Written Answers Nos. 104-129
104. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will engage with landowners and farmers in Sligo, north Leitrim, west Cavan and Fermanagh regarding the proposed greenway before issuing compulsory purchase orders. [65210/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to greenways. The planning, design and construction of National and Regional Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the relevant local authority.
My Department allocated €1,200,000 in funding to the development of the Sligo to Enniskillen Greenway in 2025. I understand that the emerging preferred route corridor was published earlier this year and that the project has now commenced Phase 3: Design and Environmental Evaluation.
I understand that the scheme has adhered to date to the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways in terms of considering stated owned lands in the first instance and ensuring that public consultations are held at key milestones as the scheme progressed through the route options stage. Engagement between affected landowners and the project team is a critical step to ensure that severance of farm holdings is avoided where feasible to do so, particularly once a preferred route corridor is published. An independent agronomist is available to assist landowners with their queries and to provide advice on the impact of the proposals. Project liaison officer details are available at https://slncr-greenway.com/contact/.
Leitrim County Council is the lead local authority in relation to progressing this scheme working with Sligo County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to progress this route. The Code does refer to the use of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) as a ‘measure of last resort’ if voluntary land acquisition agreements are not possible after sustained engagement with individual landowners. The CPO is a legal mechanism that is contained within the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Section 213) and the Roads Act 1993 (Section 52) which outlines the statutory options available to local authorities.
I would encourage landowners to engage with the appointed project liaison officer in relation to specific queries related to the Sligo to Enniskillen Greenway proposal
105. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to outline the procedures in place in relation to recognition of driving licences issued in other jurisdictions to enable such licence holders to drive in this State; if he is satisfied that the present systems are comprehensive and robust enough; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66316/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law – the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply – and the standards for testing drivers are set at EU level. Driver licensing laws are intended to ensure drivers on our roads meet high safety standards.
A person resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU driving licence to drive here. It is possible to drive in Ireland on a foreign licence under the Geneva Convention but this only applies to visitors, not residents.
A driving licence may be exchanged where Ireland has a reciprocal licence exchange agreement with the other jurisdiction. A person with a full but non-exchangeable licence must go through the normal learning to drive process to obtain an Irish licence, but can avail of shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons, instead of 12, and does not have to be a learner for the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.
Ireland may make bilateral licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. This is a technical, road safety-based process and reaching an exchange agreement is not a matter of political will. The technical assessment is an independent process that requires the agreement of the other jurisdiction and agreements are made only when both licensing authorities have compared the licensing regimes and are satisfied that they are compatible. For Ireland, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
The core principle in reaching an exchange agreement is the continued safety of Irish road users. The most important element is an exchange agreement is that the other jurisdiction applies standards for testing drivers that are compatible with our own. Where these standards are not met, no agreement is possible, no matter how desirable an agreement with that jurisdiction may be. Ireland’s road toll has been rising in recent years and it is imperative, for the safety of all Irish road users, that people who are awarded Irish driving licences have been tested to the same standard as Irish drivers.
In considering licence exchange agreements, Ireland has to date given priority to countries that may be a source of professional drivers, in light of the sectoral shortages across the EU. However, the principle of ensuring the safety of Irish road users is still paramount in reaching such agreements.
The Programme for Government is committed to seeking licence exchange agreements with Canada, Australia and the USA. Ireland already has agreements with Australia and seven of the Canadian provinces and is examining an agreement with an eighth province.
In line with the Programme for Government, I have initiated efforts to consider driving licence agreements with individual US states.
106. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide a detailed timeline for the upgrading all roads and footpaths in Cahersiveen town on the N70 Ring of Kerry road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66341/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the N70 in Cahersiveen town.
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.
107. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the number of flights from Donegal airport that have been cancelled or not taken off in 2025; the reasons given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66344/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the number of flights from Donegal Airport cancelled or not taken off since January 2024, by month, including the reasons given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66436/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 112 together.
In respect of the current Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract in place on the Donegal/Dublin route it provides twice daily two-way air services, facilitating same day return trips from Donegal, and further international connectivity from Dublin Airport.
A table sets out the number of flights under this contract from Donegal Airport, which have been cancelled in 2024 and to end October 2025. However, due to the formatting of data in tabular form, my private office will provide this directly to the Deputy.
I can assure the Deputy that regional connectivity is of critical importance to this Government. We are aware that this PSO service is vital to many of those in the North-West region. While often extreme weather conditions bring additional safety restrictions which were non-attributable to the airline, they continue to work to restore the reliability of this service.
