Written Answers Nos. 65-84
65. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline his engagements in respect to new proposals for a ‘drone wall’ on the EU’s borders to detect, jam or possibly shoot down drones that cross into the territories of member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53918/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn advance of, and following the publication of the EU's White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, my officials and I have engaged constructively in discussions on enhancing Europe’s defence readiness.
As a continuation of these discussions, the informal European Council on 1 October discussed various matters including the recent violations of air space of Member States and the identification of two flagship projects to deliver under the Roadmap – a 'European Drone Wall', and, an 'Eastern Flank Watch'.
While the European Commission has not yet issued any definitive proposal to Member States in relation to the development of a ‘European Drone Wall’, once any proposal is made, Ireland, like other Member States, will consider such a proposal in line with its national priorities.
The Tánaiste has made it clear that Ireland is committed to maximising both national and international security through bilateral and multilateral engagements with key strategic partners, including the EU. Just last week, the Tánaiste reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to achieving Level of Ambition 2 and has acknowledged that we need to increase our capabilities further and that 2026 will see a significant step in that direction.
The development of primary radar capability is a major project on which good progress is being made as part of the Military Radar Programme. The Programme also includes development of Counter-UAS (drone) capabilities. Recent increases in Defence funding will support the rollout of this Programme and will ensure that Ireland can maintain a complete Recognised Air Picture. Elements of this capability will be rolled out in phases, starting in 2026, towards full delivery by the end of 2028.
My Department will continue to monitor developments in relation to the 'European Drone Wall' Flagship Project and will assess how developments in this regard align with our own capability development, in particular the ongoing Military Radar Programme.
66. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans to address Russian-affiliated 'shadow fleet' vessels passing through Ireland’s maritime Exclusive Economic Zone and being used to help Russia circumvent sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53919/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that I am aware of the threat posed by the shadow fleet to critical maritime infrastructure and to the maritime environment from potential pollution incidents. From a defence perspective, the Defence Forces routinely monitor foreign vessels transiting Irish waters with both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft, as well as remote monitoring on a 24/7 basis from the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline.
Officials in my Department, along with officials in other Departments, are exploring opportunities to engage with international efforts to meet the challenges posed by the shadow fleet. These discussions include working on effective legal solutions in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the application of sanctions, increased scrutiny of the activities of these ships and information sharing between maritime authorities.
67. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport his plans to roll out schemes similar to the smart mobility hub scheme, run by Dublin City Council and Smart Dublin, across other public sector sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53928/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy is referring to a pilot project that is being coordinated by SMART Dublin on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities, and which forms part of my department’s Sustainable Mobility Policy Pathfinder Programme. The objective of the project is to explore how staff can be encouraged to use sustainable modes of travel for work-related purposes, and to share learnings between the Dublin local authorities on approaches and outcomes. Workplace mobility hubs are being trialed as part of the project. These consist of low or zero emissions vehicles that are made available to staff, when needed, for work-related trips.
Currently, there are two active workplace mobility hubs - with a total of 11 e-bikes and 11 electric vehicles - in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council have also tested shared solutions for their workers, and South Dublin County Council have engaged closely with the other Dublin local authorities with a view to learning from their experiences.
My department welcomes the initiative shown by the Dublin local authorities in developing this pilot. It is very much aligned with the Smarter Travel Programme, supported by my department and delivered by the National Transport Authority, which seeks to encourage sustainable travel in all workplaces, including public sector bodies, and to seek recognition for this effort by applying for Smarter Travel Mark certification.
The Dublin local authorities are leading the way on sustainable travel solutions and supports for their workers and all four have attained the Smarter Travel Mark. However, it is for individual workplaces, including local authorities, to determine the sustainable mobility options that best fit the needs of their employees, including the potential offered by employer-provided shared mobility options. That said, a wrap-up report is currently being compiled by SMART Dublin to capture the lessons learned and to close out the pilot under the Pathfinder Programme, which concludes at the end of 2025. I fully expect the ensuing report to be a useful aid to other local authorities and public sector bodies who may be considering the establishment of similar initiatives for their staff, including workplace mobility hubs, over the coming years.
68. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has, in collaboration with other stakeholders including the Department of Health, carried out analyses of the capacity of public transport connections to Beaumont hospital; the other work, if any, his Department has carried out to explore the way in which demand for parking and private car access to the hospital may be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52950/25]
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 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.
69. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the status and expected timeframe for delivery of the proposed Tralee to Cork public transport corridor (bus and train services), including planned service frequency, weekend and evening provision, and integration with other public transport services in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52952/25]
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 Kerry and Cork. 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. As with all plans, any additional funding for rural public transport services would be subject to the annual Budgetary and Estimates 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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. Specific rail works and progress are a matter for Irish Rail, in conjunction with the NTA.
In light of the NTA and Irish Rail's responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA and Irish Rail for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
70. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the bus route 235 from Cork to Rylane; the frequency of service as part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52953/25]
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 County Cork. 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.
Under Budget 2025, the Department 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 Connecting Ireland.
