Written Answers Nos. 131-150
131. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the enhancement of commuter rail services in Cork; the estimated timeline on when the new stations at Tivoli, Blarney/Stoneview, Blackpool/Kilbarry will be constructed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63173/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is a key project in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 and the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. The Programme is being delivered on a phased basis and will provide a more efficient and decarbonised transport service for the area, helping to facilitate population and economic growth over the coming decades.
Phase 1 of the Programme consists of a signalling upgrade, construction of a through-platform at Kent Station, which opened in April, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton. This phase has received EU Funding under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Phase 2 of the programme plans for the electrification of the Cork commuter rail network and the delivery of up to eight new stations in the following locations: Tivoli, Dunkettle, Water Rock, Carrigtwohill West, Ballynoe, Blackpool / Kilbarry, Monard and Blarney/Stoneview, as well as the upgrade of existing stations including Mallow.
In 2024, Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) awarded a contract to TYPSA and Roughan O’Donovan appointing them as multi-disciplinary consultants for the design of Phase 2 of the Programme. This Phase provides for the new stations among other works.
The first public consultation on Phase 2 of the Programme concluded in July. Phase 2 will be progressed following the completion of Phase 1, subject to funding and relevant approvals.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
132. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the provision of a new bridge urgently needed to replace the existing Lennox bridge, which connects Kinlough, County Leitrim to Bundoran and Ballyshannon in County Donegal [63172/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
Leitrim County Council presented a Preliminary Project Appraisal for the R280 Lennox Bridge Replacement Scheme in 2019. Between 2021 and 2023, Leitrim County Council received an allocation of €500,000, of which funding of €145,096 was drawn down for the scheme. An Options Report for Lennox Bridge was submitted by Leitrim County Council to the Department in 2023.
The Department responded to this report with concerns regarding the difficulty in achieving alignment with the Modal Hierarchy and Intervention Hierarchy of the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI), which was published in December 2021. As such, the Department deemed it was not in a position to approve the development of this bridge project beyond this point and communicated to Leitrim County Council its openness to future proposals that would specifically address the matter of safety at the bridge. The Department of Transport engages with Leitrim County County on a regular basis and is currently funding a number of projects, including, the development of tender documentation for a proposed new Shannon Crossing to replace Hartley Bridge, Cleaheen, Co Leitrim.
133. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport when technical measures to improve real time information across bus services in Dublin city will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63443/25]
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.
134. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the 103 bus service in County Meath; the plans to improve this service to meet increasing demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63321/25]
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 Bus Éireann.
I can assure you that my Department is committed to providing investment in our public transport network and that I am supportive of the Governments goals in delivering an accessible, affordable and reliable public transport network throughout the country.
In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
135. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport if consideration is being given to specific measures to support commuters travelling to city and town centres, particularly students travelling from east Galway into university in Galway city, whose bus and/or train services are at capacity before reaching their locality at peak times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63420/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
136. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the port access Northern Cross route in Drogheda, County Louth; the current stage of design, funding commitment from his Department and the engagement that his Department has had with Louth County Council in relation to the delivery of this critical infrastructure. [63497/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the existing network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Louth County Council is the statutory planning and road authority in its functional area. It is, therefore, a matter for Louth County Council to consider options regarding the development of the proposed Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) scheme in Drogheda.
It should be noted that there is a limited budget available for projects under the Regional and Local Road Strategic Grant Programme and that, under the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code), a Project/Programme Outline Document is required for all projects which are estimated to cost in excess of €15 million (previously €10 million). A Project Outline Document has been received by my Department from Louth County Council in connection with a Phase 3 of the PANCR and following consideration by my officials was returned for further consideration by Louth County Council.
Funding of €30,000 has been allocated to Louth County Council for the Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) scheme in 2025.
137. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent by central Government on greenways since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63406/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to national and regional greenways. The planning, design and construction of the Greenways programme, is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the relevant local authority concerned.
The below table outlines spending only from the Department of Transport on national and regional greenways from 2016 to 2024 (figures are rounded to the nearest million). Funding may also be provided by other Government Departments/initiatives to help develop greenway infrastructure; however, the Department of Transport provides the majority of investment in this area.
|
Capital Expenditure on Greenways |
Total (rounded to the nearest million) |
|
2016 |
€2M |
|
2017 |
€5M |
|
2018 |
€3M |
|
2019 |
€10M |
|
2020 |
€8M |
|
2021 |
€28M |
|
2022 |
€42M |
|
2023 |
€50M |
|
2024 |
€70M |
|
2025 |
Not available at this time |
138. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport when the NTA review into the operation of bus services for Nenagh town which as was committed to will be concluded; and if consideration will be given to the creation of a transport hub in the railway station (details supplied). [58444/25]
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 and has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including the rollout of town bus 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.
139. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport the proportion of his Department’s National Development Plan allocation that will be assigned to funding Luas extensions in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63505/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Programme for Government commits to investing in diverse transport options, including public transport. In particular, there is a commitment to progress all key public transport infrastructure projects in the National Development Plan and consider new public transport projects in the review of the NDP.
