Michael Murphy
Ceist:213. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the statutory position regarding responsibility for local and regional roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67118/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad Network
Ceisteanna (213, 246, 247, 253, 254)
Michael Murphy
Ceist:246. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the annual allocation to each local authority for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads for each of the years 2020 to 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67105/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Murphy
Ceist:247. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which allocations to local authorities for regional and local roads have increased or decreased in real terms over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67106/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Murphy
Ceist:253. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the respective roles and responsibilities of his Department and of local authorities in relation to the maintenance, management and funding of local and regional roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67112/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Murphy
Ceist:254. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the criteria used by his Department to allocate regional and local roads funding between local authorities, including factors such as network length, condition, traffic volumes and climate impacts; if he is satisfied that the current model is equitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67113/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 213, 246, 247, 253 and 254 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
On 14th February 2025 I announced an Exchequer investment of €713 million for our regional and local roads across the State which represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding this year. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
As regards the basis for allocating grants, within the budget available for the regional and local road grant programme, the Department's grant funding for the maintenance of regional and local roads is allocated on as fair and equitable a basis as possible to eligible local authorities. In this context, grants in the main grant categories are allocated primarily based on the length of the road network within a local authority's area of responsibility with some account taken of traffic. It is envisaged that grants will continue to be made available on that basis.
Basing regional and local roads grant allocations on road conditions could result in an unequitable distribution of Exchequer funding. For example, local authorities that allocate higher levels of own resources funding to regional and local roads will have a larger proportion of roads with a higher condition rating than those with lower levels of own resources funding. Basing allocations on road condition could therefore disincentivise local authorities from allocating own resources funding to roads maintenance.
The Department appreciates that, within the overall parameters set for the grant programme, local authorities might need to target funding at particular problem areas and there is sufficient flexibility in the structure of the grant programme to allow for this. It is also open to each local authority to allocate its own resources to priority areas.
It should be noted that decisions regarding allocations to individual Municipal Districts are a matter for each local authority, taking into account the funding available to it from local and State sources as well as its particular priorities.
As regards the funding allocated to and drawn down by each local authority for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads in each of the past five years, 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.
National Development Plan
Ceisteanna (214, 215, 216, 250, 251, 252)
Michael Murphy
Ceist:214. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the provision within the National Development Plan 2026-2030 for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67131/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Murphy
Ceist:215. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the level of capital provision for local and regional roads within the National Development Plan in light of the evident deterioration of the network in many counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67132/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Murphy
Ceist:216. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider providing an additional multi-annual capital envelope specifically targeted at rehabilitating sub-standard local and regional roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67133/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Murphy
Ceist:250. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the National Development Plan 2026-2030 addresses the condition of the local and regional road network; the specific targets or milestones for bringing these roads up to an acceptable standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67109/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Murphy
Ceist:251. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is considering revising or accelerating elements of the National Development Plan to respond to the poor state of local and regional roads in many counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67110/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Murphy
Ceist:252. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce a specific multi-annual catch-up programme to address the backlog in maintenance and rehabilitation of local and regional roads; the estimated cost of such a programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67111/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 214, 215, 216, 250, 251 and 252 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
There has been a significant increase in Exchequer funding in recent years with an Exchequer investment of €713 million in our regional and local roads this year. This represents an increase of 25% in funding when compared to 2021.
The National Development Plan Review 2025 sets out capital ceilings for transport to 2030. The Department has recently published the sectoral investment plan for transport which will inform road funding priorities in the coming years.
Question No. 215 answered with Question No. 214.
Question No. 216 answered with Question No. 214.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (217)
Eoghan Kenny
Ceist:217. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to engage with the Minister for Transport to create a traffic lights system for the junction on entry to a hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67210/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 regarding the N20 at Mallow General Hospital.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Coast Guard Service
Ceisteanna (218)
Pa Daly
Ceist:218. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will review funding levels for the Irish Coast Guard and search and rescue services operating along the north Kerry coastline, including Ballybunion, in view of ongoing rescue incidents and identified risks in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66765/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Coast Guard is a pillar within the Department of Transport under the leadership of a dedicated Assistant Secretary General. All Coast Guard functions are fully funded through the Departmental Vote and reviewed as part of the annual budgetary process.
