Written Answers Nos. 122-141
122. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the number of fines issued to Bus Éireann by the NTA in the Cork area; the nature of the fine; the amount paid to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67862/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case, Bus Éireann.
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.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, 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.
123. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider amending the current funding model and allocating emergency funding for secondary roads in rural Wexford (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67875/25]
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, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads.
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 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 Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
124. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will overhaul the system that holds online databases for elective vehicles in order that there could be a cross reference of vehicles that are taxed and on the road, but may not be insured, to help An Garda Síochána with roads policing and also victims of road traffic incidents which involved uninsured drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67883/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department holds the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) Database containing details of all registered vehicle and driver details in Ireland. This database currently records the taxed/untaxed status of all vehicles. My Department has signed a data sharing agreement with the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) who host the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID). IMID once fully populated will contain details of insurance policies for all vehicles in Ireland. At a later stage, when a technical solution has been put in place to receive the IMID data and link with NVDF data, my Department may consider cross-referencing of registered, taxed and insured vehicles.
Currently, my Department sends a list of untaxed vehicles to An Garda Síochána every night. This information can be used by Gardaí at the roadside. Gardaí also have insurance data from IMID available to them on their roadside mobility apps.
125. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding engagement he has had with the taxi industry in relation to concerns related to fixed fairs for a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67884/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NTA is the independent transport regulator of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, and I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of that sector.
I recently met with the Advisory Committee on SPSVs, whose role it is to provide advice to the Minister for Transport and the NTA in relation to issues relevant to SPSVs and their drivers. 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. Furthermore, I intend to further engage with SPSV sectoral representatives on this issue, once the NTA provides me with the clarification that I have sought.
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 licensed drivers using SPSV licensed vehicles, only. Where taxi drivers choose to affiliate with a dispatch operator, they are free to contract with a dispatch operator of their choice.
126. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to implement the policy of backdated driving license renewal applications for applicants that require a medical certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67922/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the delay in driving license renewal applications for applicants that require a medical certification, and due to specific case examination, these applicants do not obtain a full year on their license as their license is unfairly backdated to the date of their medical report rather than the date of their previous license expiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67923/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra128. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if consideration could be given to introducing automation in the verification of driving license applications details for applicants who require a medical certification in order to increase the efficiency of these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67924/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 126, 127 and 128 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service and for the administration and issuing of driving licences.
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.
129. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to publish the latest statistics, as of the most recent reporting date, for the total number of electric vehicles on Irish roads, broken down by, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid (non-plug-in) vehicles; and if he will provide historical totals for each category for each year since 2020. [67939/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFleet electrification is expected to continue to provide the greatest share of emissions abatement in the short-to-medium term for the transport sector. Over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles through funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
Latest statistics, as provided by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry for each year since 2020 are outlined below in tabular format.
|
|
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|
BEV |
23,083 |
16,653 |
22,329 |
15,678 |
8,646 |
4,013 |
|
PHEV |
18,779 |
12,405 |
10,246 |
7,678 |
7,891 |
2,492 |
|
Non Plug-In Hybrid |
29,523 |
26,592 |
24,794 |
21,252 |
19,247 |
10,986 |
130. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to provide a full breakdown of new private car registrations and first-time licences in 2024 and to date in 2025, showing the number and percentage share of BEVs, PHEVs, non-plug-in hybrids, petrol, and diesel vehicles; and to set out the year-on-year changes between 2024 and 2025. [67940/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraElectric vehicle (EV) sales in Ireland have significantly increased in 2025 compared to 2024, with year-to-date (YTD). Latest figures show that in October 709 new electric cars (battery electric cars) were registered, which was 34.3% higher than the 528 registrations in October 2024. So far this year, 23,085 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 38.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 16,653 electric cars were registered.
