Thomas Gould
Ceist:257. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the spend to date on 90-minute Leap card fares in Cork city. [56933/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTransport Costs
Ceisteanna (257)
Freagraí 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.
Transport Costs
Ceisteanna (258)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:258. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the spend on hardware that was deemed to not process fast enough in Cork city for 90-minute Leap card fares; and whether additional hardware will now be purchased. [56934/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (259)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:259. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for the introduction of new bus routes in Cork city. [56966/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Cork.
Following a public consultation, the new BusConnects Cork network was published in June 2022, and it aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented on a phased basis in the coming years. Implementation will be subject to funding and resources available.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have referred the Deputy's specific question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (260)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:260. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the review into the 203, 208, 207, 214 and 215 bus routes in Cork city. [56967/25]
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 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 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.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (261, 284)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:261. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to deal with the ongoing issues with regard to illegal sulky racing causing danger to road users and horses; if he will consider strengthening legislation in this area to increase protections for other road users; if he has concerns about children being in control of a horse drawn carriage on a public road; if those in control of a horse drawn carriage must follow rules of the road including mobile phone usage; if there is legislation outlining the clear restrictions on the control of sulkies on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56991/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMattie McGrath
Ceist:284. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to deal with the ongoing issues regarding illegal sulky racing causing danger to road users and horses; if he will consider strengthening legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57688/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 284 together.
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.
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 Siochána. 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.
All road users are subject to road traffic legislation which is enforced by An Garda Síochána and 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.
My Department is progressing a new Road Traffic Bill to support Programme for Government Commitments around road safety but there are presently no plans to legislate for sulky racing specifically.
Animal welfare issues in relation to sulky racing are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Road Safety Authority
Ceisteanna (262)
Keira Keogh
Ceist:262. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting time for an NCT test appointment in County Mayo; the current backlog of the Westport and Ballina centres ; if the RSA will carry out a needs assessment for an additional test centre to service the Erris area in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56992/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing Service. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the delivery of the service at an operational level, including the provision of testing centres.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Safety Authority
Ceisteanna (263)
Keira Keogh
Ceist:263. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Transport the criteria used by the RSA to determine the location of NCT test centres; if rural needs are considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56993/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the National Car Testing Service, including the location of test centres.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Ceisteanna (264)
Robert O'Donoghue
Ceist:264. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to provide future interconnectivity between the DART+ North Project and the Metro once the Metro is operational, whether by rail or bus link; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57008/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including MetroLink.
MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30. MetroLink will be able to carry a peak capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour per direction in the future.
The stations on Metrolink’s route will connect directly to Iarnród Éireann and DART/DART+ services at Glasnevin and Tara Street stations. The MetroLink stops at O’Connell Street, St Stephen’s Green and Charlemont will allow for easy access to nearby Green Line and Red Line Luas stops. Several MetroLink stops will also be within close proximity to BusConnects services, including Swords Central, Northwood, Collins Avenue, Griffith Park, Glasnevin, O’Connell Street, Tara Street and Stephen’s Green.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Legislative Reviews
Ceisteanna (265, 266)
Barry Heneghan
Ceist:265. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will review existing legislation and regulation of drone operations and delivery systems to strengthen safeguards relating to noise, privacy, and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57064/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBarry Heneghan
Ceist:266. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to ensure that the expansion of drone delivery services does not negatively impact residential communities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57065/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.
From an aviation safety perspective, the regulation of drone operations, including commercial drone delivery operations, is provided for by an EU regulatory framework that is directly applicable in Ireland. In addition to complying with EU drone regulations, drone operators must also comply with national laws, including environmental, planning and privacy laws.
The rapid pace of drone innovation and commercialisation has created challenges. While there is a comprehensive regulatory framework in place from an aviation safety perspective to regulate UAS commercial operations, there are areas where the rapid pace of expansion of drone operations has resulted in gaps and uncertainty.
The expansion of UAS delivery services is an area where clarity is required in relation to roles and responsibilities and cooperation and engagement with stakeholders and appropriate authorities.
I recently launched the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The Policy Framework seeks to identify and address any policy, regulatory or legislative gaps that may have arisen due to increased expansion of drone operations.
It aims to facilitate consideration of how matters such as planning and environmental issues will be addressed by the appropriate authorities. It proposes a number of structures and actions that aim to address concerns in relation to increasing UAS usage and operations in balance with the realisation of the economic and societal benefits from the emerging UAS sector. This will include ensuring that appropriate authorities have the required regulatory powers and that they have mechanisms in place to ensure that the views of all stakeholders are taken into account.
Implementation of the Policy Framework relies on cross-government structures and the continuation of engagement and support from various government departments, agencies, the UAS sector and the public.
