Alan Kelly
Ceist:266. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport when the next generation ticketing project will be completed. [54880/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Transport
Ceisteanna (266)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, as 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 development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing project will provide a transformative upgrade to the ticketing system for public transport passengers in Ireland. The project will facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, involving a new-generation 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating both mobile and card-based payments for passengers.
Following a competitive procurement process, in April 2024 the NTA awarded an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of the new multi-modal ticketing system to a Spanish information technology company, Indra Sistemas, who have designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.
A huge effort is being put in by NTA to ensure that this transformational and beneficial project for public transport passengers is delivered as effectively as possible.
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 working days.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (267)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:267. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns (details supplied) that the five to nine-year-old year old free travel Leap card will be inaccessible to eligible families, due to the requirement to procure individual Leap cards for each child availing of free travel. [54896/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (268)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:268. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the actions he is taking to regulate sulky racing. [54899/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under section 74 of the Roads Act 1993, it is possible to prescribe classes of road races for which relevant local authority approval, as the road authority, must be sought in advance, and for which there can then be road closures. A race which falls within prescribed classes and is not licensed is illegal, with penalties for the organiser. I understand that no classes of race have ever been prescribed under this section. I am aware, though, that the offence applies only to the organiser, and I understand that in many cases of sulky races there is no identifiable organiser.
In the meantime, participants in such races are liable for any road traffic offences they may commit during the races. As the Deputy will know, in many cases of sulky racing there is also considerable danger caused by vehicles following the race and in some cases driving alongside on the other side of the road. In these cases too the drivers can be held liable under the Road Traffic Acts.
Enforcing the Roads Act in matters where a road race takes place unlawfully without the permission of the roads authority is a matter of enforcement for An Garda Síochána. In a situation where there is an illegal race, with no notice given, it is a matter for Gardaí to enforce under section 74(4) of the Roads Act 1993.
Animal welfare issues in relation to sulky racing are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (269)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:269. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport to outline the consultations his Department, or An Garda Síochána, have had concerning the introduction of a dedicated transport police service, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54189/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister or Transport I can assure you that my Department is actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force and is working closely with the NTA in this regard. This work involves careful and informed consideration of the most appropriate model for the force, with all key stakeholders fully engaged – the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice. Since assuming office I have met with these stakeholders as a collective twice and we will continue to work together to deliver on this commitment.
The Programme for Government sets out a clear commitment: the Transport Security Force will operate under the NTA with powers similar to those held by Airport Police and Customs Officers. The introduction of such a force will require new legislation and this issue is a priority for my Department, and we are determined to advance it as swiftly as possible.
In parallel, the Government continues to invest heavily in public transport safety. Twenty rapid response hubs have now been established across the Iarnród Éireann intercity network, enhancing their ability to respond quickly to incidents and support front-line staff. In the Dublin region, the Dublin Bus Safer Journeys Team has dedicated units covering North, South, and Central Dublin as of February 2025. All buses are also now equipped with eleven internal CCTV cameras, and the modern fleet includes three external cameras on each bus to further strengthen surveillance and deterrence. On the Luas, Transdev has a full time dedicated security staff patrolling both Red & Green lines from early morning to last tram.
While these measures mark significant progress, antisocial behaviour on public transport remains a serious concern. It is those who use and work within the network who are most directly affected, and the establishment of the Transport Security Force will be key in addressing this issue.
The establishment of this Transport Security Force is a high priority for Government, and as the Minister for Transport I fully support all the ongoing positive work to progress towards creating a safer public transport network for staff and passengers.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (270)
Barry Ward
Ceist:270. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to capacity issues on a bus route (details supplied); the actions he will take to work with the NTA to address these concerns and improve this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54926/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Dublin Bus. 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.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (271)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:271. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the current average waiting time for a driving test at the Mallow test centre, County Cork; the number of applicants currently on the waiting list for that centre; the measures being taken to reduce waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54937/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under 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 Mallow 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.
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).
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: https://data.cso.ie/product/RSADTS.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (272)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Ceist:272. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport the provisions in place or are being developed to enable people to obtain insurance for electric bikes used on the road, following the introduction of legislation making it illegal to cycle these bikes without insurance; and if he will address the fact that constituents who have contacted both the RSA and the Department of Transport have been unable to obtain clarification on same. [55009/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise the Deputy that the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 makes a clear regulatory distinction between low-powered, pedal-assisted electric bikes (e-bikes), which are treated in the same way as pedal cycles, and more powerful, throttle-assisted bikes, many of which are now classed as e-mopeds. It is only throttle-assisted L1e-A and L1e-B e-mopeds require insurance to be used on Irish roads.
The role of the Department of Transport in relation to motor insurance relates to legislation under the EU Motor Insurance Directives and the Road Traffic Acts. The policies of individual insurance companies are a matter for those companies themselves, and the Department of Transport is not in a position to mandate the sale of particular insurance products.
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (273)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:273. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport if there are any technical, legal, operational, or policy constraints preventing his Department, when publishing quarterly reports of payments or purchase orders over €20,000, from including additional columns that link each payment to its underlying procurement process specifically tender/contract title; name and address of the awarded contractor/supplier; contract award date; contract duration; expected contract value (excl. VAT); maximum contract value (excl. VAT); the unique identifier from the relevant contract award notice; and where such constraints exist, to provide details explaining his Department’s current process for reconciling each reported payment with the corresponding published contract award notice on eTenders. [55068/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to inform the Deputy that the September 2025 report for this Department has been published in accordance with the current relevant requirements.
