Written Answers Nos. 266-285
266. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with taxi representative organisations regarding concerns about the introduction of the taxi fixed price model by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62983/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra267. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he or any of his Government colleagues have met with a company (details supplied); the dates on which these meetings took place; the items that were discussed; if the taxi fixed price model was discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62984/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 267 together.
The 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 and have not met with any taxi representative organisations in relation to the matter raised.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, 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.
268. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the ongoing blockages of bus lanes and bus stops that are creating serious safety risks and operational challenges for the Broadstone Garage bus fleet; if his Department will urgently intervene to ensure that 24-hour bus lane restrictions are enforced and that bus stops remain accessible for safe passenger boarding and disembarkation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62986/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Transport has responsibility for legislation underpinning the bus lane network. However, the enforcement of road traffic legislation, including the operation of bus lanes, is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána. I suggest the Deputy contacts An Garda Síochána directly with any enforcement concerns he may have relating to this matter.
269. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland can be urgently requested to address the extremely dangerous section of the Killorglin to Milltown road, County Kerry at Tinnahalla (details supplied); if he will request the Road Safety Authority to carry out a safety audit on this road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62988/25]
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 at Tinnahalla, Co. Kerry.
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.
270. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider implementing a system where the TFI app states as soon as it is known that a bus service is cancelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62994/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
271. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport the number of vacancies which arose at principal officer level for the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025 in his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the number of these vacancies filled between internal and external methods; the number of vacancies each year at principal officer level filled by mobility; the number of internal competitions for principal officer grade run by his Department since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63034/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of Principal Officer level vacancies including Principal Officer equivalent posts that arose in my department, the numbers filled between internal and external methods; the number of vacancies each year at principal officer level filled by mobility are outlined in the table below:
|
Year |
Number of Vacancies |
Filled internally |
Filled externally |
Filled by Mobility |
|
2022 |
8 |
1 |
7 |
3 |
|
2023 |
10 |
4 |
6 |
1 |
|
2024 |
6 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
|
2025 to date |
8 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
My department ran direct competitions in 2024 and 2025 for Principal Officer, Head of Internal Audit and Principal Officer, Head of Finance vacancies. My department has run 5 internal Principal Officer competitions since 2010 in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2024.
I have asked the Agencies under my aegis to provide the information directly to the Deputy. If you do not hear back from the Agencies within 10 working days please contact my office.
272. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 262 of 4 November 2025, if the RSA has made mismatches in the past; if so, the total number discovered to date; the number wrongly inputted onto the driver record on his Department's national vehicle and driver file in error; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63045/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in my earlier response, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility in relation to the endorsement of penalty points and driver disqualifications under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006.
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.
273. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider funding for a feasibility study into the Metro South West project; the estimated cost of such a study; the practical steps to be undertaken in such a study; the timeframe from initiation to completion of such a study based on previous practice; if he will confirm whether he favours and supports such a study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63047/25]
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 the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.
The NTA published the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 in January 2023. This strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
As the Deputy notes, the Programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin.
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.
274. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update regarding the expression of interest by a school (details supplied) in the Safe Routes to School Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63081/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. Schools are processed in tranches, with 3 rounds having been announced to date. It is my understanding that Rathduff National School applied to the original call for applications and were accepted into the programme. Although not selected in the Rounds to date, they will be selected for forthcoming rounds.
275. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if his Department, or any of the State transport agencies, have plans to engage in an information campaign regarding the safety precautions of operating electric vehicles, and safety information in relation to electric vehicles if they are involved in road traffic accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63100/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra282. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to the provision of safety information to the general public regarding electric vehicles with electronic door handles which have a hidden emergency mechanical release mechanism, in view that if the electronic door handle fails during an accident the occupant may not know how to get out of the car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63273/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra283. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to the provision of safety information to the general public in relation to electric vehicles, in view that electric vehicles may have different operational features to non-EV vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63274/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 275, 282 and 283 together.
I wish to advise the Deputies that all new vehicles must comply with EU Type Approval standards, which specify the requirements for equipment to be sold and registered in the EU.
While EU Type Approval outlines the requirements and standards for each vehicle type, it does not prescribe how specific systems should operate. This applies not only to electric vehicle-specific systems, but also to more general controls such as indicators, lighting, windscreen wipers, handbrakes, air-conditioning and radio systems. The operation of both mandatory and optional driver assistance and safety systems can also vary significantly from one vehicle to another.
All vehicle owners should familiarise themselves with the operating methods of the systems in their own vehicle. The operation of these systems may differ from vehicles the owner has previously driven. Details of system operation are outlined in the vehicle user manual and should be available to be demonstrated by motor dealers.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of road safety and of measures, including the advancement of education, relating to the promotion of the safe use of roads. I have therefore referred the Deputies' questions to the RSA for direct reply in relation to an information campaign. I would ask the Deputies to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
276. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when an office (details supplied) will provide a date for oral examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63109/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThose who wish to undertake an oral examination for a seafarers' Certificate of Competency in the Department of Transport are advised to familiarise themselves with the Examination Directions, which set out the process for arranging such oral examinations. The Examination Directions for Certificates of Competency are available on my Department's Seafarers.ie website. Specifically, the Examination Directions on Seafarers.ie state that candidates should contact the Department of Transport to arrange an oral examination. Therefore, any candidate holding a valid Notice of Eligibility for entry to an oral examination should contact the Mercantile Marine Office of my Department to arrange such an appointment. Notwithstanding this parliamentary question response, it is the intention of my Department to publish an updated Marine Notice on this matter in due course to further publicise the matter.
277. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to outline when the next meeting of the Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles (TCMV) Interdepartmental Working Group will take place; to outline whether the group has had the opportunity to consider suggestions made in a parliamentary question (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63170/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the next Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles Interdepartmental Working Group, which is chaired by this department, will take place on 26 November 2025.
The Revenue Commissioners will attend and have asked for the issue of registration plates to be discussed. The Revenue Commissioners will be in a position to give an update on discussions once the meeting has taken place.
278. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of recurring issues such as cancellations, delays, break-downs and ‘ghost buses’ on the S8 route operated by a provider (details supplied); if the operator is complying with their service level obligations in respect of this route; if he will instruct the NTA to conduct a review of the operator’s performance on this route given these issues have been persistent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63185/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case, Go-Ahead.
The National Transport Authority monitors the performance of all public transport operators. Under existing contractual arrangements, financial penalties apply where performance falls below agreed standards, and they are also investing in a new vehicle location system for the fleet which will improve the reliability of the real time passenger information system. They continue to engage with Go-Ahead to enhance service reliability and ensure continuous improvement.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA and Go-Ahead for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
279. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport his engagements with the NTA concerning the awarding of a new contract to a public transport service operator (details supplied) for service provision in the outer Dublin metropolitan area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63186/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case, GoAhead.
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.
280. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport to provide a copy of the contract awarded to a public transport service operator (details supplied). [63187/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case, GoAhead.
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.
281. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the rapid deployment pedestrian scheme 2024-Northwest LEA in Cork; the estimated timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63240/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
284. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the current phase of the Metrolink project; the expected timeline for the establishment of the designated activity company or body responsible for the delivery of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63314/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, 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. MetroLink will be able to carry a peak capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour per direction in the future.
A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when the Minister for Transport secured approval for the project from the Cabinet under Decision Gate 1 of the then-Public Spending Code. This approval enabled the project to move to the planning application stage, and in September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland(TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
An Coimisiún Pleanála held an Oral Hearing in relation to MetroLink in February/March 2024. TII engaged constructively with all parties as part of the Oral Hearing. Following the Oral Hearing, An Coimisiún Pleanála held an additional round of public consultation from 19th August to 8th October 2024. An Coimisiún Pleanála published its decision to grant the MetroLink Railway Order on 2nd October 2025.
A Detailed Project Brief and Procurement Strategy will be prepared for consideration at Approval Gate 2, in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, assuming no successful legal challenge to An Coimisiún Pleanála's decision.
Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation around the mid-2030s.
On Wednesday 12th October, Government approved my proposal to establish a dedicated MetroLink delivery body and the preparation of legislation to give effect to this proposal. Officials in my Department will now establish a working group consisting of relevant stakeholders, which will review practical and legislative issues to be addressed in established the dedicated MetroLink delivery body.
285. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the measures he and his Department plan to take to alleviate the issues of poor bus service following the recent launch of Phase 7 of Bus Connects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63315/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The NTA have advised that in advance of these new routes being implemented under the Phase 7 rollout, they distributed over 200,000 booklets to households across all the areas covered by the routes. They also advertised the new services in local media outlets and online, and they provided detailed briefings to local public representatives, and remain open to improving the communications around the rollout of the Network Redesign (NRD) phases and to that end will take on board any feedback received from customers.
It should be noted that the F-Spine, which is part of the BusConnects Dublin area NRD was finalised following three rounds of public consultations which culminated in over 72,000 submissions being received. The overall network represents a major investment in enhanced bus services, delivering a 35% increase in annual “in-service” kilometres, a significant increase in overall capacity and frequency for customers, as well as more evening and weekend services.
It is of course acknowledged that these changes require some passengers to make their journey in a different way. In some instances, people who previously had to interchange will now have a direct service, while others may now have to interchange where previously they did not.
For those who have to change, the process is made as straightforward as possible and thanks to the TFI-90 fare, there is no additional cost. The transport operators and NTA are working hard to ensure that the services are bedding in well, but understand that it can take some time for people to get accustomed to any new arrangement.
The kind of issues experienced at the launch of Phase 7 are similar to those experienced in the early stages of implementation of previous phases of Network Redesign that were addressed and resolved. Notwithstanding teething issues, it’s worth noting that for previous phases in all instances, the changes have resulted in significant increase in passenger numbers.
Customer satisfaction surveys conducted after the initial launch period of the new bus services have consistently shown positive results. Although some expectations may not have been fully met during the first week of operation, these services, including Phase 7, are expected to achieve long-term success.
BusConnects has already achieved significant success in transforming Dublin’s public transport network. In the latest progress report, published in March 2025, BusConnects Dublin Programme has shown significant improvements in key performance indicators. There has been an annualized increase of 9.35 million, or 71%, in scheduled service kilometres in the NRD Phases 1-5b compared to equivalent routes operating prior to the NRD Project.
The NTA have advised they will continue to monitor things very closely in the days and weeks ahead, collaborating with operators and customers to enhance the punctuality and reliability of services throughout the Network Redesign.
