Written Answers Nos. 236-254
236. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of publicly accessible electric vehicle charge points currently available in the State, by county and by charger type (slow, fast, high power); the equivalent figures for 2020 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65075/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated Office which oversees and accelerates Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles, has significant funding available in 2025 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.
The number of publicly accessible charge points in Ireland increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to approximately 2,400 in 2024. In order to achieve Ireland’s EU targets under the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally, depending on the level of power supplied at each.
Currently, the Department of Transport does not track the number of publicly accessible EV charging stations by region. However, ZEVI is developing a Data Strategy and associated data platforms that will, once in place, enhance the Department’s ability to monitor this infrastructure.
The system will enable the collection of data from charge-points in near real time and provide it on an Open Data basis. The obligation on charge-point operators and owners to share this data is legislated for in the EU Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation.
237. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the National Road Network EV Charging Plan; the number of motorway and national road service areas where high power charging hubs are now operational; the number that are in procurement or construction; the expected completion dates for each site, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65076/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.
While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, there is a vital need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.
The National Road EV Charging Network Plan, published May 2024, identifies the level of charging that will be needed on our national primary and secondary road network 2024-2030.
The EV Recharging Infrastructure LDV En-Route Grant Schemes are funded by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) and administered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). Procurement is complete on all of the schemes outlined below, and they have moved to construction and delivery.
In 2024, a total of 131 high-powered recharging points to be built across 17 recharging pools, providing an additional 24,260 kilowatts (24 megawatts) recharging capacity, under the LDV1 scheme on the motorway were announced.
In June 2025, a total of 175 high-powered recharging points to be built across 53 recharging pools, providing an additional 20,000 kilowatts (20 Megawatts) of recharging capacity, under Phase 2 of the scheme covering national primary roads, were announced.
In October 2025, we announced the locations of 90 new high-powered recharging pools, a total of 192 high-powered recharging points, to be rolled out under Phase 3 of the scheme covering national secondary roads. These hubs are due to be in place by end 2026.
Each of these recharging pools will provide fast and ultra-fast recharging points, so that people can charge their EVs quickly.
238. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the role assigned to local authorities in planning, delivering and operating public electric vehicle charging infrastructure; the formal guidance that has issued to local authorities on this matter; and the supports available to them in terms of funding, technical assistance and data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65077/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.
The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan provides a pathway for the accelerated delivery of public destination and neighbourhood charging and will be led by Local Authorities.
Local authorities will be funded by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) to develop local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation plans. This process will identify the number of charge points required in each area, including on-street chargers to serve residents without access to private off-street parking.
While strategies are being finalised, ZEVI is funding 26 pilot infrastructure projects across 15 Local Authorities and dedicated EV charging infrastructure officers. ZEVI will continue to work directly with the local authority groups as they develop their strategies and will provide other supports and resources as necessary.
ZEVI has prepared a Local and Regional EV Infrastructure plan to assist and guide Local Authorities in the development of their network plans. ZEVI also has developed site selection guidelines, Universal Design Guidelines, and is identifying a range training supports to support Local Authorities in this delivery role.
239. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if each local authority has prepared or is preparing a regional or local electric vehicle charging plan; the status of these plans by local authority; the way in which they align with national targets under the EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy and the National Road Network EV Charging Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65078/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years and reaching climate targets. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging. The objective is to be ahead of demand and deliver on the AFIR requirements and install EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs. This strategy, is currently being revised with a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 to be published for consultation in the coming months.
The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging, was published in April this year. This plan focuses on EV Infrastructure for Light Duty Vehicles based on user needs and AFIR Fleet based targets to 2030. With Government support and in partnership with the public and private sector, the roll out will be led by Local Authorities.
Local authorities are funded by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) to develop local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation plans. This process will identify the capacity and number of charge points required in each area, including on-street chargers to serve residents without access to private off-street parking. These strategies, combined with the delivery of LDV charging on the National Road network, led by TII, are designed to meet national targets for the provision of EV charging infrastructure.
Some authorities have already completed their strategies, while others are in progress. It is anticipated that most of these plans will be finalised by end of 2025. While strategies are being finalised, ZEVI is funding 26 pilot infrastructure projects across 15 Local Authorities and dedicated EV charging infrastructure officers.
240. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the agencies and offices with responsibility for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including his Department, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the SEAI and others; the specific remit of each body; the coordination mechanisms in place between them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65079/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraZero Emission Vehicles Ireland is a dedicated Office within the Department of Transport, charged with supporting consumers, the public sector and businesses to continue to make the switch to zero emission vehicles.
The Office leads on the delivery of Ireland’s ambitious targets under the Climate Action Plan 2023 to have an expected 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
To deliver on this target, ZEVI work in partnership with stakeholders from across the public and private sector. ZEVI's governance structures include formal participation from ESB networks, the SEAI, TII and the NTA, as well as regular but less formalised contacts between ZEVI, Eirgrid and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.
Regarding EV charging infrastructure, over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure.
There is a suite of incentives and a range of new charging infrastructure schemes in place to support the continued transition to EVs and for the rollout of EV charging infrastructure, including:
• a home charging scheme administered by SEAI;
• an apartment charging scheme administered by SEAI;
• a ZEHDV scheme to assist companies and enterprises who wish to buy zero-emission heavy duty vehicles, and was expanded to include purchase grants for recharging infrastructure, administered by TII, and;
• EV Recharging Infrastructure LDV En-Route Grant Schemes, administered by TII.
241. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the supports available to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure in apartment complexes, multi-unit developments and publicly owned car parks; the number of such projects approved and completed to date, by local authority area; his plans to expand these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65080/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
The apartment charger grant, administered by by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), assists residents and owners of apartments and other multi-unit developments who want to install a home charger for their Electric Vehicle (EV) and which are not covered by the pre-existing grants.
The grant is designed for bulk installation of chargers at a single location, and supports cabling, infrastructure, labour, and construction costs. Owners’ management companies, housing bodies, local authorities, commercial and private landlords can apply.
As of end of October a total of 135 applications have been received with 9 in review, 59 committed, 47 complete, and 20 cancelled.
The Government remains firmly committed to creating the conditions necessary for widespread EV adoption.
The Department regularly reviews EV incentives and grants to ensure that they are delivering value for money and supporting delivery of EV targets. We will continue to pursue a balanced and evidence-based approach, one that is ambitious in its climate objectives, yet grounded in deliverability and value for money.
242. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the key performance indicators used by his Department and Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland to measure progress on public electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including chargers per electric vehicle, geographic coverage and reliability or uptime; the way in which current performance compares with national targets and with the State's obligations under the EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65082/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.
EV infrastructure standards are mandated through European regulations, the ITS Directive, the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation, and Irish legislation and regulations.
The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) has been in force since 13 April 2024 and is an important part of the EU’s Fit for 55 policy package to reduce EU emissions by 55% by 2030 and make the EU climate-neutral by 2050.
The Regulation establishes mandatory minimum alternative fuels infrastructure targets and obligations, to ensure that a sufficient and interoperable recharging and refuelling infrastructure network is in place across EU Member States.
AFIR sets targets and timeframes for the deployment of infrastructure in urban nodes and across the main transport corridors in each Member State (the Trans-European Network-Transport network (TEN-T), including electric vehicle recharging infrastructure for light- and heavy-duty vehicles.
National targets under AFIR take the form of publicly available charging capacity (kw) on the network, rather than a national target for the number of EV chargepoints. A minimum number of high powered chargepoints are also to be provided on the Ten-T core and comprehensive networks under AFIR, and ZEVI and TII have put in place tender processes to deliver these charging requirements on the national road network. The Department of Transport reports to the EU annually on progress under the AFIR.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy sets out the ambition and strategy for the delivery of a national EV charging network across the country that will meet users' needs, and includes the practical steps to deliver this network and AFIR infrastructure targets. This strategy is currently being revised with a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 to be published for consultation in the coming months.
ZEVI is developing a Data Strategy that will, once in place, enhance the Department’s ability to monitor this infrastructure. The system will enable the collection of data from charge-points in near real time and provide it on an Open Data basis.
243. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the impact that Circular RW18 and the new regime for exceptional abnormal loads has had on the timing and cost of moving very heavy loads, including for grid and energy project;, if his Department has undertaken or plans to undertake a formal review of the regime in light of stakeholder feedback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65099/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraExceptional Abnormal Loads can cause significant damage and deterioration to pavements, bridges and bridge components along the Irish road network. The presence of these vehicles and loads will increase over time and pose a significant risk to the road transport network, in particular where overloading and potential damage can be caused to bridge structures and other pieces of infrastructure such as water mains, and gas mains. Due to their age and service life, some bridges have experienced deterioration over their lifetime and are particularly vulnerable to extreme load events due to their reduced capacity over time. Medium span bridges and ageing structures are particularly vulnerable, but even modern bridges in Ireland have not been designed to carry such exceptional abnormal loads.
Traditionally, Abnormal Load Applications to Local Authorities in Ireland were for loads below 180 tonnes, and usually below 150 tonnes. In recent years, energy sector requirements mean requests for the movement of exceptionally heavy abnormal loads have increased significantly and are expected to continue. Numerous loads programmed to be moved over the coming years are far in excess of 180 tonnes, with some large generators identified by the energy sector as up to 570 tonnes.
This puts significant pressure on Ireland’s road and bridge infrastructure. Modern bridge structures have been designed to accommodate loading of 180 tonnes; numerous ‘legacy’ bridges have a design loading significantly lower than 180 tonnes. Consequently, additional structural assessment requirements apply to heavy loads and particularly loads over 180 tonnes to help protect road assets and the safety of road users.
Despite large loads such as transformers being ordered 2-3 years before delivery, little early engagement and consultation with stakeholders has taken place and have submitted late requests to transport these exceptional loads. In many cases exceptional loads are being ordered with no consideration for route selection and no guarantee they can be delivered to their destinations. Appropriate assessments are required to ensure the Local Authorities have the necessary information to approve the safe movement of these loads.
As a result, Department of Transport Circular RW18/2024 was issued to clarify this assessment process, which is needed both to protect state infrastructure and to assist applicants in the management of exceptionally heavy abnormal loads. The circular sets out the process for compliance with structural assessment standards and provides applicants with additional clarity. The Department of Transport keeps all circulars under review and issues notifications where updates or clarifications are required.
The increase in movement of exceptionally heavy abnormal loads puts the road and bridge network at significant risk of damage or indeed failure, with clear implications for other road users. The increase needs to be managed appropriately. Early project engagement with the relevant bodies, including local authorities, is key. In addition, options to reduce these loads to expedite the process and reduce risk need to be considered by the energy sector. Both the Department of Transport and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and their agencies are aware of the technical and administrative difficulties in this area and are working to address the issues and ensure adequate dedicated expert technical resources are put in place to manage the process over the coming years.
244. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport how the Eirspan bridge management system is currently used to assess the suitability of bridges and structures for abnormal and exceptional abnormal load movements; if promoters and hauliers can access or obtain relevant capacity data to inform route selection in advance of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65101/25]
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 Eirspan bridge management system.
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.
245. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if there is a formal protocol, working group or memorandum of understanding between his Department, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, EirGrid and ESB Networks regarding the planning and permitting of very heavy loads associated with strategic energy infrastructure, including transformers, generators and related equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65102/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTraditionally, Abnormal Load Applications to Local Authorities in Ireland were for loads below 180 tonnes, and usually below 150 tonnes. In recent years, energy sector requirements mean requests for the movement of exceptionally heavy abnormal loads have increased significantly, and are expected to continue. Numerous loads programmed to be moved over the coming years are far in excess of 180 tonnes, with some large generators identified by the energy sector as up to 570 tonnes.
This puts significant pressure on Ireland’s road and bridge infrastructure. Modern bridge structures have been designed to accommodate loading of 180 tonnes; numerous ‘legacy’ bridges have a design loading significantly lower than 180 tonnes. Consequently, additional structural assessment requirements apply to heavy loads and particularly loads over 180 tonnes to help protect road assets and the safety of road users.