My Department continues to monitor the airline's performance in accordance with the PSO contract for the provision of these services.
108. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department is taking to address the difficulties faced by Irish citizens living in the UK who, due to post-Brexit insurance restrictions, are no longer able to be insured as named drivers on Irish-registered vehicles when they hold a UK driving licence; if he is aware of the significant impact this is having on those returning regularly to Ireland to care for elderly parents or maintain family homes; if he will outline whether discussions have taken place with insurance providers, the Department of Finance, or with UK authorities regarding potential solutions or mitigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66393/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State with responsibility for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to clarify that there is nothing in Irish road traffic legislation that prevents the holder of a foreign driver licence from obtaining motor insurance in this country, subject to compliance with existing residency and licensing rules.
In practice, however, the provision of insurance cover is an entirely commercial matter for insurance companies and is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept and adequate provisioning to meet those risks. These are considered by insurance companies on a case by case basis.
When it comes to the insurance industry's approach to insuring drivers with a UK licence, Insurance Ireland, the industry body for insurers in Ireland, has previously confirmed that motor insurance policies will generally cover anyone who holds (and is not disqualified from holding) a licence to drive the vehicle in question, regardless of whether it is an Irish or British licence. Insurers will generally take their cue from existing road traffic legislation in respect of normal residency rules.
The Deputy may wish to advise his constituent to avail of Insurance Ireland's free information service for those who have complaints or difficulties in purchasing insurance. Insurance Ireland can be contacted by phone at (01) 6761820 or by email at declined@insuranceireland.eu.
109. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the bus route proposed by the NTA in the Connecting Ireland Mobility Plan, between Nenagh and Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66400/25]
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.
110. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider extending the provisions of the commuter ticket incentive in order to not disadvantage commuters who are just outside the band; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66410/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), as fare regulator for services provided under PSO contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.
You will be aware that since last year there has been a significant change to the zonal structure used in the Greater Dublin Area for public transport. The old Short Hop Zone has been replaced by a new zonal structure comprising a Dublin City Zone and then three further zones. These zones have been developed based on distances from the city centre, reflecting the rationale generally underpinning the move toward a much fairer fares system which is based on distance.
The Dublin City Zone extends to approximately 23km from the city centre with Zones 2 - 4 representing a distance of up to 50km from the city centre. This change has brought a number of benefits to commuters compared to the previous zonal structure. For example, many passengers now enjoy significantly reduced fares for travelling to Dublin as compared to before, and the new structure means they can avail of the TFI 90-minute fare, allowing interchange to Dublin City Bus, Luas, and eligible rail services at no extra cost if the tag-on occurs within 90 minutes of the initial tag-on.
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.
111. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if consideration is being given to upgrading the junction of N11/Clonkeen Road to improve pedestrian safety; if his attention has been drawn to safety concerns at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66411/25]
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 N11 junction at Clonkeen Road.
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.
113. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to address a long-standing issue (details supplied) and provide an update with regard to funding for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66450/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the N70.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
114. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport when the next tranche of the Safe Routes to School Programme will be announced; if consideration will be given to including a school (details supplied) in view of ongoing health and safety concerns owing to the lack of a footpath from the village to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66452/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 932 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. Schools are processed in tranches, with 3 rounds having been announced to date.
As the Deputy is aware, Rathduff National School applied to the original call for applications and were accepted into the programme. Although not selected in the Rounds to date, they, like all other schools that applied for the programme, will be selected for inclusion in a future forthcoming round.
The next round of the Safe Routes to School Programme will be announced in the coming weeks.
115. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that the New York State Department for Motor Vehicles has requested information and documentation from Ireland’s Road Safety Authority (RSA) in order to progress a bilateral driving licence exchange agreement; the actions he is undertaking to ensure that the RSA will provide this information as soon as possible as the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has been awaiting for this documentation for a sizeable period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66453/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports I wish to advise that in line with the Programme for Government commitments regarding the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, the Department is exploring options concerning the US. US driver licensing is regulated at state, not federal, level. Ireland does not currently have agreements with any US state.
The Department has liaised with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to identify states with large Irish born populations. Three US states, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey, have been chosen as the initial states for consideration due to the size of their Irish born populations.
The DFA and the Department have written to the Governor of the state of New York to express Ireland’s interest in entering into a possible agreement.