As per the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, who are responsible for registration of vehicles in Ireland details requested by the detailed are outlined in the table below.
|
|
2025 |
|
2024 |
|
|
|
Total No. |
Market Share (%) |
Total No. |
Market Share (%) |
|
BEV |
23,083 |
18.64 |
16,653 |
13.9 |
|
PHEV |
18,779 |
10.35 |
12,405 |
15.16 |
|
Non Plug in Hybrid |
29,523 |
23.84 |
26,592 |
22.2 |
|
Petrol |
31,254 |
25.24 |
36,568 |
30.53 |
|
Diesel |
21,203 |
17.12 |
27,554 |
23.01 |
131. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to provide a regional and county-level breakdown of BEV and PHEV registrations/licences for 2024 and to date in 2025; and to publish historical county-level data from 2020 onwards, in order to identify the geographical pattern of full electric versus plug-in hybrid uptake. [67941/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional and county-level breakdown of BEV and PHEV registrations for 2024 and to date in 2025 by county-level data from 2020 onwards is provided in tabular format. All information is taken from the most recent statistics held by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.
Over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles through funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
|
- |
2025 |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
2020 |
|
|
|
BEV |
PHEV |
BEV |
PHEV |
BEV |
PHEV |
BEV |
PHEV |
BEV |
PHEV |
BEV |
PHEV |
|
Total |
23,083 |
18,779 |
16,653 |
12,405 |
22,329 |
10,246 |
15,678 |
7,678 |
8,646 |
7,891 |
4,013 |
2,492 |
|
Carlow |
201 |
126 |
123 |
76 |
210 |
58 |
140 |
57 |
104 |
65 |
35 |
18 |
|
Cavan |
128 |
126 |
77 |
70 |
162 |
46 |
103 |
42 |
76 |
35 |
27 |
11 |
|
Clare |
385 |
317 |
232 |
186 |
418 |
118 |
250 |
133 |
160 |
107 |
57 |
32 |
|
Cork |
2,260 |
2,107 |
1,557 |
1,360 |
2,276 |
1,138 |
1,515 |
902 |
816 |
982 |
388 |
288 |
|
Donegal |
353 |
416 |
202 |
247 |
303 |
208 |
238 |
192 |
121 |
215 |
52 |
46 |
|
Dublin |
10,854 |
9,231 |
8,570 |
6,875 |
10,664 |
5,711 |
7,309 |
3,774 |
4,238 |
3,821 |
2,016 |
1,334 |
|
Galway |
769 |
687 |
490 |
404 |
815 |
381 |
633 |
276 |
306 |
225 |
130 |
70 |
|
Kerry |
414 |
351 |
204 |
228 |
309 |
158 |
236 |
126 |
111 |
111 |
58 |
43 |
|
Kildare |
1,401 |
909 |
985 |
500 |
1,238 |
448 |
848 |
439 |
451 |
452 |
215 |
128 |
|
Kilkenny |
308 |
252 |
230 |
164 |
276 |
127 |
224 |
126 |
108 |
116 |
57 |
31 |
|
Laois |
294 |
174 |
162 |
84 |
212 |
85 |
158 |
65 |
83 |
76 |
31 |
27 |
|
Leitrim |
44 |
56 |
32 |
19 |
58 |
21 |
45 |
15 |
16 |
12 |
10 |
2 |
|
Limerick |
634 |
623 |
435 |
321 |
582 |
285 |
428 |
214 |
232 |
204 |
93 |
52 |
|
Longford |
65 |
60 |
47 |
19 |
71 |
10 |
46 |
14 |
25 |
15 |
21 |
4 |
|
Louth |
544 |
330 |
327 |
198 |
447 |
156 |
281 |
109 |
194 |
138 |
70 |
39 |
|
Mayo |
244 |
187 |
140 |
98 |
247 |
71 |
220 |
63 |
104 |
75 |
35 |
19 |
|
Meath |
1,004 |
659 |
686 |
393 |
1,024 |
281 |
696 |
263 |
322 |
248 |
165 |
82 |
|
Monaghan |
124 |
110 |
64 |
50 |
96 |
45 |
59 |
34 |
23 |
38 |
13 |
3 |
|
Offaly |
188 |
116 |
144 |
85 |
166 |
55 |
128 |
64 |
57 |
68 |
32 |
15 |
|
Roscommon |
110 |
123 |
85 |
57 |
122 |
42 |
107 |
27 |
44 |
23 |
19 |
7 |
|
Sligo |
183 |
130 |
95 |
88 |
182 |
78 |
155 |
52 |
91 |
61 |
31 |
14 |
|
Tipperary |
445 |
385 |
208 |
186 |
373 |
158 |
335 |
130 |
153 |
166 |
74 |
51 |
|
Waterford |
476 |
337 |
361 |
183 |
411 |
153 |
308 |
163 |
140 |
183 |
67 |
28 |
|
Westmeath |
310 |
198 |
189 |
108 |
275 |
66 |
205 |
74 |
131 |
99 |
56 |
24 |
|
Wexford |
564 |
370 |
418 |
173 |
509 |
168 |
386 |
126 |
207 |
158 |
97 |
45 |
|
Wicklow |
781 |
399 |
620 |
233 |
883 |
179 |
625 |
198 |
333 |
198 |
164 |
79 |
132. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to provide the composition of the national electric vehicle fleet by use category (private household, business/lease, commercial, and other categories), broken down separately for BEVs and PHEVs; and any trends in fleet composition from 2020 to date in 2025. [67942/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe composition of the national electric vehicle fleet broken down in tabular format is provided for the deputy below.