The Department of Transport through the Irish Coast Guard administer an annual maintenance grant for each of the independent Community Rescue Boats of Ireland teams which are declared resources to the Coast Guard. This maintenance grant was supplemented in 2024 and 2025 with additional grant funding to support specific maritime safety training for those teams and in preparation for the implementation of new Rescue Boat Guidelines as a modern, common standard for safety assurance within Search and Rescue.
The Department of Transport and Irish Coast Guard have engaged with other relevant stakeholders, notably Water Safety Ireland, in maritime safety on an appropriate funding model for these independent Community Rescue Boats of Ireland and expect to make progress on this through 2026.
Both the Ballybunion and Glenderry Coast Guard Units operate within the North Kerry area and are integral components of the Irish Coast Guard. Each Coast Guard Unit is fully equipped and resourced by the organisation, including the provision of all search and rescue equipment and access to training in relevant operational disciplines. Coast Guard Units function under the Irish Coast Guard’s Safety Management System, ensuring compliance with established standards and procedures.
The IRCG believes that all identified risks in the North Kerry area are already mitigated with current resources. These include the Shannon-based Rescue 115 Coast Guard helicopter, the new fixed-wing Coast Guard aircraft, and the presence of IRCG units, RNLI, and CRBI teams. All operate in a complementary and supportive manner.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (219)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:219. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether a person who previously held an Irish licence but now holds an English licence can swap back to an Irish licence; and if not, the reason. [66833/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports I wish to advise that following Brexit, an exchange agreement was made between Ireland and the UK, and a UK licence may be exchanged for an Irish licence, where the conditions of the agreement are met.
Budget 2026
Ceisteanna (220)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:220. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the amount of the Budget 2026 PSO funding allocation that will go towards providing new or increased capacity public transport services; the amount that will go towards providing existing services and existing fare reduction schemes; the amount that will go towards addressing funding deficits in the PSO scheme, as confirmed by his Department and in light of recent media articles (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66838/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I 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) plays a central role in achieving this, as they have 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.
As Minister for Transport, my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940 million represents a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from 2025. This reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that public transport services can continue to operate reliably and sustainably in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs.
This allocation will also allow for the continued delivery of targeted fare initiatives, including the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19–25, as part of the NTA’s National Fares Strategy. These measures help ensure that public transport remains accessible and affordable for families, students, and young workers across the country.
The National Fares Strategy, published in 2023, provides the framework for a fairer and more consistent fare system, aligning fares with distance travelled. As part of this, new fare zones were introduced in January 2024 – the Dublin City Zone (within 25km of the city centre) and the Dublin Commuter Zone (within 50km). These zones were informed by future transport plans such as DART+ and detailed ticketing data. The two-phase implementation concluded in June 2025 and aims to reduce fare disparities, particularly for passengers in commuter areas. This structured approach ensures the fare system remains transparent and equitable over time and supports future service improvements.
In parallel, investment continues to support the roll-out of planned improvements within the existing network, such as the recently launched F Spine under Phase 7 of BusConnects. This phase introduces high-frequency, 24-hour bus services on key corridors, including routes F1, F2, and F3, enhancing connectivity between areas such as Tallaght, Finglas, Charlestown, and the city centre. The redesign also includes new radial and local routes to streamline and make the network more efficient.
In addition, a further €31 million has been secured for rural transport in 2026 – a 38% increase on last year’s funding. This ensures the continued delivery of vital services across rural Ireland, to meet demand in communities that depend on these services most.