On my direction, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is actively engaging with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles as part of its review of New York state’s driving licensing and testing standards. As Minister, I cannot intervene or comment on review proceedings while they are ongoing as this is an independent technical assessment by the two licensing agencies and must be free from any political inference. Undertaking such a technical review is not a straightforward matter and can take up to two years to conclude.
Once the review process is completed, the RSA will make a recommendation to my Department.
116. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if there are there plans to implement an Irish US drivers licence exchange programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66470/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law – the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply – and the standards for testing drivers are set at EU level. Driver licensing laws are intended to ensure drivers on our roads meet high safety standards.
A person who is resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU driving licence to drive here. It is possible to drive in Ireland on a foreign licence under the Geneva Convention but this only applies to visitors, not residents.
Irish driving licences are, in general, granted for ten years and an Irish licence holder, if resident in Ireland, may renew their licence for up to ten years after expiry. A driver who does not renew their licence by this time must start the process from the beginning.
A driving licence may be exchanged where Ireland has a reciprocal licence exchange agreement with the other jurisdiction. A person with a full but non-exchangeable licence must go through the normal learning to drive process to obtain an Irish licence, but can avail of shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons, instead of 12, and does not have to be a learner for the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.
Ireland may make bilateral licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. This is a technical, road safety-based process and reaching an exchange agreement is not a matter of political will. The technical assessment is an independent process that requires the agreement of the other jurisdiction and agreements are made only when both licensing authorities have compared the licensing regimes and are satisfied that they are compatible. For Ireland, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
The core principle of licence exchange is the continued safety of Irish road users. In reaching an agreement, the most important element is ensuring that the other jurisdiction's standards for testing drivers are compatible with our own. Where these standards are not met, no agreement is possible, no matter how desirable an agreement with that jurisdiction may be. Ireland’s road toll has been rising in recent years and it is imperative, for the safety of all Irish road users, that people who are awarded Irish driving licences have been tested to the same standard as Irish drivers.
US driver licensing is regulated at state, not federal, level and Ireland does not currently have agreements with any US state.. However, in line with a Programme for Government commitment, options are being explored in relation to exchange agreements with individual states.
The Department liaised with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to identify states with large Irish born populations. Three US states, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey, have been selected for initial consideration, due to the size of their Irish-born populations.
On my direction, the RSA is currently engaged with the New York state licensing authority licensing authority. The technical assessment process for a possible licence exchange agreement is ongoing.
117. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport the number of additional bus and rail services introduced in Kildare from 2020 to 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66480/25]
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.
118. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric vehicle public charging points across Dublin city and Fingal, for each of the past five years; the number planned for 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66492/25]
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. The number of publicly accessible charge points in Ireland increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to approximately 2,400 in 2024.
Currently, the Department of Transport does not track the number of publicly accessible EV charging stations by county. 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.
In addition, 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, an office within the Department of Transport, 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 pilot infrastructure projects in a number of Local Authorities, so as not to delay any initial rollout.
The focus for the Pilot programme is to provide charging infrastructure at locations that meet multiple user needs for Local Authority owned sites. The Dublin region has business case approval for 200 chargers at 50 locations across the 4 Dublin Local Authorities.
119. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the number of road safety improvement schemes funded in Dublin Bay north, each year from 2023 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66493/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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, where applicable.
Arising from the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts, the four Dublin Councils are largely self-funding for works on regional and local roads since 2015 and the Department no longer provides grants to these Councils under the main regional and local road grant categories.
As 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 M1 and Dublin Port Tunnel.
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.
120. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport for a breakdown of the funding provided to date, plus the committed funding for 2026, to ensure the completion of the Kilkenny ring road project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66508/25]
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.
In line with Government requirements Kilkenny County Council produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension and a draft was forwarded to the Department in January 2023. The Department reviewed the SAR and returned its comments and observations to Kilkenny County Council for consideration.
Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department continues to liaise with the Council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure Guidelines and the TAF including the preparation of a Project Outline Document (POD) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the SAR stage.
In 2024, the Department provided funding for an updated POD, which has been submitted to the Department by Kilkenny County Council, and while this process was underway funding was also allocated for Traffic/Junction Analysis in the Butts Green area of the City to further assess and understand traffic patterns in the city.
Following a review of the POD by the Department, €200,000 has been allocated to the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project (formerly Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension Project) in 2025 to allow Kilkenny County Council to progress the project to the Options Stage.
As regards the funding allocated to and drawn down by Kilkenny County Council for the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project (formerly Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension Project), details of the regional and local road allocations, and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library.
