts to reduce emissions and decarbonise the aviation industry, and my Department remains committed to the continued development of policy in this area both at EU and international level.
98. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his Departments plans to tackle traffic congestion on the M1 and M50 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53582/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to plans to tackle traffic congestion on the M1 and M50.
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.
99. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to confirm the plans to develop a new terminal three at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53583/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra100. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will support the development of a new terminal three at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53584/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra101. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his plans to lift the passenger cap at Dublin Airport is to facilitate the development of a new terminal three at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53585/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 99 to 101, inclusive, together.
Our National Aviation Policy recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport to meeting national, social and economic policy goals and includes the objective to develop Dublin Airport as a secondary hub airport.
My plan to lift the passenger cap at Dublin Airport is to deliver on a commitment in the Programme for Government in which this Government committed to work with stakeholders to achieve our objective of lifting the passenger cap; it is unrelated to any potential development of a new terminal at Dublin Airport.
It is also recognised that the challenge facing Dublin Airport at present is not solely in relation to lifting the 32m cap on passengers and that development of the airport in terms of its infrastructure capacity is also required. In order to facilitate growth at the airport, you will be aware that daa submitted a planning application in December 2023 - the so called “Infrastructure Application” which seeks not only to raise the passenger cap to 40m passengers but also for the development of several capacity enhancing projects including new piers and aircraft stands along with a new Integrated Transport Centre.
Last week I secured the approval of Government to pursue a legislative course of action to remove the passenger cap taking account of applicable EU law; and to progress the development of a general scheme and associated heads of Bill in this regard.
I am keen to pursue this legislative path to mitigate the recognised risks to our broader economy around the passenger cap remaining in place including:
• restrictions it may place on our economic growth, business and the development of new markets for tourism and trade;
• reputational damage for Ireland where capacity is restricted at our main international gateway and particularly in the context of Ireland’s participation in International Air Transport Agreements;
• uncertainty for airlines which may impact on future growth plans to facilitate passenger demand;
• undermining of our ambitious hub strategy for Dublin Airport; and
• potential increase in passenger fares in a scenario where unmet demand could materialise.
In parallel with the legislative path that I am pursuing in relation to removing the passenger cap, I have asked daa to continue to progress the Infrastructure Application as a matter of priority. I will also be establishing a stakeholder forum of key State Agencies and regulatory bodies to focus on the actions required to facilitate progress of daa's Infrastructure application.
Following a commitment in the National Aviation Policy, 2015, a high-level strategic capacity review was commissioned and published by the then Minister for Transport in 2018. It was carried out by Oxford Economics and Cambridge Economics Policy Associates (CEPA) and identifies priorities for infrastructure provision at all three of our State airports.
While it is recognised that Dublin Airport is a key infrastructural asset for Ireland which has contributed significantly to Irish economic growth, recent challenges with progressing planning applications have delayed its development and have highlighted the economic risk of over-reliance on a single airport for much of the country’s air traffic. In this regard, the importance of our other State and Regional airports is also recognised in the Programme for Government which commits to conducting a review of National Aviation Policy to maximise use of our airports in the regions. In addition, in the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, the Government has also committed to developing a long-term strategy for Irish airports as part of the policy review.
Finally, in relation to a third terminal at Dublin Airport, I can advise that a decision on future terminal capacity requirements or the location of any such terminal that may be necessary to cater for more than 40m passengers at Dublin airport has not yet been made.
102. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if Irish Rail plans to have a new 10 a.m. Monday to Saturday Dublin Heuston to Westport train service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53604/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to both the NTA and Irish Rail for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
103. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the number of each category of tickets that Irish Rail sold for Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Europort in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53605/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions to Irish Rail for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
104. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of the new wheelchair accessible DART carriages that will be in service with effect from early 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53606/25]
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, the DART+ programme.
The DART+ fleet project, which is a key element of the DART+ programme, provides a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet.
Two fleet orders have been placed (185 carriages, largely battery-electric with some electric units). The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started arriving and 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.
The new DART+ fleet will provide improved accessibility for train users, including low level flooring and entrance doors and larger dedicated wheelchair spaces with easy access from adjacent doors.
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.