Despite large loads such as transformers being ordered 2-3 years before delivery, developers and promoters, have to date, little or no early engagement in advance consultation with stakeholders and have submitted late requests to transport these exceptional loads. Some exceptional loads are being ordered with no consideration for route selection and no guarantee they can be delivered to their destinations. This is currently causing unnecessary project delay and risk.
As a result, Department of Transport Circular RW18/2024 was issued to clarify this assessment process, which is needed both to protect state infrastructure and to assist applicants in the management of exceptionally heavy abnormal loads. The circular sets out the process for compliance with structural assessment standards and provides applicants with additional clarity. The Department of Transport keeps all circulars under review and issues notifications where updates or clarifications are required.
Through stakeholder engagement with the Road Sector and Energy Sector a Local Authority Central Support Unit has been identified to coordinate delivery of its infrastructure going forward. This would include the assessment and delivery of exceptional abnormal loads with adequate dedicated expert technical resources in place to manage the process over the coming years. The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment is currently considering resource and funding requirements for this Central Support Unit.
246. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has assessed the typical costs incurred by promoters in preparing applications for exceptional abnormal loads, including bridge surveys and independent checks; if he will examine options such as a centrally maintained national capacity map or shared survey data to reduce duplication and cost, particularly for repeat routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65103/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraStakeholder engagement with the Road Sector and Energy Sector has identified the need for a Local Authority Central Support Unit to help the energy sector to coordinate delivery of its infrastructure going forward. This would include the assessment and delivery of exceptional abnormal loads with adequate dedicated expert technical resources in place to manage the process over the coming years.
A central support unit could potentially identify preferred routes and manage a repository of bridge assessments and condition surveys, which may avoid unnecessary duplication in the future. This would largely depend on both the application approver and promoter accepting the validity of previous assessments and the promoter’s insurers accepting the resulting liability. The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment is currently considering resource and funding requirements for this Central Support Unit.
247. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he has benchmarked Ireland’s permitting process and timelines for abnormal and exceptional abnormal loads against best practice in other EU member states and the UK, including the use of electronic permitting systems, standardised time limits and designated heavy-load networks, if lessons from that benchmarking exercise have been or will be applied to streamline the Irish regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65104/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraExceptional Abnormal Loads can cause significant damage and deterioration to pavements, bridges and bridge components along the Irish road network. The presence of these vehicles and loads will increase over time and pose a significant risk to the road transport network, in particular where overloading and potential damage can be caused to bridge structures and other pieces of infrastructure such as water mains, and gas mains. Due to their age and service life in Ireland, some bridges have experienced deterioration over their lifetime and are particularly vulnerable to extreme load events due to their reduced capacity over time. Medium span bridges and ageing structures are particularly vulnerable, but even modern bridges in Ireland have not been designed to carry such exceptional abnormal loads.
Systems are being developed to address movement of these exceptional loads in as safe a manner as possible and considering the protection of the network and international practice.
Each individual Local Authority (LA) has responsibility for the issuing of Abnormal Load Permits in their administrative area in accordance with in S.I. No. 5/2003 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003.
An Abnormal Load Working Group has been established to review the current Abnormal Load Permitting process with a view to moving the application process to a single application and payment system for Road Hauliers. Membership of this group includes representatives from the Local Authority Sector, Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, An Garda Síochána, and the Road Management Office.
The single application and payment point is currently being developed through the MyCoCo digital solution platform which is a collaboration between Local Authorities and supported by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA). This initiative arose from the national “Connecting Government 2030” program, which aims for 90 per cent of public services to be delivered online by 2030, and has been noted as a building block of reform in the “Better Public Services - Public Service Transformation 2030 Strategy”.
This group is currently preparing to run a pilot with a haulier across a number of LA’s to prove the system and if successful make recommendations for implementation to the CCMA through the LGMA ICT Committee, in early 2026. The working group is also looking at technical requirements for the abnormal load application form and LA requirements for application decision timelines, conditioning applications, notifying applicants of issues, and issuing decisions. Areas such as the Escort Requirements (European Guidelines for Escort Vehicles) and legislative enforcement are also being considered in consultation with AGS. The group will also make recommendations for further work.
