Written Answers Nos. 246-265
246. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport his expenditure on advertising, with details of the objective, duration, social media platforms, reach, audience, CTR and cost of each social media advertising campaign, in 2023 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54672/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Transport uses advertising to engage with the public on a range of matters, including highlighting public consultations, encouraging sustainable travel choices, and promoting recruitment opportunities.
In 2023, my Department launched its flagship Your Journey Counts emissions-reduction campaign to encourage people to walk, cycle, and take public transport where they can, in line with our Climate Action Plan goals to reduce transport-related carbon emissions. This TV-led, integrated campaign was the first of its kind undertaken by my Department and relates to the increase on advertising expenditure by my Department in recent years.
My Department places advertising across a range of platforms as required, including TV, out-of-home/outdoor, national and local print, national and local radio, digital, social media, search engine optimisation (SEO), video on demand, digital audio and streaming, and paid partnerships.
All forms of advertising are monitored on performance, with post-campaign analyses undertaken per campaign to measure reach and efficiency across key metrics including CTR, with these insights used to inform future campaign iterations.
Table 1: Shows the total advertising spend 2023-2025 YTD.
|
Year |
Campaign |
Cost YTD |
|
2025 |
ZEVI Public Notices |
€17,171.97 |
|
2025 |
Slower Speeds, Safer Roads (speed limit reduction) |
€523,924.64 |
|
2025 |
Launch of Online Change of Vehicle Ownership |
€28,849.58 |
|
2025 |
Logistics and Supply Chain Week Promotion |
€10,516.50 |
|
2025 |
Your Journey Counts |
€1,047,895.62 |
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
Recruitment - Chair of CIÉ |
€6,586.65 |
|
2024 |
Recruitment – IRCG Watch Officer |
€1,136.40 |
|
2024 |
Recruitment – AP ICT |
€1,168.50 |
|
2024 |
Recruitment – PO Internal Audit |
€1,021.35 |
|
2024 |
Recruitment – AP ICT |
€1,168.50 |
|
2024 |
Recruitment – Quality Risk Manager |
€4,458.75 |
|
2024 |
Recruitment – Watch officer |
€1,687.56 |
|
2024 |
ZEVI Car Buyer Campaign |
€59,606.10 |
|
2024 |
Your Journey Counts |
€523,426.80 |
|
2024 |
ZEVI Draft Regional and Local Plan PC |
€31,491.36 |
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
E10 Campaign |
€116,697.95 |
|
2023 |
Your Journey Counts |
€1,638,702.01 |
|
2023 |
ZEVI Universal Design Guidelines |
€17,377.58 |
|
2023 |
ZEVI Just Transition Fund Scheme |
€17,265.49 |
|
2023 |
ZEVI Car Buyer Campaign |
€75,087.76 |
|
2023 |
ZEVI Sports Club Scheme |
€14,902.11 |
|
2023 |
ZEVI National Charging Plan Public Consultation |
€3,666.57 |
|
2023 |
Recruitment Campaigns – Chair of NTA, Chair of Iarnród Éireann, and Board of Iarnród Éireann competitions |
€10,029.42 |
|
2023 |
Strategic Rail Review Public Consultation |
€16,987.92 |
|
2023 |
Recruitment - Director of the IRCG |
€15,950.18 |
|
2023 |
Recruitment - Ship Surveyor |
€1,535.20 |
|
2023 |
Recruitment - Director of the IRCG |
€120.54 |
Table 2 shows the social media expenditure for advertising campaigns by my Department for the years 2023 to 2025 YTD.
The social media platforms used for these campaigns were Meta (Instagram and Facebook), LinkedIn and TikTok. My Department has not placed paid advertisements on X/Twitter since early 2023. The Department keeps all forms of communication to the public, including social media advertising, under consistent review to maximise effectiveness.
In 2025, my Department undertook a social-first phase of the Your Journey Counts campaign on Instagram and TikTok, using short-form video formats native to the platforms and shareable content specially developed to reach and engage online audiences. This campaign was designed to promote active travel and public transport in a resonant, relatable manner and included executions such as vox pop videos shot at transport hubs around the country, with messaging around carbon emissions and enhanced service delivery and system investment, etc.