As with all plans, any additional funding for rural public transport services 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 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.
71. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport for an update on bus route 243B from Mallow to Charleville as part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52954/25]
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 County Cork. 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.
72. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the current progress on the proposed regional bus corridor A51 from Killarney to Mallow; the planned frequency of the service; the timeframe for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52955/25]
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 Kerry and Cork. 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.
73. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the current service frequency, capacity, punctuality and reliability performance, and planned upgrades for route 233 (Cork to Macroom); the measures to address peak-time crowding, weekend/evening service gaps, accessibility, and real-time information accuracy on the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52956/25]
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.
74. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 510 of 29 July 2025, if the member of the public can seek a copy of the report of the investigation into his complaint, the CCTV footage that was used to form part of the report and the responses of the personnel involved (details supplied). [53023/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in my earlier response, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the National Car Testing service under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 and neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level or in individual cases.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Pending this more detailed response, the National Car Test is accredited to International Organization for Standardization standards. All NCT Inspectors are fully qualified mechanics who undertake an intensive three-week training programme delivered through classroom, practical and online training methods. All staff complete Code of Integrity training upon recruitment and on an annual basis thereafter. On-site and annual training programs are delivered every year to staff to brief them on new technologies.
The service is also subject to a stringent regime of independent audits and inspections carried out by the AA. More than 99 per cent of tests reviewed are deemed to be fairly and correctly assessed. A dedicated internal audit team is in place to manage allegations, investigations, and complaints. This involves random surprise audits to review vehicles that had just completed a test. Auditors repeat critical elements of the test and identify if there are any discrepancies with the original test result.
75. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to consider making M50 toll payments tax deductible for commuters who rely on the motorway for their daily commute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53028/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Matters relating to tax deductions would fall under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
76. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to consider introducing a proportional tolling system where payment reflects the actual length of motorway travelled on the M50, rather than a flat fee regardless of distance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53030/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra77. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of abolishing the M50 tolls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53031/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra79. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the total revenue raised by the M50 through toll payments between 2018 to date in 2025, by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53033/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 76, 77 and 79 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the questions to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
78. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the total operation and management cost of the M50 between 2018 to date in 2025, by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53032/25]
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 the total operation and management cost of the M50 between 2018 to date in 2025.
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.
80. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to consider providing an additional train service running from the Castleknock area to the M3 Parkway given the number of students and commuters travelling towards Hansfield (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53043/25]
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 Irish Rail. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
81. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to report on the recent multi-agency cyberattack exercise targeting Cork Port; to state whether any vulnerabilities were identified in port or maritime infrastructure; and to outline the actions and resources now being deployed to strengthen cyber-defences at critical infrastructure sites nationwide. [53124/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the exercise referred to by the Deputy was a simulation of a cyberattack on a virtualised Port of Cork organised by the Munster Technological University through the National Maritime College of Ireland. Neither the Port of Cork Company (PoCC) nor my Department was involved in this exercise. To date, my Department has not been advised of any findings from the exercise.
While PoCC did not take part in the exercise, it is subject to Directive (EU) 2022/2555, otherwise known as the NIS2 Directive, and has a cyber security programme to ensure compliance with the requirements of that directive.
82. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the status of proposals to reduce the driving test wait times at a test centre (details supplied) in view of the fact it is still well above the national average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53178/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, this includes all testing and scheduling matters. Accordingly, the information relating to Wilton Driving Test Centre is held by the RSA.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, the Deputy will be aware that reducing overall driving test wait times has been one of my key priorities since taking office. To that end I directed the RSA to produce and publish a service recovery plan to meet the 10-week average national waiting time target by September.
I am informed by the RSA that the national average wait time for a Category B test is now 10 weeks. This marks a significant improvement on the 27-week national average wait time reported at the end of April and marks a return to the 10-week service level agreement (SLA). Some centres remain above the 10 week wait time and I am informed by the RSA that it is continuing to work to reduce wait times at these centres.
The Deputy may wish to note that the RSA publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service on the CSO website, including the breakdown of waiting times and distribution of testing capacity by test centre. This information is available at the following link: data.cso.ie/product/RSADTS
83. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has received a business case (details supplied); when a decision on this will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53223/25]
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.
Kildare County Council submitted a preliminary appraisal application in late 2023. It was noted to the Council that the project would require a business case to be developed in order for the Council to substantiate the need for the scheme that addresses the transport issues or opportunities and provides value for money. The Department made an allocation to the Council in 2025 in support of the preparation of a business case for the remaining section of the Newbridge Southern Outer Orbital Route. The updated business case was recently submitted by the Council to the Department for review. Any possible future funding for the scheme will be based on the assessment of the business case in respect of the need for the scheme, alignment with National Policy and the availability of funding at the time.
84. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that the employment status of all persons delivering periodic driver CPC training, as required by EU legislation, is in accordance with Irish employment laws, as regards the definition of self-employed when they are restricted by training organisations who are regulated by the road safety authority in terms of only being allowed work for one individual training organisation. [53251/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the information requested is held by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply.
