Written Answers Nos. 102-121
106. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 179 and 180 of 23 September 2025, the body or organisation responsible for delivering the improved sharing of parking data on a single national data platform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67602/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra107. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeline for the completion of the work underway to improve the sharing of parking data on a single data platform, including what specific types of parking information and services will be included on this platform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67603/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 together.
As part of the Directive for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), a dedicated National Platform is being developed. It is envisaged that such a system will allow for enhanced services to road and transport users including the provision of national parking platforms. The implementation of this platform will be a key enabler to support the development of a range of ITS services in the coming years. As part of the current implementation phase of the Directive organisational arrangements to support effective implementation are being developed.
The Intelligent Transport Systems Directive (Directive 2010/40/EU, as amended by Directive (EU) 2023/2661) of the European Union establishes a framework for the coordinated deployment and use of intelligent transport systems (ITS) across the EU to improve road safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The Directive requires EU Member States to work toward common specifications and standards for various ITS applications and services to ensure they are compatible and interoperable across national borders. This coordination seeks to create a single, seamless European transport area.
108. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will attend a meeting (details supplied) regarding commuting times from Navan to Dublin. [67611/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRequests for meetings can be sent to my diary team who will liaise directly with the requestor. They can be contacted at ministerdiary@transport.gov.ie.
109. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport the number of bus stops installed in County Kildare for each year from 2022 to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67614/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to ensure that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers and a commitment to work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public transport options and infrastructure.
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.
110. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the current status of the Mallow relief road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67617/25]
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.
I can confirm that €700,000 has been allocated for the N72 Mallow Relief Road scheme in 2025. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2026 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
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.
111. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport if the preferred option of a technically viable drainage scheme that would prevent flooding at Ballycar, contained within the report undertaken by consultant engineers RPS for Iarnród Eireann and stakeholder representatives from Clare County Council, the Office of Public Works, the Geological Survey Ireland and the National Parks & Wildlife Services, has been costed; if that project is included for delivery in the NDP 2026–2030 Department’s Sectoral Investment Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67625/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware my predecessor, Eamon Ryan, previously met with the then Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, to discuss the complex issues in relation to flooding in the Ballycar area. At that meeting the OPW Chair advised he would reconvene the steering group behind a December 2020 Report on Ballycar to continue discussions.
The steering group in question includes Iarnród Éireann, the OPW, Clare County Council and the Geological Survey Ireland. Officials from my Department will engage with the OPW on reconvening the group with a view to progressing the matter, including how these works will be funded.
112. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport when the car park at Heuston station was last remarked and or resurfaced; and when is this car park next scheduled for remarking and or resurfacing. [67640/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
113. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the cost of renting a temporary stop-go lighting system as a result of the delayed repair of the N65 road between Killimor and Portumna, County Galway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67647/25]
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 this.
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.
114. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to issue a detailed progress report in respect of an urgent matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67649/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Regarding the recent engagement between CIÉ and the Trade Union Group (TUG) on the matter of the CIÉ Pension Schemes, the Department acknowledges the long-standing tradition within CIÉ of ensuring that terms and conditions of employees, which include pension provision, are negotiated collectively with recognised Trade Unions.
I welcome the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward, which is aimed at balancing the objectives of supporting the future sustainability of the schemes, protecting existing benefits for members of the scheme (including pensioners), and contributing to the overall financial stability of the CIÉ Group. I acknowledge the positive outcome from the ballot held on the CIÉ Pension Proposal for both Schemes, which was agreed by CIÉ and the TUG in May of this year.
In line with the appropriate processes and compliance with all applicable requirements, my Department will continue to engage with CIÉ as well as financial advisors at NewERA, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members.
Decisions regarding pension increases are ultimately a matter for the CIÉ Board as informed by actuarial advice and are subject to requirements imposed by statute and scheme rules. Accordingly, I have referred this aspect of the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
115. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Transport the provisions in place to provide a catch-up fund for counties like Wexford, to meet the gap in funding and the true cost of maintaining the roads; and if the county will see an increase to the 2026 budget having seen a reduction in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67690/25]
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. 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.
As regards Wexford County Council's 2025 allocation of €23,310,350 compared to the 2024 allocation of €23,437,550, this is due to the fact that following Storm Babet the Council was allocated €2 million in 2024 for severe weather repair. The allocation in 2025 for severe weather repairs is €700,000.
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.
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. Within the budget available, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
117. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport if he will investigate the possibility of additional car parking spaces at Muine Bheag train station. [67714/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is leading the development and roll-out of strategic park and ride sites nation-wide through the Park and Ride Development Office (PRDO).
The Programme for Government commits to working with local authorities and relevant agencies to develop affordable Park and Ride facilities on the outskirts of major towns and cities.
The NTA established the PRDO in February 2020. The function of the PRDO is to enable and advance the delivery of strategic Park & Ride sites in collaboration with Local Authorities and transport agencies across all regions of the State, by providing full time specialist resources on these projects.
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.
118. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to increase the number of Dublin Bus safer journey teams to six and to have them available for the duration of 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67734/25]
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.
In light of the Dublin Bus's responsibility for the cost of any expansions of the Safer Journeys Teams and the availability of this team, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
119. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if Irish Rail will carry out a social and print media advertisement campaign early in 2026, reminding drivers of the serious consequences that will apply for vehicles that strike a level crossing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67735/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
120. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers currently employed by Bus Éireann for the delivery of PSO services in Cork city, and the number considered a full cohort and the additional drivers needed, by route, for timetable fixes. [67759/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
121. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the number of complaints made by the public in Cork City to Bus Éireann pertaining to buses, the nature of the complaint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67860/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
