Written Answers Nos. 133-153
134. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the contingency measures in place to protect rail service reliability and capacity on the northern commuter line pending the full operation of the national train control centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70683/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.
The DART+ programme, which comprises five different projects in and around the GDA, will triple the length of the electrified rail network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre rail capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours. This will significantly enhance access to high-capacity public transport across the GDA.
DART+ Costal North will provide an extension of DART services from the city centre to Drogheda. The planning approval for DART+ Costal North was granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála in August 2025.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published by the Department last month, notes that there is the potential to commence construction on elements of the DART+ Coastal North project in the coming years, involving infrastructure such as new track on the route and a new platform at Drogheda station, in advance of works on the Overhead Line Equipment (OHLE).
Two fleet orders have been placed (185 carriages, largely battery-electric with some electric units). The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started arriving and are currently undergoing certification and safety testing. It is intended that the new battery-electric sets will be initially deployed on the Northern Commuter Line serving Dublin to/from Drogheda from 2027, this will provide a boost to capacity on the line.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
136. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport how delays to the next generation ticketing programme will affect the implementation of future fare policy reforms including zonal structures, fare caps and open payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70685/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is as outlined in my response to the Deputy’s recent question - PQ69482/25.
137. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to ensure that the next generation ticketing system will be introduced on commuter rail and regional bus services at the same pace as Dublin city services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70686/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra138. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the governance and oversight arrangements in place to ensure that the next generation ticketing programme adheres to the requirements of the public spending code and the infrastructure guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70687/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra139. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if it is intended that the next generation ticketing system will be integrated with existing Transport for Ireland digital services to provide one streamlined app and a single point of access for users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70688/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra140. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for user testing of the next generation ticketing system; when commuters will be able to trial the integrated digital platform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70689/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra141. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the governance arrangements in place to oversee the digital integration of the next generation ticketing system with existing public transport platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70690/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra142. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the National Transport Authority is ensuring that the next generation ticketing system will provide a consistent user experience across bus, rail and regional services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70691/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra143. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if the next generation ticketing system will support real time information, journey planning, account management and payment within a single app interface; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70692/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142 and 143 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, as 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 development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) project will provide a transformative upgrade to the ticketing system for public transport passengers in Ireland. The project will facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, involving a next-generation 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating both mobile and card-based payments for passengers.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to roll out contactless fare payments on all public transport and to keep fares low and affordable.
The NGT project will represent the most comprehensive overhaul of ticketing and fare payment in the history of public transport in Ireland. NGT will transform how people travel by bus, Luas, and train and will mean that customers will be able to pay for journeys by tapping their bank card, mobile phone, or other smart device.
The scope of NGT covers all public service buses, trams, and train stations including bus validators, ticket machines, ticket vending machines, station gates, tram and train platform validators and an Account Based Ticketing (ABT) solution delivered on modern cloud hosting technologies. Each of these items of ticketing equipment, representing thousands of items, will be replaced under the new system.
It is anticipated that the new ticketing system across the Greater Dublin Area will be implemented in 2028, with further rollouts thereafter.
All governance arrangements for public transport initiatives including the NGT project, which are funded through my Department, are in line with the requirements set out in the Infrastructure Guidelines. Governance arrangements are under constant consideration to ensure they reflect the scale of relevant initiatives, provide effective oversight of projects and achieve value for money.
Nothing the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
144. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the operational model changes that will be required within the National Transport Authority when it assumes responsibility for collecting and distributing public transport revenues under the next generation ticketing system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70693/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, as 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 development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing (or NGT) project will provide a transformative upgrade to the ticketing system for public transport passengers in Ireland. The project will facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, involving a next-generation 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating both mobile and card-based payments for passengers.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to roll out contactless fare payments on all public transport and to keep fares low and affordable.
The NGT project will represent the most comprehensive overhaul of ticketing and fare payment in the history of public transport in Ireland. NGT will transform how people travel by bus, Luas, and train and will mean that customers will be able to pay for journeys by tapping their bank card, mobile phone, or other smart device.