Between 2020 and 2025, Ireland's fleet has experienced a growing share of new registrations in BEVs and hybrids. Incentivised schemes provided by ZEVI has allowed for this growth. CAP 2025 EV sales targets have been exceeded, signalling potential acceleration toward national goals by 2030.
Fleet electrification is expected to continue to provide the greatest share of emissions abatement in the short-to-medium term for the transport sector. Over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles through funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry hold all details related to the registration of vehicles in Ireland.
BEV
|
- |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|
Private Customer Sale |
15,681 |
10,768 |
16,706 |
11,520 |
5,552 |
2,528 |
|
Motor Industry Registrations |
3,755 |
2,843 |
2,069 |
998 |
1,148 |
386 |
|
Business / Company Sale |
1,766 |
1,555 |
1,702 |
1,871 |
1,216 |
711 |
|
Leasing / Contract Hire Company |
1,705 |
1,326 |
1,565 |
1,166 |
645 |
351 |
|
State Agency / Public Body Sale |
139 |
108 |
153 |
91 |
20 |
13 |
|
Hire Drive |
27 |
34 |
106 |
13 |
59 |
23 |
|
Diplomat / Exempt Sale |
10 |
19 |
28 |
19 |
6 |
1
|
PHEV
|
|
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|
Private Customer Sale |
12,959 |
7,835 |
6,847 |
5,831 |
6,166 |
2,143 |
|
Motor Industry Registrations |
2,407 |
1,674 |
1,181 |
916 |
1,220 |
213 |
|
Business / Company Sale |
1,584 |
1,251 |
1,169 |
553 |
314 |
75 |
|
Leasing / Contract Hire Company |
1,062 |
1,078 |
803 |
225 |
143 |
54 |
|
State Agency / Public Body Sale |
13 |
18 |
3 |
22 |
3 |
0 |
|
Hire Drive |
682 |
506 |
212 |
102 |
35 |
0 |
|
Diplomat / Exempt Sale |
71 |
43 |
31 |
29 |
10 |
7 |
133. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to set internal or indicative targets for the proportion of BEVs versus PHEVs within the national EV fleet for 2030; if modelling or projections exist for the expected BEV/PHEV split; and how these projections align with charging infrastructure deployment, grid capacity planning, and decarbonisation targets. [67943/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is firmly committed to achieving a low-carbon economy by 2050, and the transport sector will play a pivotal role in this transition. The Climate Action Plan sets ambitious targets for the adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), aiming for 30% of the private car fleet to be electric by 2030. Fleet electrification is expected to continue to provide the greatest share of emissions abatement in the short-to-medium term for the transport sector.
Over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure.
As this target applies exclusively to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), ongoing modelling research is focused on determining the number of BEVs required to achieve the 30% goal. To support this transition, my Department is actively promoting BEV adoption through a range of measures, including financial incentives and other supports.
Current financial supports from Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, and where applicable with support from the Department of Finance, for the transition to electric vehicles and for the roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure include:
• A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) of up to €3,500;
• A Home Charger purchase grant scheme - up to €300;
• VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;
• Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles and chargers;
• eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to EVs, including wheelchair accessible EVs;
• ZEHDV grant scheme – for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
• Low rate of annual motor tax.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging. The objective is to be ahead of demand and deliver on the AFIR requirements and install EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs. This strategy is currently being revised with a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 to be published for consultation in the coming months.
134. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department factors the differing infrastructure requirements of BEVs and PHEVs into national charging-strategy planning; and whether forecasts of BEV growth relative to PHEVs have informed the roll-out of public charging points to date. [67944/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.a Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated Office which oversees and accelerates Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles, has significant funding available in 2025 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.
The Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), places specific requirements on Member States relating to charging infrastructure including types of chargers, distance of chargers on the TEN T network along with interoperability at all charging stations. With regard to the differing infrastructure AFIR requires 1.3kW for every Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), and 0.8kW for every Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).
In order to achieve Ireland’s EU targets under AFIR, it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally, depending on the level of power supplied at each.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging. The objective is to be ahead of demand and deliver on the AFIR requirements and install EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs. This strategy is currently being revised with a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 to be published for consultation in the coming months.
135. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the total number of cars to pass through each toll bridge in the country in each of the past ten years and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [67952/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question regarding traffic volumes on toll bridges to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
136. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the average number of cars using the M50 per day; and the way in which these figures compare with previous years. [67955/25]
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 details regarding the average number of cars using the M50 per day.
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.
137. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Transport when active travel applications will be open for the 2026 Safe Routes to School Programme, for schools and local authorities to apply for such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67957/25]
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. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the rounds to date will be selected in forthcoming rounds.
Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the programme currently. It should be noted, however, that funding for Active Travel infrastructure for schools is not confined to the Safe Routes to Schools Programme alone. In some cases, schools outside the SRTS Programme are included in wider Active Travel projects if they are in the vicinity of these works. The National Transport Authority (NTA) are responsible for selecting and delivering such projects; therefore it is worthwhile for councils to engage with them in the context of future funding allocations.
138. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with Bus Éireann recently to receive an update on their recruitment process for additional drivers in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67960/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. It is the individual transport companies, for example Bus Éireann, which have responsibility for operational and employment matters.
From a policy perspective the Programme for Government (PfG) has committed to "Work to enhance and support the delivery of a skilled workforce to maintain and operate public transport vehicles".
My Department chairs the Public Transport Workforce Taskforce which aims to progress this PfG commitment and to identify options to assist with resolving challenges regarding the recruitment of drivers and mechanics/craftworkers. The task force includes representatives from the school transport section in the Department of Education, relevant agencies and transport operators including Bus Éireann, and training bodies.
The aim of the task force is to work collaboratively to identify contributing factors to the recruitment issues, and put forward an action plan with recommendations and measures to create a pipeline of workers to address these wider issues. Officials in my department will also continue to engage with other stakeholders, including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, during the preparation of the action plan.
In line with this work, the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment signed regulations on 11 April 2025 extending the general employment permit quotas for HGV/Bus mechanics and vehicle repairers, increasing the total number of quotas available for these roles by 200 permits.
As recruitment of drivers is an operational matter for Bus Éireann, I have referred your question to the Company for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
139. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide a timeframe for the reopening of the Western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67966/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024.
The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. Included in these recommendations is the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and organisations including the NTA and Irish Rail, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication this month.
The recently concluded review of the National Development Plan has outlined the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The NDP Sectoral Implementation Plan, published by the Department of Transport in November, included an indicative timeline of construction commencement for the reinstatement of the Athenry to Claremorris rail line in 2028, subject to achieving relevant approvals. The date for the opening of the line will be known following further analysis, which I look forward to receiving.
140. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide a timeframe for full double-tracking of the rail line between Athenry and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67967/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024.
The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes. Included in these recommendations is the double tracking of the rail line between Athenry and Galway.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and organisations including the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication this month.
The recently concluded review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The NDP Sectoral Implementation Plan, published by the Department of Transport in November, provided an indicative programme of delivery across the transport sector. It should also be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the Rail Review will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals.
Separately, works commenced at Oranmore station in October. These works will provide an additional platform and a passing loop, increasing capacity on the rail line. This project is scheduled to be completed in 2027. Works are also progressing to upgrade Galway Ceannt station, and these works, which are scheduled to be completed next year, will increase the number of platforms from two to five, which will support a growth in frequencies envisioned under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.
141. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to expedite the Killarney Bypass project due to the fact the town is choked with traffic on a daily basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67968/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the N22 Farranfore to Killarney project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
