Written Answers Nos. 208-235
208. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on planned works at a railway bridge (details supplied) to improve pedestrian safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65425/25]
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 any proposed works at the bridge referred to, 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.
209. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the replacement of a railway bridge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65427/25]
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.
To date, two of the four sections of the Athenry Relief Road have been constructed. Funding has been provided in 2025 to facilitate the construction of the third section which will connect the previous two sections already constructed. The contract was awarded earlier this year for the third section following the conclusion of the tender process, and the construction programme is underway. The implementation of this project is the responsibility of Galway County Council.
With regards the replacement of the bridge in question, Irish Rail are responsible for this element of the works. The Department has provided funding to Galway County Council under the strategic regional and local road grant programme to undertake surveys to allow the development of the preliminary design including aspects of the bridge works required to facilitate the final section of the relief road. This work has been progressed in conjunction with Irish Rail. The current proposal indicates that the existing bridge over the final road section may have to be have to be raised and there may be additional impacts on another bridge. The cost implications on the final section of the Athenry relief road and any possible impact on the business case for the scheme are being assessed.
210. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department is taking to improve bus services in Cork city, in particular a service (details supplied), in view of recurring issues with reliability of this service including cancelled and late buses; the frequency of these issues occurring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65430/25]
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.
211. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the merits of expanding nighttime bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65440/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. This is evident in the Programme for Government to ensuring that public transport is as accessible as possible, supports the delivery of services, and incentivise off-peak travel.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
Night-time bus services offers clear benefits, including providing reliable travel options for late-night workers, supporting the night-time economy, and promoting environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on private cars.
Currently, Dublin has several 24-hour bus routes introduced under the BusConnects programme, such as E1, E2, F1, and F2, while Nitelink services operate on weekends to connect the city centre with suburban areas. In addition, extra late-night services will be provided in the lead-up to Christmas on Luas, DART, and Commuter rail, alongside expanded Nitelink and commuter bus options. These are in addition to the growing 24-hour bus network and the regular Nitelink services. Full details of the Christmas schedules are expected to be published late next week, consistent with the approach taken in previous years.
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.
212. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the merits of expanding nighttime bus services to the Glencairn, Dublin 18 area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65441/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. This is evident in the Programme for Government to ensuring that public transport is as accessible as possible, supports the delivery of services, and incentivise off-peak travel.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
Night-time bus services offers clear benefits, including providing reliable travel options for late-night workers, supporting the night-time economy, and promoting environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on private cars.
Currently, Dublin has several 24-hour bus routes introduced under the BusConnects programme, such as E1, E2, F1, and F2, while Nitelink services operate on weekends to connect the city centre with suburban areas. In addition, extra late-night services will be provided in the lead-up to Christmas on Luas, DART, and Commuter rail, alongside expanded Nitelink and commuter bus options. These are in addition to the growing 24-hour bus network and the regular Nitelink services. Full details of the Christmas schedules are expected to be published late next week, consistent with the approach taken in previous years.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific query in relation to Glencairn to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
213. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any engagement he has had with the National Transport Authority in relation to the increased provision of nighttime bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65442/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. This is evident in the Programme for Government to ensuring that public transport is as accessible as possible, supports the delivery of services, and incentivise off-peak travel.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The NTA has recently advised that they are currently finalising plans for late night services over the Christmas period and will be publishing full details of these arrangements later next week, in line with the approach adopted in previous years.
Broadly speaking, additional late-night services will be provided in the lead up to Christmas on Luas, DART and Commuter rail as well as extra Nitelink and commuter bus services. This is in addition to the expanding 24-hour network and the usual Nitelink services.
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.
214. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any engagement he has had with a company (details supplied) in relation to the increased provision of nighttime bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65443/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. This is evident in the Programme for Government to ensuring that public transport is as accessible as possible, supports the delivery of services, and incentivise off-peak travel.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case, GoAhead Ireland.
The NTA has recently advised that they are currently finalising plans for late night services over the Christmas period and will be publishing full details of these arrangements later next week, in line with the approach adopted in previous years.
Broadly speaking, additional late-night services will be provided in the lead up to Christmas on Luas, DART and Commuter rail as well as extra Nitelink and commuter bus services. This is in addition to the expanding 24-hour network and the usual Nitelink services.
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.
215. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any engagement he has had with Dublin Bus in relation to the increased provision of nighttime bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65444/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. This is evident in the Programme for Government to ensuring that public transport is as accessible as possible, supports the delivery of services, and incentivise off-peak travel.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case, Dublin Bus.