National Transport Authority
Ceisteanna (221)
Michael Murphy
Ceist:221. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the status of the National Transport Authority’s proposed enhancements to the Nenagh–Clonmel bus service; the work completed to date following the public consultation launched in late 2024; when the NTA intends to publish the outcome of that consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66845/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (222)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:222. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport given the ongoing problems on the Rosslare rail line with overcrowding, poor service, and the threat of coastal erosion, to consider commissioning a complete review of services on the line. [66895/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects (ECRIPP).
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Parking Provision
Ceisteanna (223)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:223. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the measures he can take to prevent further significant price increases in charges for car parking by Dublin Airport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66896/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, daa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport. As such, the management of car parking including the setting of prices is a matter for daa and I have no role in this area.
I have however sought information on the question you have raised from daa and the response below regarding car parking prices has been provided by daa.
"Car parking at Dublin Airport is a limited resource with the airport operating c.23,000 car parking spaces and an additional 6,200 car parking spaces operated by competitor Park2Travel. In addition multiple other operators including hotels and off site operations are available. Car parking is recognised as a key enabler to airport operations and growth at Dublin Airport. There are currently a number of live applications for both staff car parking and passenger car parking in various stages of the planning process.
The price of car parking at Dublin Airport fluctuates depending on several factors, notably the time of year and the demand at that time for parking. This pricing model can result in passengers paying less or more than they may have done previously and enables daa to effectively manage demand for parking.
Dublin Airport's average car parking rates are similar to peer airports in the UK."
National Transport Authority
Ceisteanna (224)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:224. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider providing additional funding to the National Transport Authority to provide an additional train service from Boyle to Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66908/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I 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), which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services plays a central role in achieving this, working in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case, Irish Rail.
As the Minister for Transport, my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.
In light of the NTA and Irish Rail's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to them both for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Parking Provision
Ceisteanna (225)
Emer Currie
Ceist:225. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider launching a nationwide text alert system for disabled parking to allow individuals to report illegally parked vehicles by sending a text message with a bay number to an enforcement team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66921/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail, and Ports, I wish to advise that the Department of Transport’s role in relation to disabled parking bays is limited to the drafting of legislation.
Local authority traffic wardens and An Garda Síochána are responsible for enforcing disabled parking bays. The Deputy may wish to contact the enforcement bodies directly for information on the deployment of IT solutions to assist with enforcement.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (226)
Emer Currie
Ceist:226. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to list all funding schemes, grant programmes and any other financial supports that are currently administered by his Department and its agencies; the expected launch and closing dates for applications for each scheme in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66938/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Please see list of schemes below as requested. The Department and its agencies fund a wide range of supports and schemes in areas under its remit, including active travel, electrification of transport networks, aviation and roads.
|
All Funding Scheme/Grant Programme Names |
2026 Launch Date |
2026 Closing Date for Applications |
|
Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030 |
Expected to be published Q4 2025-Q1 2026 |
January 2026 - Capital Schemes
October 2026 - Operational Scheme |
|
National Roads Refer to TII |
Please see response text below |
|
|
Public Transport Public Service Obligation (PSO) Programme |
N/A Please see response below |
N/A |
|
Commission for Railway Regulation (CRR) Exchequer Grant |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Active Travel Infrastructure incl. Safe Routes to School – grant funding |
N/A |