As regards 2026, regional and local road grant allocations will be finalised following the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume and will take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year.
121. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of recent reports that the construction of the metro will require 8,000 workers; the steps he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66528/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.I am aware of comments at a recent Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport regarding the number of workers required during MetroLink's construction and the capacity of the Irish labour force to provide same. I understand that the MetroLink team has been proactively working on the issue of accommodation, engaging with the Land Development Agency, on the matter. The MetroLink team are investigating ways of boosting housing supply for the duration of the construction period, with a view to returning units to the State following construction.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.
122. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to reports that the Child (5 - 8) TFI Leap Card year free travel pass is not working on Bus Éireann and Irish Rail ticket machines; when this issue will be resolved; the cost to resolve this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66529/25]
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 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.
123. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to provide the average time required to complete environmental assessment processes, including Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, for major transport infrastructure projects commenced in each of the past five years; and to detail any reforms underway to reduce delays in these assessment stages. [66545/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnvironmental assessments, both legislative and otherwise, in the transport sector are generally carried out by the two main delivery agencies under the Department's aegis, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority. As part of the Transport Appraisal Framework, the Department checks that any necessary assessments have been completed in order for it to approve a major project.
In order to provide information on this matter, I have referred the Deputies question to the NTA and to TII and will request that they provide any relevant information available on projects exceeding €200m total cost, and the environmental assessment processes associated with projects of that size. I would ask that the Deputy please contact me if no response is received within 10 working days.
With regard to the request to detail reforms to this process, environmental assessments are required on any such project in line with the SEA Directive (Directive 2001/42/EC) and various implementing legislation in Ireland.
While not responsible for reform with regard to the actual legislative requirements set out above, my Department consistently seeks to streamline the processes and manage the timelines for delivery of its projects, including the use where possible of standardised development processes, approvals processes and procurement of services for individual aspects of projects, including legislative environmental assessment requirements.
124. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport the stage work is at in designing a new scheme to replace the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme; the timeline for this work; when it is envisaged the new scheme will be introduced, given the impact the current scheme is having in locking out people who need support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66546/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that my officials have begun developing the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS), which will provide support for people who need vehicle adaptations.
Over the coming months, the Department intends to conduct extensive consultation with stakeholders, including advocacy groups, to agree the principles and parameters of the new scheme. As primary legislation will be required to underpin the Scheme, it is not possible to provide a definitive timeline for its introduction.
The Department of Finance continues to have oversight of the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme (DDS). Questions related to the operation of the DDS remain a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
125. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an explanation for the increase in the average waiting time for a driving test invite from 11.5 weeks in September 2025 to 13 weeks in October 2025; and the reasons the downward trend in waiting times has reversed. [66694/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra130. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the reason the number of RSA driving testers decreased to 193 at the end of October 2025, below the agreed complement of 200 testers; and the effect this reduction has had on driving test waiting times. [66699/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra131. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when the RSA expects to restore the number of testers to the agreed 200; and whether additional recruitment is planned given the increased demand and rising waiting times. [66700/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra135. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the oversight measures which are in place to ensure that the RSA meets its commitments on driving test waiting times and tester staffing levels; and whether penalties or corrective actions are triggered when service levels are breached. [66704/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra136. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport whether the RSA provided advance notice to his Department that waiting times were increasing and staffing levels had fallen below the agreed threshold of 200 testers. [66705/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 125, 130, 131, 135 and 136 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. As such, the information requested in relation to the operation of the driver test service is held by the Authority. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply on the questions around staff recruitment and retention and with respect to service performance. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
As the Deputy will be aware, reducing driving test wait times has been one of my priorities since taking office and I directed the RSA to produce and publish a service recovery plan to meet the 10-week average national waiting time target by September. The RSA successfully achieved this goal.
The latest information available to me is that, at the end of October, the average national waiting time for a driving test was 11.5 weeks. This slight increase above target is a short-term impact as a result of merging the test and re-test lists to ensure that all customers have the same experience when utilising the RSA self service system. The RSA anticipates that this change will have worked through the system in the coming weeks and that the 10-week target will be achieved by the end of November.
In line with other public bodies the RSA is subject to the Code of Practice on the Governance of State Bodies. In that regard, an oversight agreement is in place between my Department and the RSA which sets out the roles and responsibilities of the RSA. As part of this oversight structure my Department holds four oversight meetings - one per quarter - annually with the RSA where the RSA reports on all areas of its work, including in relation to the driver testing service. The most recent oversight meeting was held this month and my Department was informed that the RSA expected a temporary increase in average wait times for the driver test, the reasons for this and that the 10 week average wait time will be restored as soon as possible.