My Department will move shortly to establish the overall implementation monitoring group and is developing the first of the annual implementation plans provided for in the Policy Framework.
Question No. 266 answered with Question No. 265.
Traffic Management
Ceisteanna (267, 268, 269, 270)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:267. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide a progress report on the provision of traffic calming measures in the vicinity of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57088/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Cahill
Ceist:268. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide a progress report on the provision of traffic calming measures in Glenbeigh village, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57089/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Cahill
Ceist:269. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide a progress report in regards to the provision of traffic calming measures in Sneem village, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57090/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Cahill
Ceist:270. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide a progress report on the provision of traffic calming measures in Cahersiveen town, County Kerry, including new road and footpaths, car parking, etc.;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57091/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 267, 268, 269 and 270 together.
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 the N70.
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.
Question No. 268 answered with Question No. 267.
Question No. 269 answered with Question No. 267.
Question No. 270 answered with Question No. 267.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (271)
Eoin Hayes
Ceist:271. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the acceptance of credit and debit card payments on all public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57096/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (272)
Eoin Hayes
Ceist:272. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the Government’s position regarding permitting drivers and passengers with disabilities to use bus and taxi lanes, in line with existing parking certification, particularly in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57100/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise the Deputy that the rules on bus lane access are set out in Regulation 32 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (as amended). Under Irish law bus lanes are open to buses, cyclists, electric scooters and, in certain circumstances, taxis.
Bus lanes were created - at significant expense - to provide on-street priority for bus-based public transport. Their goal is to make bus transport faster and more reliable, encouraging more people to switch from private cars to public transport. This achieves the twin goals of reducing congestion and reducing pollution.
There have been many requests to allow other classes of traffic to use bus lanes. However, additions to the categories of vehicle permitted to use the lanes would reduce their efficiency in prioritising bus-based public transport. This would reduce the quality and level of service for commuters travelling by bus and significantly compromise the safety of vulnerable cyclists and scooter users.
For the reasons detailed above, the Department has no proposals to expand bus lane access to holders of the Disabled Parking Permit.
Departmental Properties
Ceisteanna (273)
Eoin Hayes
Ceist:273. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the details of the vacant buildings owned by his Department or by agencies under the remit of his Department in Dublin 2, 4, 6, and 6W, including, the address and size in square meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57120/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Deputy, All office and other accommodation occupied by the Department of Transport is owned or leased by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The Department does not own any vacant buildings in Dublin 2, 4, 6, and 6W.
I have referred your question to the agencies under the aegis of my Department for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (274)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:274. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport In view of the renewed consultation on Cork light rail proposals, if he will release the costed feasibility and ridership study, commit to fast-tracking funding and planning approval for example, statutory orders for the Cork route with defined milestones; and if central Government will underwrite cost overruns or reduce risk for the local authority or developers. [57123/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the proposed Cork Light Rail, or Luas Cork, project.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in partnership with the NTA, invited members of the public to take part in a non-statutory public consultation of the emerging preferred route for Luas Cork between April and June of this year. Approximately 1,000 responses were received as part of the public consultation and the issues highlighted in those submissions have been included in the post consultation report published by TII earlier this month.
It is currently too early in the project lifecycle to give a precise capital cost or budget for the Luas Cork project. This is because the project has yet to go through the planning and procurement stages. The Government will decide whether this project proceeds to construction after the planning process and tendering/procurement is complete in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines. Officials in my Department engage with the NTA on a regular basis in relation to the budget and progress of all major transport projects, including Luas Cork.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Air Services
Ceisteanna (275)
Mark Ward
Ceist:275. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the year search and rescue helicopters started to operate from Casement Aerodrome; when this operation stopped; if air traffic controllers are required for the operation of search and rescue helicopters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57195/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On foot of Government Decisions, the provision of helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) services has been undertaken by private sector SAR operators, under contract with the Department of Transport, for over 20 years.
My Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of SAR operations across the State. The transition to civilian-operated services over the years has allowed for enhanced coverage and modernised capabilities, while the Department of Defence continue to support other critical aviation roles. The Air Corps provides support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations on an “as available” basis.
The provision of Air Traffic Control for SAR and other air services is a matter for the Airport Operators concerned, and this role is regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (276)
Johnny Mythen
Ceist:276. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting times for driving tests in each centre in County Wexford; and the number of applicants currently waiting beyond ten to 12 weeks in each test centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57209/25]
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, including all testing and scheduling matters. Accordingly, the information requested 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.
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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (277)
Emer Currie
Ceist:277. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the estimated total committed annualised costs for bus services operating within the Dublin west area from 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57247/25]
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 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 request 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.