Table 2: Social Media Spend 2023 - 2025 YTD
|
Year |
Campaigns |
Social Media Expenditure |
|
2025 |
Slower Speeds, Safer Roads (speed limit reduction) |
€63,731.44 |
|
2025 |
Online Change of Vehicle Ownership |
€12,299.83 |
|
2025 |
Your Journey Counts |
€192,005.18 |
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
Social media ad hoc posts such as public consultations, etc |
€5,127.03 |
|
2024 |
Your Journey Counts |
€11,708 |
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
E10 Campaign |
€9,759 |
|
2023 |
Your Journey Counts |
€12,694 |
|
2023 |
ZEVI Universal Design Guidelines |
€17,377.58 |
|
2023 |
ZEVI Just Transition Fund Scheme |
€7,317.73 |
|
2023 |
ZEVI Sports Club Scheme |
€14,902.11 |
247. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider naming Dublin airport after a person (details supplied); if he will request Dublin airport authority to consider such an action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54761/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, daa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin and Cork Airports. As such, it is a matter for daa, in the first instance, if it wishes to consider changing the name of Dublin Airport.
daa has not formally notified me that they are planning a name change for the Airport however I have forwarded your suggestion to daa for their information.
248. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the number of train services from Nenagh, County Tipperary to Dublin, as there are currently only two daily services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54764/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; 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.
249. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport when the new Kerry Pike, Cork city bus route, as proposed in the BusConnects plan will be operational; the details of the service; if it will be given priority given it is a rapidly expanding area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54766/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities, including Cork. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
In Cork, following a public consultation, the NTA published the new BusConnects network in June 2022, which aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning of the implementation of the new bus network has commenced.
Matters relating to bus service delivery and planning fall under the remit of the NTA, in co-operation with the relevant transport operator, and are subject to funding and/or resource availability.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
250. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update as of October 2025 on a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54777/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra252. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport when the tender process will be completed for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54779/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 250 and 252 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.
251. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update as of October 2025 on a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54778/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra253. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport when the tender process will be completed for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54780/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 253 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.
254. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the grant-based scheme his Department is working on to support disabled drivers and passengers which will replace the primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54782/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports I wish to advise that the Department of Transport has been tasked with developing a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS) as one specific personal transport response, in the context of broader Government consideration of integrated transport and mobility supports for those with a disability.
The VAS will be a reimbursement scheme, assisting with the additional cost of adapting a vehicle. The intention is that scheme will be open to drivers and passengers who have a clinically assessed need for vehicle adaptations to enable them to enter or exit a vehicle or to operate a vehicle. As eligibility will be based on a clinical assessment, a primary medical certificate will not be required for the VAS.
My officials have just begun development of the scheme and while there has been some initial engagement with key stakeholders, over the coming months the Department intends to conduct extensive consultation with stakeholders, including advocacy groups, to develop the principles and parameters of the new scheme. In addition, a public consultation will be launched to seek the views of the public on the development and administration of the new scheme.
255. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is currently evaluating upgrade to security measures at Dublin Airport following the evacuation recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54803/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAviation security is highly regulated at international, European and national levels and all regulated entities, including airport operators, are required to have processes in place for various scenarios, including an evacuation. Airport operators and other aviation stakeholders, including An Garda Síochána, prioritise the safety and security of passengers and staff as these processes are implemented. Airport operators keep those arrangements under review, including in circumstances where they have been operationalised.
Dublin airport has some of the highest standard available security equipment deployed having recently concluded a very significant technological upgrade at its passenger checkpoints. Airport operators security programmes are approved and overseen by the Irish Aviation Authority, pursuant to national and international regulation.
256. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport if the N17 Collooney to Knock road project is included in the National Development Plan 2026-2035; if phases 3 and 4 of the project will be completed by the end of 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54822/25]
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 planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
The National Development Plan Review 2025 has been published by Government. This sets out capital ceilings for transport to 2030. My department will now progress the sectoral plan for the 2026 to 2030 period, which will be published later this year and which will inform national road scheme priorities in the coming years.