The NTA has recently advised that they are currently finalising plans for late night services over the Christmas period and will be publishing full details of these arrangements later next week, in line with the approach adopted in previous years.
Broadly speaking, additional late-night services will be provided in the lead up to Christmas on Luas, DART and Commuter rail as well as extra Nitelink and commuter bus services. This is in addition to the expanding 24-hour network and the usual Nitelink services.
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.
216. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the reason for current reliability issues on a bus route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65493/25]
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.
217. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Transport the amount of motor tax revenue collected from motorists with cars registered in Donegal, each year from 2019 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65505/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below presents motor tax revenue collected between 1 January and 31 December for the years 2019 to 2024, broken down by year for vehicles first registered in Donegal.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2019 |
€31,977,648 |
|
2020 |
€31,289,482 |
|
2021 |
€30,323,665 |
|
2022 |
€29,898,103 |
|
2023 |
€29,939,642 |
|
2024 |
€30,319,109 |
218. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport is aware that the new 73 bus route fleet is not electric; if his Department has engaged with the provider (details supplied) and the NTA on this matter; and when it is expected that this fleet will be electric. [65578/25]
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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision and upgrade of public bus fleets.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the public transport sector in line with the Climate Action Plan. No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for urban public service obligation bus fleets since 2019, as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The transition to a zero-emission urban bus fleet is currently programmed to take up until 2035, based on replacement of non-zero-emission buses as they reach the end of their efficient service lives.
Electric buses produce no emissions and offer reduced interior and exterior noise levels compared to diesel buses. This transition to electric buses will result in cleaner air and less noise pollution in areas where the buses are operating, while also providing a quieter journey for passengers. There are currently over 100 double-deck electric buses in service in Dublin. Further electric buses will roll-out over the coming years.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
219. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the road safety authority's policy regarding the requirement for a tachograph device in vehicles presented for a category C1 driving test; if ambulances, which are exempt from tachograph regulations and not fitted with such devices, can be used for a test (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65611/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinimum EU standards and requirements for driver testing and driver licensing are set out in Directive 2006/126/EC on driver licenses. In the minimum requirements for the test of skills and behaviour for obtaining a C1 licence, the test vehicle must be equipped with recording equipment (i.e., a tachograph), and checking and using this equipment is a mandatory part of the test. These requirements are given legal effect in Ireland by S.I. No. 537/2006.
While the Deputy's constituent may only intend to drive an ambulance, holding a C1 licence allows the holder to drive an entire class of vehicles, including commercial vehicles where the use of a tachograph is required during operation. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) policy in this matter is consistent with national and EU requirements and they have no discretion to offer an exemption in this case. Notwithstanding this position, and that any solution must be lawful, I have referred your question to the RSA for response and for any guidance they may offer to assist in circumstances such as those you outline. Please contact my office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
220. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if penalty points can be applied to non-Irish EU licences and inputted on the national vehicle and driver file database; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65812/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA foreign licence record is created on my Department's National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) database on receipt of a Penalty Point offence where a foreign licence number is supplied. Penalty points are recorded against non-Irish EU licence holders on the NVDF where such foreign licence number is supplied as part of the offence details, and the offence occurred in this State. Similar to Irish licence holders, where such foreign licence records accumulate 12 penalty points, in a 3-year period, the driver is disqualified.
Where a foreign licence is exchanged for an Irish licence, the penalty points on the foreign licence are transferred onto the Irish licence.
221. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers that have used the Dublin-Maynooth commuter rail service in 2024 and to date in 2025, in both directions, in tabular form. [65879/25]
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 Iarnród 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.
222. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the continued decline in small public service vehicle (SPSV) licence numbers in Cork county, including a 4% decrease recorded in Cork since 2019; and the steps his Department is taking to increase taxi availability for rural communities in Cork north west, where lack of taxi provision is now significantly hindering access to hospitality businesses, late-night transport, and essential services . [65890/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra223. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he will request that the National Transport Authority conduct an urgent review of SPSV supply in Cork county, including the areas of Macroom, Millstreet, Kanturk and Charleville where residents, visitors and local businesses report major difficulties securing taxis at peak times; and if he will outline any pending measures to increase SPSV driver recruitment and retention. [65891/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra225. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he plans to address the imbalance between population growth in Cork county and the continued stagnation or decline of SPSV driver and vehicle numbers; and if Cork north west will be prioritised in any forthcoming strategy to increase licensed taxi availability. [65895/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra226. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing pilot initiatives in rural areas such as Cork north west, including grants, tax incentives, or reduced administrative burdens, to stimulate SPSV driver recruitment and ensure adequate taxi supply for communities outside Cork city. [65896/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 222, 223, 225 and 226 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry 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.