These quarterly meetings are complemented by monthly operational updates for all of the RSA's services and significant projects, which my officials review and interrogate. More recently, the RSA has prepared a fortnightly Ministerial update on the performance of the driver testing service specifically and their delivery against the recovery plan.
In September 2024, to support the RSA in increasing testing capacity and improving service delivery, my Department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent positions for driver testers. This increases the total permanent sanction for testers to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022.
The RSA has reported that as at the end of October there were 193 driver testers employed with 6 new testers in training. This marks a significant increase on the approximate 150 testers available at the beginning of this year. The RSA continues to recruit and train new driver testers with a view to having the full complement of 200 testers in place as soon as possible. However, it should be noted that like any job there will always be people who leave the service to take up other opportunities or retire. However, it is important that the RSA continues to put in place appropriate capacity management plans to ensure that the 200 figure is achieved and maintained.
126. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting times for driving test invites at each test centre nationwide; and the number of applicants waiting at each centre, with particular reference to the longest waits recorded at Mulhuddart M3 (20 weeks), Dun Laoghaire/Deansgrange (19 weeks), Raheny (17 weeks), and Tallaght (15 weeks). [66695/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to outline the specific actions which are being taken to address the large centres where applicants are waiting 15 weeks or more for a driving test invite, including Mullingar, Limerick, Castlemungret and Cork Wilton. [66696/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra128. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the reason 48,660 driving test applicants, representing 80% of all applicants are waiting longer than the RSA’s 10-week service level agreement as of the end of October 2025; and the steps which are being taken to bring the RSA back into compliance. [66697/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra129. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the driving test centres where learners are waiting 11 weeks or more; the number of applicants at each; and the measures being put in place to reduce these waiting times. [66698/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra132. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of the number of driving tests conducted in October 2025 (28,182); the national pass rate (58%); and whether test capacity is expected to increase or decrease in the coming months. [66701/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra133. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport whether the RSA anticipates it will meet demand for tests given the current backlog of 60,389 applicants at the end of October 2025; and the modelling which has been carried out to project waiting times for the remainder of 2025 and early 2026. [66702/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra134. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the significant regional disparities in driving test waiting times; and whether targeted interventions are planned for the worst-affected centres, including Mulhuddart, Dun Laoghaire/Deansgrange, Raheny, and Cork Wilton. [66703/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 to 129, inclusive, and Questions Nos. 132 to 134, inclusive, together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all application and scheduling matters. As such, the information requested in relation to the operation of the driver test service is held by the Authority. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct reply and I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Pending this more detailed reply on the specific matters raised, as the Deputy will be aware, reducing driving test wait times has been one of my priorities since taking office. In May, I directed the RSA to produce and publish a service recovery plan to meet the 10-week average national waiting time target by September. The RSA successfully achieved this goal, with the service meeting the 10-week national average wait time target in early September.
The latest information available to me is that, at the end of October, the average national waiting time for a driving test is currently at 11.5 weeks. This slight increase above target is a short-term impact as a result of merging the test and re-test lists to ensure that all customers have the same experience when utilising the RSA self service system. The RSA anticipates that this change will have worked through the system in the coming weeks and that the 10-week target will be achieved by the end of November. It should be noted that the current national average wait time does however reflect a significant improvement on the 27-week wait time reported at the end of April.
I understand that longer waiting times in certain areas are causing frustration and disappointment for many people seeking to complete their driver test. It is vital that the public experience an efficient and dependable driver test service. The RSA is continuing its work to address these longer than average wait times. Bank holiday testing and overtime continue to be offered and utilised, with a particular effort to address those centres with longer waiting times. While there are some limitations on overtime due to the time of the year and shorter daylight hours within which tests can be conducted, Saturday overtime continues to be offered. The Deputy may wish to note that over the October Bank Holiday weekend the RSA delivered over 1,100 driver tests. The RSA is also continuing to work on the opening of new test centres in Sandyford, Drogheda and Mitchelstown which will support the reduction of wait times in those areas. I am informed that the testing will commence in the Mitchelstown centre in mid-December.
To support the RSA in increasing testing capacity and improving service delivery, my Department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent positions for driver testers in September 2024. This increases the total permanent sanction for testers to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022. The RSA has reported that as at the end of October there were 193 driver testers employed which is a significant increase on the approximate 150 testers available at the start of this year.