The 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, including Luas, in the context of that capital funding envelope and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made shortly. A related sectoral plan is expected to be published for transport in the coming weeks.
140. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport the number of passenger journeys in each of the past three years on Local Link services in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63385/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
141. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider consolidating Transport for Ireland’s multiple public transport apps into a single, user-friendly platform to improve accessibility and convenience for commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63378/25]
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.
142. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the current traffic issues in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63330/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme, and in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport or of the operation or management of national roads.
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. Within their remit the NTA is currently developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS), in conjunction with Galway City and County Council.
As part of GMATS, feasibility studies on light rail and strategic roads have been completed and the findings suggest a potential case for light rail under certain conditions. The NTA will await An Coimisiún Pleanála’s decision on the re-submitted N6 Galway City Ring Road before finalising GMATS, which will then go to public consultation. In the meantime, implementation will continue on the current Galway Transport Strategy.
Public Transport services play a key role in assisting to alleviate traffic issues, and we are currently focused on making improvements to enhancement of services and reliability. Bus Éireann reports Galway city services are at capacity during peak times and has added running time to improve the reliability of routes. It is acknowledged that Galway county services also face capacity issues since colleges resumed, and Bus Éireann and NTA are working on solutions to this, including auxiliary services.
In addition, improvements have been made to the rail network and works are progressing at Ceannt Station, with a new platform opened in October, which will service commuter rail services allowing trains on the Dublin to Galway line to use a newly extend platform, with further improvements on schedule to be completed next year.
Significant planning enables upcoming construction in Galway across active travel, bus, and rail projects, including BusConnects. The redesigned bus network, finalised in December 2023, will roll out subject to funding and readiness. Planning consent has been granted for the Dublin Road Scheme and Cross-City Link, though the latter faces judicial review.
In regard to traffic congestion on specific routes, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State Road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
On 14th February 2025 I announced an Exchequer investment of €713 million in our regional and local roads across the State which represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding this year. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network with Galway City council receiving €3,928,500 in 2025.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads. Local Authorities in Galway are also responsible for traffic management plans for their respective area.
143. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport the number of passenger journeys per year on Bus Éireann route 425A in Galway; the basis on which the decision was made to reroute this service, which is considered unsustainable for the community it serves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63419/25]
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 issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for Bus Éireann. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Bus Eireann for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
144. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the engagement his Department has had with Irish Rail and other stakeholders regarding the provision of additional car parking spaces at Clarke Station, Dundalk; the solutions there are to the problem of high space demand by commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63380/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the provision of additional car parking spaces at Clarke Station in Dundalk, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
145. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Clontibret to the Border road project; and the estimated time to completion. [63069/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €3,000,000 has been allocated for the N2 Clontibret to the Border 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.
146. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport his position on the role of public consultations in the development of community active travel projects. [63313/25]
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. I recognise that public consultation and engagement are key to the successful development of community active travel projects.
Department of Transport funded projects are subject to statutory and non-statutory public consultations. My Department is working with local authorities in order to create an environment whereby there will be greater levels of community engagement at early stages of infrastructure projects in order to enhance public support for these important projects, without which they will not have the desired impact in terms of modal shift and emissions reduction.
In addition, the upcoming Moving Together Strategy (2026–2030) outlines a comprehensive framework for embedding public engagement into transport planning and delivery, with a strong emphasis on co-creation, inclusivity, and local decision-making.
A key initiative supporting this is the Sustainable Mobility Academy (SMA), launched at the 2024 National Sustainable Mobility Forum. The SMA is designed to:
• Train and upskill staff in local authorities and transport bodies in best-practice public engagement and consultation methods.
• Provide on-demand modules, site visits and toolkits to support effective community engagement.
• Serve as a knowledge-sharing platform for professionals across government, academia, and the private sector.
• Disseminate case studies and evidence-based guidance to support behavioural change and demand management at the local level.
The Academy is part of a broader effort to build capacity for transformative projects, ensuring that public consultations are not just statutory exercises but meaningful opportunities for communities to shape their transport environments.
147. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport the current prevalence of the practice of injecting additional buses along routes when such routes have reached capacity; if there are plans for increasing the frequency of this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63286/25]
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.
148. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the earliest estimated construction start and end dates for the N2 Clontibret to the Border and N2 Ardee to Castleblayney road projects. [63066/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of these projects.
I can confirm that €3,000,000 has been allocated for the N2 Clontibret to the Border scheme in 2025. While the N2 Ardee to Castleblaney did not receive funding for 2025, it remains part of the NDP and the delivery programme for this project will be kept under review in the coming years 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.
149. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve safety on the N7/M7 road from Kildare to Dublin in view of frequent crashes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62393/25]
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 safety on the N7/M7.
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.
150. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to improve and expand public transport services in County Louth, including increased frequency and capacity on bus and rail connecting Dundalk and Drogheda and rural towns and villages; and the measures being taken to ensure equitable access of rural residents and people with disabilities. [63498/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