The scope of NGT covers all public service buses, trams, and train stations including bus validators, ticket machines, ticket vending machines, station gates, tram and train platform validators and an Account Based Ticketing (ABT) solution delivered on modern cloud hosting technologies. Each of these items of ticketing equipment, representing thousands of items, will be replaced under the new system.
It is anticipated that the new ticketing system across the Greater Dublin Area will be implemented in 2028, with further rollouts thereafter.
All governance arrangements for public transport initiatives including the NGT project, which are funded through my Department, are in line with the requirements set out in the Infrastructure Guidelines. Governance arrangements are under constant consideration to ensure they reflect the scale of relevant initiatives, provide effective oversight of projects and achieve value for money.
Nothing the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
145. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the governance and oversight arrangements that will be put in place to manage the National Transport Authority’s new role as collector and payer of fare revenues once next generation ticketing is introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70694/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is as outlined in my response to the Deputy’s recent question - PQ69491/25.
146. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if an assessment has been carried out on whether the National Transport Authority’s role as both regulator of public transport operators and the entity responsible for collecting and distributing revenues under next generation ticketing may give rise to a conflict of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70695/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is as outlined in my response to the Deputy’s recent question - PQ69492/25.
147. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the measures that will be taken to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation of revenues collected under the next generation ticketing system, particularly in the context of the National Transport Authority’s broader regulatory functions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70696/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is as outlined in my response to the Deputy’s recent question - PQ69493/25.
148. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the rationale for the recent toll increases on the M50 and Dublin port tunnel; whether any portion of the additional revenue generated will be ring-fenced for congestion relief measures, public transport improvements, or health and air-quality monitoring in affected areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70697/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra149. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing a concessionary scheme for low-income commuters who are disproportionately impacted by recent toll increases on the M50 and Dublin port tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70698/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra150. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the total toll revenue collected from the M50 and Dublin port tunnel in each of the past three years; if he will provide a breakdown of how this revenue has been allocated, including any ring-fenced funding for congestion relief, public transport improvements, or health and air-quality monitoring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70699/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 148, 149 and 150 together.
As 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.
Toll revenues contribute to the funding of improvements to the national primary and secondary road network. These improvements include pavement repair and renewal, targeted road safety interventions, junction upgrades, and the repair of structures such as bridges and culverts. TII relies upon tolling revenue along with funding from the exchequer to fund this work. It is important to point out that if tolling revenue did not exist, it would be necessary to use additional exchequer funding to ensure that the national road network is maintained.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply regarding toll increases on the M50 and Dublin Tunnel. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
151. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the greater Dublin area orbital road project, as outlined in the GDA Transport Strategy 2022–2042; whether the Government remains committed to delivering this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70700/25]
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.
It is important to point out that it is for the local authority, in the first instance, to engage with TII regarding the progression of any proposed national road project. All projects, including those listed in the NDP or any revision to the NDP, require statutory approval and compliance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
The National Transport Authority's (NTA) Greater Dublin Area Strategy does not envisage the progression of a Leinster Orbital Route in it's original form. However, it proposed the provision of offline improvements in the existing road network to cater for orbital demand.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the development of improvements to the national road network which may facilitate orbital traffic. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
152. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the recent safety audits, reviews, or assessments that have been carried out on the M50 and Dublin port tunnel by Transport Infrastructure Ireland or his Department; if these assessments included analysis of collision data, capacity constraints, and emergency response performance; if he will publish the findings and outline any measures being implemented to address identified safety risks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70727/25]
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 M50 and Dublin 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.
153. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the recent safety assessments, audits, or reviews, including road safety audits or network-wide assessments, that have been commissioned by Transport Infrastructure Ireland or his Department on the M50 and the Dublin port tunnel; whether these assessments incorporated crash statistics, capacity projections, or safety performance measures over the last five years; if he will publish the results, and outline any corrective actions that have been mandated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70728/25]
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 safety assessments, audits or reviews on the M50 and the Dublin 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.