Both the NTA and the Department have taken a number of steps to support taxi drivers nationally and to increase the number of taxis available to passengers. For example, the Board of the NTA approved a nine per cent increase in the National Maximum Taxi Fare following the latest review that included a public consultation. The fare adjustment took effect on 1 December 2024, ensuring that taxi fares continue to reflect the rising costs associated with operating a taxi service in Ireland. To encourage operators to stay in the sector, the NTA extended the final operation date of vehicles on a few occasions and also extended the period that an SPSV licence may rest in an inactive (expired) status, from 12 months to 24 months. In line with the Programme for Government 2025 commitment to 'extend the ten-year vehicle limit for taxis registered in 2015, offering another year of service', the Board of the NTA approved the making of a new Regulation giving effect to this Programme for Government Commitment. This new Regulation has been operative since 1 April 2025 and given operators with 2015 registered cars another year of service with their vehicles. In addition, there are grants, such as the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) and electric small public service vehicle (eSPSV) grants, that are available to drivers to help them purchase new vehicles.
The total number of SPSV drivers and vehicles is steadily increasing. As of 31 October 2025, the number of SPSV drivers was 27,993. This is a 11% (2,762) increase on the 2021 figures (25,231) when driver licence numbers were at their lowest post-pandemic. As at 31 October 2025, the number of licensed SPSVs was 21,116. This represents a 14% (2,646) increase in comparison to when vehicle licence numbers were at their lowest in 2021 (18,470).
Furthermore, the NTA is currently holding a public consultation on proposed changes to local area hackney (LAH) regulations. The purpose of the LAH licence is to offer a SPSV service in a rural community where existing transport services do not serve the needs of the community. The LAH can meet the demand for these services, but it cannot displace any existing SPSV services. This consultation opened on 16 October 2025 and will close on 28 November 2025. Further information and the NTA's proposed changes are available to view here: https://consult.nationaltransport.ie/en/content/consultation-proposed-amendments-spsv-regulations-increase-local-area-hackney-licence-uptake.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for further specific information about SPSV driver and vehicle numbers in County Cork. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
224. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has examined whether the costs, testing requirements and administrative processes associated with obtaining an SPSV licence are acting as barriers for prospective drivers in Cork; and if he will consider reforms or incentives to encourage more entrants into the sector, particularly in rural counties experiencing declining SPSV numbers. [65893/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (PSV) industry, including the processes associated with obtaining an SPSV licence, are 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 direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
227. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will conduct a formal review of a companies fixed pricing policy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65913/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NTA is the independent transport regulator of the SPSV sector, and I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of that sector. The ongoing protests by taxi drivers concerning the taxi fixed price option on the Uber app, is not a matter for the Department of Transport or the NTA to address.
Taxi drivers, who are self-employed operators, make a business decision to sign up (or not) with a licensed dispatch operator and are not obliged by the NTA to sign up with any dispatch operator.
Dispatch operators are required to provide bookings to SPSV licenced drivers using SPSV licenced vehicles, only. Where taxi drivers choose to affiliate with a dispatch operator, they are free to contract with a dispatch operator of their choice.
I issued a letter to the NTA on 19 November last asking that they clarify the regulatory position on the Uber fixed price fare for the information of taxi operators and public representatives alike.
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.
228. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Transport the number of retired Dublin Bus stock that was sold to a company (details supplied), in 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65921/25]
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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision and upgrade of public bus fleets.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
229. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the specific details of the way in which the pilot for the new automatic vehicle location system on bus services will work; if geographical areas will be included in the pilot; if so, whether the greater Blanchardstown area can be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65940/25]
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 Next Generation Automatic Vehicle location system.
As Deputy may be aware, the NTA awarded a contract to implement and support a National Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system for all Public Service Obligation (PSO) buses to Trapeze, a specialist transport systems company, which will enable the NTA to consolidate several existing and disparate bus AVL systems into one central system to be used by all PSO bus operators in Ireland, and which has expansion capacity to meet the growing demand for public transport in Ireland.