N/A - administered to Local Authorities through the NTA on an annual basis – no application process involved |
|
CycleRight cycle training |
N/A |
N/A - qualified trainers apply for funding on completion of training courses in schools |
|
Variety Ireland Recycle Mobility Programme |
N/A |
N/A - Programme co-funded on an annual basis on receipt of invoices for adapted trikes |
|
Pilot Bike Upcycling Initiative |
N/A |
N/A - Annual allocation of funding for fixed term based on agreed Memorandum of Understanding between Department of Transport/Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht/Pobal |
|
Greenways - grant funding |
N/A |
N/A - administered to Local Authorities through the TII on an annual basis – no formal application process involved. |
|
Cross border Greenways grant funding |
|
N/A - administered by the Department of Transport on a circumstantial basis e.g., to support schemes in receipt of EU and/ or Shared Island funding which require additional support. |
|
Pilot Greenway Interpretation Scheme Initiative - Route Activation |
|
N/A - Allocation of funding for fixed term based on agreed outputs between Department of Transport and Cork County Council. |
|
EuroVelo Coordination and Promotion |
|
N/A - Annual allocation of funding for fixed term based on agreed Service Level Agreement between Department of Transport/ Cycling Ireland. |
|
SEAI* EV Purchase Grant (including L Category) |
Scheme to continue start of 2026 |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) receive applications through year, scheme to close end of 2026 |
|
SEAI Fleet Assessment |
Scheme to continue start of 2026 |
SEAI receive applications through year, scheme to close end 2026 |
|
SEAI Home Charger Grant |
Scheme to continue start of 2026 |
SEAI receive applications through year, scheme to close end of 2026 |
|
SEAI Apartment grant |
Scheme to continue start of 2026 |
SEAI receive applications through year, scheme to close end of 2026 |
|
NTA ESPSV Grant scheme |
Scheme estimated to reopen Jan-Feb 2026 |
Applications close when scheme allocation is reached |
|
TII ZEHDV Grant Scheme (Including HDV charging infrastructure purchase grants) |
Scheme to continue start of 2026 |
Applications close when scheme allocation is reached |
|
TII LDV En-Route Grant Schemes |
Ongoing |
Schemes closed to applications, committed to funding throughout 2026 |
|
Local Authority Pilot projects and EV charging roll out |
Ongoing |
Ongoing – committed to funding throughout pilot projects and EV infrastructure roll out |
|
Coastal and Inshore, Mountain and Cave Rescue Grants Programme |
Ongoing |
n/a - not accepting new applications |
|
Regional and Local Road Grant Programme |
Q1 2026 |
Q4 2026 |
*SEAI falls under the remit of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
National Roads
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 all funding schemes, grant programmes and any other financial supports.
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.
Regional and Local Roads
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils’ own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
The Department provides grant assistance to local authorities under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for a number of targeted programmes, including the Safety Improvement Programme, Bridge Rehabilitation Programme, Community Involvement Scheme, Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Works and Strategic Rehabilitation Regional Road Grant.
Applications under these programmes are sought from local authorities in quarter three and four each year for consideration for funding in the subsequent year.
It is expected that 2026 grant allocations for regional and local roads will be notified to local authorities early next year.
Regional Airports Programme
The Programme for Government commits to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This new programme is being developed by my Department for implementation next year. In line with previous years, eligible airports will be invited to submit capital project proposals in January and operational funding applications in October.
Public Transport
As the Deputy may be aware, Public Service Obligation (PSO) services are socially necessary but financially unviable public transport services which are funded through a combination of Exchequer funding (both the PSO grant and funding from the Department of Social Protection for the Free Travel Scheme) and passenger fare revenue.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated, accessible and sustainable public transport networks and infrastructure. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators and state agencies, who have responsibility for day-to-day operational issues. In line with its statutory remit for public transport services and infrastructure, the NTA administers a number of public transport schemes and grant payments.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport, including grant payments, 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.
The Commission for Railway Regulation (CRR) budget is split between an industrial levy under Section 26(1) of the Railway Safety Act 2005, and an Exchequer grant. The CRR was established on January 1, 2006, and was fully funded through an annual Exchequer grant for the first three years of its existence. Section 26(2) of the Act provides that CRR could not impose a levy on the railway industry before December 31, 2007, so that the first Order was not made until 2008, which allowed for the charging of a levy from January 1, 2009.