I can confirm that €1,000,000 has been allocated for the N17 Collooney to Knock scheme in 2025. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2026 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the progression of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
257. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport to consider adding an additional bus stop on the Nenagh side of Ballina, County Tipperary on the Bus Éireann Route 323, as this is the most populated area of the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54839/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provisions of bus stops/shelters.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to ensure that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers and a commitment to work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public transport options and infrastructure.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
258. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on discussions between the National Transport Authority and Bus Éireann regarding capacity improvements on routes 419 and 424 in County Galway (details supplied). [54849/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Bus Éireann.
In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA and Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
259. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport if the €44 million announced in July 2013 for the Kilkenny ring road extension was ever formally included in his Department’s capital allocations, multi-annual road plans, or the Transport Infrastructure Ireland investment framework; if not, the basis on which the 2013 funding announcement was made; if he will provide all Departmental correspondence and briefing material related to that announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54855/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra260. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland or his Department were consulted or informed prior to the public announcement in July 2013 of €44 million for the Kilkenny Ring Road; if either body confirmed the availability of that funding at the time; if the announcement represented an approved Government decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54856/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra261. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport the reason no formal Departmental engagement or appraisal of the Kilkenny Northern Ring Road extension occurred between the 2014 An Bord Pleanála approval and Kilkenny County Council’s submission of a preliminary appraisal form in December 2019; the administrative or political decisions that resulted in the project being effectively reset six years later; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54857/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra262. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport to provide a full chronology of Departmental, Government, and TII decisions or correspondence relating to the Kilkenny Northern Ring Road extension project between 2013 and 2019, including any minutes of meetings, internal memos or Cabinet submissions relevant to the July 2013 funding announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54858/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 259, 260, 261 and 262 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.
The Kilkenny Northern Transport Project (formerly Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension Project) is a non-national road project and therefore has never received an allocation from Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Kilkenny County Council have informed the Department that in 2012, a plan was lodged with An Bord Pleanála (ABP) to extend the ring road westward across the River Nore from the N77 Castlecomer Road (Junction 10) to the R693 Freshford Road (north of Aut Even hospital). The proposed road was located approximately 2.5km north of Kilkenny City centre, approximately 1.5km long, and included an all-purpose bridge over the River Nore.
In June 2012, Kilkenny County Council was directed by An Bord Pleanála (ABP) to conduct an environmental impact statement which was submitted in June 2013. In July 2014, An Bord Pleanála (ABP) approved the scheme which was the subject to a subsequent legal challenge. Following this legal challenge the project did not progress further.
No applications for funding were received by the Department following this until the submission of the Preliminary Appraisal Form for the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project in 2019.
Any further queries regarding funding and legal proceedings prior to this date would be a matter for Kilkenny County Council.
263. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if the search and rescue helicopter is now based out of Weston Airport; if so, the reason it is not based out of Baldonnell Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54859/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn his capacity as Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, my colleague Seán Canney T.D, has responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard and the SAR Aviation Contract.
The question has been accepted by my Department on transfer from the Department of Defence.
Coast Guard 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.
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 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.
Third party use of the Air Corps base at Casement Aerodrome was not considered appropriate use of Defence Forces property, given their specific security, operational and aviation infrastructural requirements.
264. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if he will invest in the Ballybrophy rail line to ensure it can provide comprehensive and regular rail services to Dublin without changing at Ballybrophy. [54876/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides a multi-annual investment programme to protect our national railway system by funding maintenance and safety projects needed to maintain safety and service levels in railway operations, including on the Ballybrophy rail line. For 2025, €380 million of Exchequer funding is being invested in IMMAC-related works.
As the operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
265. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the pass and fail rate for driving tests, respectively in Nenagh test centre in each month from January 2023 to September 2025 inclusive, in tabular form. [54877/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. In that regard, the operation of the service does not fall under the direct control of my Department, and the information requested relating to the Nenagh 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 reply. Please contact my office if a response is not received within ten days.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 pass/fail rates by test centre. This information is available at the following link https://data.cso.ie/table/ROA31