Departmental Purchase Orders greater than €20,000
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/organisation-information/departmental-purchase-orders-greater-than-20000/#2025
Departmental Circulars
Ceisteanna (274)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:274. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport if all contracting authorities under the aegis of his Department are in full compliance with Circular 05/2023, in particular the mandatory requirement to publish contract award notices for all contracts above €25,000; and if he will provide details of the monitoring or enforcement arrangements in place to ensure this requirement is met. [55085/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Contracting authorities under the aegis of my Department are advised that Circular 05/2023 Initiatives to assist SMEs in Public Procurement applies to them.
The specific information sought in the Deputy's Question relates to the operational practices of each State body and is not required to be held centrally by the Department. I have referred the Deputy's question to the relevant State Bodies for direct reply. Please do not hesitate to contact my private office if you have not received a response within 10 working days.
Traffic Management
Ceisteanna (275)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:275. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport to approve urgent funding for Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Sligo County Council to implement essential traffic calming measures in the village of Ballinacarrow, County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55094/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding traffic calming measures on the N17 at Ballinacarrow.
With regard to the N17, I can confirm that €1,000,000 has been allocated for the Knock to Collooney 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. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Departmental Reports
Ceisteanna (276)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:276. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of all studies, research and reports commissioned by his Department that were outsourced, in each of the past five years, in tabular form; the names of the companies to which each study, research and report was outsourced; the total cost for each; the number of reports finalised and presented to him that have yet to be released by his Department; the dates on which any such reports yet to be released were first provided to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55171/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Please see the information requested tabulated below. The Department of Transport's extends to a wide range of technical matters, including areas such as development of alternative fuel infrastructure, and identifying decarbonisation pathways under the Climate Action Plan. Other areas where third parties were engaged in the past five years include maritime safety, road safety, road haulage and the Coast Guard helicopter contract.
Aviation Industry
Ceisteanna (277, 278, 279)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:277. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the possible development of direct air links between Ireland and India; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55187/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMalcolm Byrne
Ceist:278. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the possible development of direct air links between Ireland and Japan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55188/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMalcolm Byrne
Ceist:279. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the possible development of direct air links between Ireland and Brazil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55189/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 277, 278 and 279 together.
Bilateral air services agreements provide the legal framework for scheduled air services to operate between Ireland and third countries. Ireland is party to a number of such agreements. Similarly, Ireland is party to a number of comprehensive air transport agreements that have been concluded between the EU and its Member States and third countries, such as the EU-US and EU-Canada agreements.
I can advise the Deputy that Ireland and India signed a bilateral Air Services Agreement in 1991, therefore the legal framework is already in place should an air operator wish to begin scheduled services between both countries.
Ireland does not currently have an Air Services Agreement with either Brazil or Japan on a bilateral basis nor are there such agreements at EU level. However, in the event that an EU, Brazilian or Japanese carrier was to express an interest in introducing direct flights to either of these destinations, my Department would work with its counterparts to facilitate such a service.
It is important to note that the operation of any scheduled air service is a commercial decision for airlines, in consultation with airports and other market actors, based on the commercial viability of the route in question and other operational factors. I do not have a role in such decisions.
Question No. 278 answered with Question No. 277.
Question No. 279 answered with Question No. 277.
Student Travel Card
Ceisteanna (280)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:280. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when his Department changed the eligibility criteria for the student Leap card by increasing the definition of full-time studies to 16 or more hours-per-week; the rationale for this change given that many students study in full-time education in courses that have 15 hours-per-week of classes are now ineligible for the student Leap card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55204/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
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.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (281)
Grace Boland
Ceist:281. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the operational and logistical difficulties faced by families due to the National Transport Authority’s requirement that each child aged five to nine years must possess a separate physical Leap card; if he will request a review of this policy with a view to introducing a more family-friendly alternative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55235/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (282)
Grace Boland
Ceist:282. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the rationale behind the NTAs decision to prohibit the use of single adult Leap card to validate travel for multiple persons; and if he will consider the introduction of a ‘family child’ travel product to simplify public transport access for families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55236/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
National Transport Authority
Ceisteanna (283)
Grace Boland
Ceist:283. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will investigate the customer service standards of the National Transport Authority in relation to Leap card applications for children, including the reasons for unexplained rejections and the lack of clear communication with applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55237/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
With regard to the complaints process involving the NTA, their Customer Charter describes the NTA's commitments to public transport customers. While the NTA's Customer Action plan describes how they deliver the commitments and standards that are set out in the Customer Charter. In the event that someone wishes to raise a complaint with the NTA, they can contact them through any of the following means:
Email: info@transportforireland.ie;
Phone: 01 879 8300;
By Letter: National Transport Authority, Dún Scéine, Iveagh Court, Harcourt Lane, Dublin 2; and
Twitter: @TFIupdates
The NTA will acknowledge all customer complaints received, and they aim to issue a full response in a timely manner. The NTA also use independent market research providers to audit and offer suggested improvements to their services. As such, the NTA remain the body best placed to assist with any queries or concerns in relation to public transport services.
In the event that a complaint submitted to the NTA has not been responded to/resolved, the matter can ultimately be escalated to the Office of the Ombudsman.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
National Transport Authority
Ceisteanna (284)
Grace Boland
Ceist:284. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority uses third-party contractors based outside the State to process Leap card applications; and if he will provide assurances regarding the security and data protection standards applied to personal information submitted by Irish citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55238/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
National Transport Authority
Ceisteanna (285)
Grace Boland
Ceist:285. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the NTA for the reason official correspondence regarding Leap card applications is being sent from a UK-based email domain; if he will ensure that all communications related to Irish public transport services are managed securely and transparently within the jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55239/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (286)
Grace Boland
Ceist:286. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will commit to engaging with the NTA to develop a more inclusive and practical Leap card system that supports family use of public transport and removes unnecessary administrative burdens on parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55240/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.