The project is well underway and a critical enabler for this project, preparatory works on the bus fleet nationwide to re-wire the buses so that they are ready for installation of the new AVL equipment, has advanced. To date more than 700 buses have been retrofitted with the new wiring arrangements to allow easy fitment of the new kit.
The next phase is to commence the system testing of the solution. End-to-end testing of the hardware and software solution to be deployed is a critical activity that must be successfully completed with all defects resolved in order for NTA to be confident that the solution is fully functional and robust before it can be installed on bus.
Subject to the systems successfully passing the detailed testing phases, a pilot implementation will commence late this year and assuming no issues are found, full rollout will commence in 2026 and will complete early 2027. In total approx. 1,800 buses nationwide will have to have the new system installed on them.
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.
230. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 224 of 25 March, 417 of 29 April and 216 of 1 July 2025, for an update on improvements made in 2025 in communicating cancelled bus services, as per the details and assurances made by the NTA in response to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65941/25]
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.
I want to reassure the Deputy that as part of my regular engagement, I met with the NTA last week to discuss a range of public transport matters, including the recent performance issues. I had also previously met with the NTA specifically on the issue of 'cancelled bus services', and they fully acknowledge that an inadequate level of service has been provided on certain routes in recent months, and they have been working closely with the operators to rectify the situation.
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. The NTA 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 operators 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 for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
231. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the procedures in place to verify the authenticity of foreign driving licences and letters of entitlement presented for exchange in Ireland; the checks carried out with issuing authorities; the number of attempted exchanges rejected due to invalid or unverifiable documentation in each of the past three years; the safeguards in place to ensure that drivers accessing the reduced EDT programme have genuine prior driving experience; and the measures planned to address language-barrier safety risks reported by approved driving instructors during EDT lessons. [65949/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Road Safety Authority, which has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service, holds the information requested. Accordingly, I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
232. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to significantly increase the number of charging points for EVs around the country; if his attention has been drawn to reports of queues waiting to use limited charging points and the impact this is having on journey times; if he will commit to improving the charging network as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65958/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department 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 EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging and installing 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.
In 2024, the locations of 17 new high-powered recharging pools for electric vehicles were announced along the National Road Network.
In June 2025, the locations of 53 new high-powered recharging pools to be rolled out under this scheme on the National Road Network were announced under Phase 2 of the ZEVI EV Recharging Infrastructure LDV National Road Grant Scheme.
In October 2025, we announced the locations of 90 new high-powered recharging pools to be rolled out under Phase 3 of the scheme.
The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging, was published in April this year. The plan will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.
A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed, including:
• A Shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which will install up to 200 fast chargers in sports clubs on the island of Ireland.
• Local Authority pilot schemes, funding the roll out of EV charging in Local Authorities who have already developed local EV network plans, while supporting the development of local EV Network plans in other areas.
We are aware that more public charging is needed and are already seeing a significant increased capacity of EV charging on our national roads, with capacity on the public charging network having doubled since 2023. Government will continue to do what it can to facilitate the rollout of more chargers as having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
233. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the nature of refurbishment works that Irish Rail carried out at Tralee Train Station for the years of 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65961/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The operation, maintenance, and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, the queries raised by the Deputy are operational matters for the company. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
234. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport to provide this Deputy with a copy of the feasibility study carried out by TII for Luas Poolbeg, which is under review by the National Transport Authority; and if he will support the progression of this line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65972/25]
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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
As the Deputy may be aware, the development of a Luas red line extension to serve Poolbeg is currently one of the longer-term proposals in the NTA's Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042. The Strategy states that the proposed Luas extension to Poolbeg is subject to the assessment of forecast travel demand arising out of development patterns in the Poolbeg Strategic Development Zone and environs.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA, 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.
235. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fixed fares introduced by a company (details supplied); and if he will ensure taxi drivers are paid fairly. [65993/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NTA is the independent transport regulator of the SPSV sector, and I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of that sector. The ongoing protests by taxi drivers concerning the taxi fixed price option on the Uber app, is not a matter for the Department of Transport or the NTA to address.
Taxi drivers, who are self-employed operators, make a business decision to sign up (or not) with a licensed dispatch operator and are not obliged by the NTA to sign up with any dispatch operator.
Dispatch operators are required to provide bookings to SPSV licenced drivers using SPSV licenced vehicles, only. Where taxi drivers choose to affiliate with a dispatch operator, they are free to contract with a dispatch operator of their choice.
I issued a letter to the NTA on 19 November last asking that they clarify the regulatory position on the Uber fixed price fare for the information of taxi operators and public representatives alike.