This levy is applied through statutory instrument. As in previous years, grant funding covers approximately 24.5% of funding required to meet the projected budget of CRR, with the balance provided through the levy and from CRR reserves. The Exchequer grant covers any costs that are not related to safety regulation or supervisory activities, covering pension payments, and payroll costs that are not covered by the levy.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (227, 228, 230, 231, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:227. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the current average processing time for foreign driving licence exchange applications handled by the National Driver Licence Service, broken down by month for 2024 and 2025; the number of applications currently pending beyond the stated processing timeframe; and the measures being taken to reduce delays and improve communication with applicants who require a licence for employment purposes. [66953/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:228. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the number of foreign driving licence exchange applications currently awaiting processing in each National Driver Licence Service region; the number that have remained at “application submitted” status for more than four, six, eight and twelve weeks respectively; and the actions his Department is taking to address backlogs.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66954/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:230. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he will establish a dedicated protocol within the National Driver Licence Service for urgent foreign licence exchange applications where a delay prevents an individual from taking up employment; and if so, when this protocol will be operational. [66956/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:231. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the ICT or administrative changes planned for the National Driver Licence Service in 2026 to improve the processing of foreign driving-licence exchanges; and the timeline for implementation. [66957/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:233. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the current average processing time for foreign driving licence exchange applications, broken down by licence-issuing country and by NDLS centre, and the longest recorded processing time in the past twelve months. [66985/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:234. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the number of foreign driving licence exchange applications currently pending, the number delayed beyond the NDLS target processing timeframe, and the factors contributing to these delays. [66986/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:235. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the staffing levels assigned to the processing of foreign driving licence exchanges in each of the past three years, and whether any additional staffing or resources have been approved to address current backlogs. [66987/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:236. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the number of complaints received in the past twelve months regarding delays in foreign driving licence exchanges, the issues raised, and the actions taken by the Department to resolve these delays. [66988/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:237. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm the current performance targets for processing foreign driving licence exchange applications, the percentage of applications meeting these targets in each quarter of the past two years, and any remedial actions underway to improve performance. [66989/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:238. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the current average processing time for foreign driving licence exchange applications, broken down by licence-issuing country and by NDLS centre, and the longest recorded processing time in the past twelve months. [66995/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:239. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the number of foreign driving licence exchange applications currently pending, the number delayed beyond the NDLS target processing timeframe, and the factors contributing to these delays. [66996/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:240. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the staffing levels assigned to the processing of foreign driving licence exchanges in each of the past three years, and whether any additional staffing or resources have been approved to address current backlogs. [66997/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:241. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the number of complaints received in the past twelve months regarding delays in foreign driving licence exchanges, the issues raised, and the actions taken by the Department to resolve these delays. [66998/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:242. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm the current performance targets for processing foreign driving licence exchange applications, the percentage of applications meeting these targets in each quarter of the past two years, and any remedial actions underway to improve performance. [66999/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 227, 228, 230, 231, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241 and 242 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that I have delegated matters relating to the exchange of drivers licences to the Road Safety Authority.
I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if you have not received a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 227.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (229)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:229. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has carried out a review of National Driver Licence Service customer service performance in 2024 and 2025, specifically regarding delays in updating applicants on the status of licence-exchange applications; and if he will publish the findings. [66955/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service.
RSA service delivery is reviewed as part of regular Departmental oversight of the Authority. In relation to driving licence exchange applications, while there are delays in some cases in processing licence exchanges, these are often due to specific issues, including verification response times from the corresponding licensing authority.
Question No. 230 answered with Question No. 227.
Question No. 231 answered with Question No. 227.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (232)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:232. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the action plan to reduce driving test wait times to ten weeks nationally; the actions his Department has taken to reduce times; the breakdown of waiting test times, per centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66966/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. As such, some of the information requested is held by the Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, the Deputy will be aware that reducing overall driving test wait times has been one of my key priorities since taking office. To that end, 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, which was achieved. The reduction in the average wait times represents a significant improvement on the 27 average wait time at the end of April.
The latest information made available to me from the RSA is that the average national waiting time for a driving test was 11.5 weeks at the end of October. 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 self service system. The Authority anticipates that this issue will be resolved in the coming weeks and that the 10-week SLA will be reinstated by the end of November.
The Deputy may wish to note that the RSA publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service on the CSO website, including the breakdown of waiting times and distribution of testing capacity by test centre. This information is available at the following link: https://data.cso.ie/product/RSADTS.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 233 answered with Question No. 227.