Written Answers Nos. 182-202
184. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacant and derelict buildings in County Mayo owned by his Department that are vacant or rented, by the region/towns location of the buildings, in tabular form. [62668/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not own any buildings in County Mayo. There is an Reserve Defence Force (RDF) training facility in Castlebar. The RDF centre is a leased two (2) storey building within the complex of the former barracks. The remainder of the complex is owned by Mayo County Council.
185. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of the examination of a protected disclosure (details supplied) circulated to senior Cabinet members in July 2025 and asked as a Leader’s Questions on 22 October 2025; and if correspondences will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62714/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraReply not received from the Department.
186. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the development of the new vehicle adaptation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62525/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that my officials have begun development of proposals for the scheme. 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 agree 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.
The Department’s priority, in introducing this new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme, is to provide supports for both disabled drivers and passengers which are fit for purpose and which are also equitable, effective, efficient and proportionate and appropriate to needs.
187. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that individuals with British driving licences cannot purchase motor insurance, whether as the sole driver or as a named driver, on an Irish-registered car; whether his Department is undertaking any actions to address this issue given cases of members of the Irish diaspora encountering issues with accessing motor insurance for Irish registered cars (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62294/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State with responsibility for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to clarify that there is nothing in Irish road traffic legislation that prevents the holder of a foreign driver licence from obtaining motor insurance in this country, subject to compliance with existing residency and licencing rules.
In practice, however, the provision of insurance cover is an entirely commercial matter for insurance companies and is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept and adequate provisioning to meet those risks. These are considered by insurance companies on a case by case basis.
When it comes to the insurance industry's approach to insuring drivers with a UK licence, Insurance Ireland, the industry body for insurers in Ireland, has previously confirmed that motor insurance policies will generally cover anyone who holds (and is not disqualified from holding) a licence to drive the vehicle in question, regardless of whether it is an Irish or British licence. Insurers will generally take their cue from existing road traffic legislation in respect of normal residency rules.
The Deputy may wish to advise his constituent to avail of Insurance Ireland's free information service for those who have complaints or difficulties in purchasing insurance. Insurance Ireland can be contacted by phone at (01) 6761820 or by email at declined@insuranceireland.eu.
188. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of a taxi companies introduction of a ‘Taxi Fixed Price’ on its drivers (details supplied); whether such a system is permissible under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and related Statutory Instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62324/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the vehicle suitability test, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
189. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the status of an application for a driving test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62345/25]
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 application and scheduling matters. In that regard, the operation of the service does not fall under the direct control of my Department. 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 response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
190. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Transport the reason several Dublin Bus stops were not constructed by the NTA according to BusConnects plans submitted to and approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála (details supplied). [62354/25]
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 provision 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.
191. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Transport if he will support the proposal to add a daily return commuter train from Longford to Sligo to accommodate workers and students commuting to Sligo on a daily basis, which would substantially reduce the local carbon footprint and traffic gridlock around the town of Sligo; and if he will do everything within his powers to persuade Irish Rail management to provide this service as a matter of urgency. [62400/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions to Irish Rail for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
192. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the amount paid to PPP toll operators in each of the years since the inception of their contract, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62416/25]
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.
Noting the above position, I have referred this question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
193. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport if he will reconsider increasing the M50 toll in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62486/25]
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.
With regard to the toll on the M50, it is important to point out that revenues generated by this toll are invested by TII in the operation and maintenance of both the M50 and the wider national road network.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question regarding changes to the tolls on the M50 to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
194. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the new road realignment and footpath from Laune Bridge, Killorglin, County Kerry to a hub (details supplied) on the Killarney road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62487/25]
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 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.
195. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to urgently address the extremely dangerous condition of footpaths and streets in Cahersiveen town, County Kerry; if he will accept that this is by far the most dangerous section of roadway and footpath passing through any town throughout the entire country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62508/25]
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 N70 in Cahersiveen.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question regarding the N70 to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
With regard to the footpaths in Cahirsiveen, it should be pointed out that this is a matter for the relevant local authority in the first instance, and as such, this would be a matter for Kerry County Council.
196. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the approved enhancement works for the N59 Road between Bunakill and Claremount, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62530/25]
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 in relation to the N59.
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.
197. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport If he will address the concerns regarding the recently introduced taxi fixed price model raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62535/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the setting of fares, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
198. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to request Bus Éireann to open the public toilets at the Outlet Centre, Killarney, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62536/25]
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.
199. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to urgently address drainage issues on the N70 Ring of Kerry at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62537/25]
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 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.
200. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of park and ride facilities that are being developed in County Wicklow; the locations; at what stage the plans are at regarding planning/construction; a timeframe for delivery; the total cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62540/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is leading the development and rollout of strategic park and ride sites nation-wide through the Park and Ride Development Office (PRDO).
The Programme for Government commits to working with local authorities and relevant agencies to develop affordable Park and Ride facilities on the outskirts of major towns and cities.
The NTA established the PRDO in February 2020. The function of the PRDO is to enable and advance the delivery of strategic Park & Ride sites in collaboration with Local Authorities and transport agencies across all regions of the State by providing full time specialist resources on these projects.
The PRDO published a Park & Ride Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area as part of the NTA Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2027. The Strategy sets out the vision and objectives for Park & Ride and identified the zones for strategic Park & Ride sites in the region.
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.
201. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on plans to extend the DART to Wicklow Town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62541/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.
The NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, adopted in 2023, included a recommendation to extend the DART service to Wicklow town. I understand this extension can be facilitated through utilising the new battery-electric DART carriages which have started arriving in Ireland and are currently undergoing certification and safety testing.
The new battery-electric DART carriages will first be deployed from Dublin to Drogheda from 2027. As more carriages arrive, it is intended to also deploy them to extend DART services to and from Wicklow. The NTA is currently examining this issue with a view to progressing the extension around 2029.
The recently concluded Review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The Department is currently reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope, including elements of the DART+ Programme, and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming months.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
202. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if additional carriages will be added to the Dublin to Rosslare rail line to help address the serious overcrowding issues on the trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62542/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions to Irish Rail for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