A separate Local Authority Central Support Unit has been identified as a requirement to centrally manage and support the movement of these exceptional loads. This would include the assessment and delivery of exceptional abnormal loads with adequate dedicated expert technical resources in place to manage the process over the coming years. A central support unit could potentially identify preferred/designated routes, manage a repository of bridge assessments and condition surveys, recommend strengthening works to avoid overbridging, and impose max loads across the network based on structural assessments. The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment is currently considering funding requirements for this Central Support Unit.
248. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport to detail the Christmas and New Year 2025 operating arrangements for DART and Irish Rail commuter and intercity services, including any additional late-night services, last departure times by line and key dates of operation; and if he will direct the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann to publish these details no later than October each year from 2026 to assist public planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65105/25]
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 issues raised by the Deputy are matters for Iarnród Éireann. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions to Iarnród Éireann for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
249. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport to detail the Christmas and New Year 2025 Luas service plan, including night Luas operations; dates; first and last tram times; expected frequency and any planned engineering moratoriums; if he will direct Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Luas operator to publish Christmas and New Year schedules no later than October each year from 2026 so that passengers can plan in advance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65106/25]
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) is responsible for the overall strategic planning, procurement, and funding of Luas services, which are then managed on a day-to-day basis by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and operated by Transdev. The issue raised is therefore an operational matter for Transdev.
Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions to Transdev for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
250. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport to detail the Christmas and New Year 2025 arrangements for Dublin Bus and Go Ahead, including any expanded late-night services, Nitelink routes and frequencies; the resourcing for drivers and fleet availability; if he will direct the National Transport Authority and Dublin Bus to publish these details no later than October each year from 2026 to provide certainty for commuters, late-night patrons and workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65107/25]
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, Dublin Bus and Go Ahead.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA and Dublin Bus for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
251. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he will set targets for punctuality, reliability and customer information during the Christmas and New Year 2025 period across DART, Irish Rail, Luas and Dublin Bus, including measures for accessibility, crowd management, security coordination with An Garda Síochána and contingency plans for outages; if he will require the National Transport Authority to publish a single Christmas travel hub with consolidated timetables and live-updates no later than October each year from 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65108/25]
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 also has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated and accessible public transport networks and infrastructure.
In terms of punctuality and reliability, the performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
Further, anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a broad societal issue, to which public transport is unfortunately not immune, and it is those passengers and staff who regularly use and work within our public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network. All operators, unions, and the NTA emphasise their good relationships with An Garda Síochána, with operations such as Twin Tracks and Operation Saul continuing.
In terms of other interaction between operators and An Garda Síochána, Public Transport Hubs in the Dublin area for multiple transport operators have also been established for Heuston Plaza, Connolly Plaza, and Broombridge. This is a joint initiative between public transport providers Iarnród Éireann/Transdev (LUAS)/Dublin Bus/Bus Éireann and An Garda Síochána Community Engagement Units at Kevin Street, Store Street, and Cabra. These hubs will continue to strengthen the links between Gardaí and public transport operators and allow Gardaí to respond quicker to any safety issues that may arise.
Each operator, in conjunction with the NTA, is doing considerable work on increasing the feeling of safety and security across the public transport network, for example, by improving CCTV quality, extending the Dublin Bus Security Pilot Scheme, and by increasing staff presence on services and in stations. Further detail on security coordination would be a matter for the operators, in junction with the NTA and An Garda Síochána.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in these areas, 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.
252. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the estimated additional cost of providing Christmas and New Year 2025 late-night and enhanced services across DART, Irish Rail, Luas and Dublin Bus; the source of funding for these operations; the planned fare or ticketing promotions; if he will commit that from 2026 the draft festive service plan and funding allocation will be finalised and published by October each year, with a post-season performance report to the Oireachtas in Q1 the following year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65109/25]
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 also 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.
253. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has met formally with the new CEO of Iarnród Éireann since her appointment. [65173/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have not yet met the new CEO of Iarnród Éireann. I look forward to meeting her in the near future.
254. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has met formally with the new CEO of Bus Éireann since her appointment. [65174/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have recently met the CEO of Bus Éireann on Thursday the 13th of November.
