Written Answers Nos. 111-132
112. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the identity of the current leaseholder or owner of a facility (details supplied) located off Park Lane, Dublin Docklands; the date on which the current lease for the facility is due to expire; whether the Department or any agency under its remit plans to renew the lease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70514/25]
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. The National Transport Authority operates one coach park in the Dublin Docklands between 7am and 7pm.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
113. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the annual operational and maintenance costs associated with a facility (details supplied) operated by the National Transport Authority; the details of the usage levels of the facility; the number of coach operators availing of it; whether the Department intends to renew the lease for the site for continued coach parking services; and whether the site is being considered for alternative use, including for facilities or enabling works associated with any major rail infrastructure project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70515/25]
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. The National Transport Authority operates one coach park in the Dublin Docklands between 7am and 7pm.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
114. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70533/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to provide the below as a brief overview of the policy achievements of my Department in 2025, which will be included and expanded upon in our Annual Report to be published next year.
Aviation
• Publication of Ireland’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy Roadmap, fulfilling a clear commitment in the Programme for Government. The Roadmap represents an important first step in developing Ireland’s national SAF policy, identifying a number of actions which will be built upon in future iterations, and setting a path for future SAF policy development.
• A policy decision was taken to pursue a legislative course of action to address the passenger cap at Dublin Airport in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. Drafting of a General Scheme to address this is underway.
• In August 2025, I published the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Policy Framework. The Framework will guide high-level strategic planning and development of the UAS sector in Ireland through supporting growth and innovation while ensuring safe and secure operations and managing environmental and other concerns.
• In May 2025, I published the Code on Assistance to the Victims of Air Accidents and Their Families. The Code establishes a set of high-level principles designed to guide and inform the assistance provided to the victims and their families in the aftermath of an air accident. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of key organisations, including government departments, state agencies, airlines, and airports ensuring that each plays an effective part in the provision of assistance.
Climate Action
• Development and Publication of the Transport Sectoral Adaptation Plan (T-SAPII) 2025-2030. The Plan was developed in close consultation with transport stakeholders, with the shared goal of long-term resilience across the transport network to minimise the impacts of climate change on people and the economy.
• Development and Publication of the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy 2025-2027 setting out a trajectory of annual increase for renewable fuel in transport consumption to meet Climate Action Plan biofuel targets E10/B20 by 2030 and EU Renewable Energy targets and requirements.
• As well as the publication of the Year 3 Progress Report related to the Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) Action Plan 2022-2025, the Department convened four National Sustainable Mobility Forum events in May 2025 to help inform the development of the next SMP Action Plan for the period 2026 to 2030. Views captured from the events were summarised in a published report.
• A new ‘Policy Statement on Shared Mobility and the Provision of Hubs’ was published in June 2025. Alongside the Policy Statement, work on a new Mobility Hubs Pilot Programme was advanced, with five candidate locations (Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Cork City and towns of Carlow, Dundalk and Sligo) also announced in June.
• We achieved the Climate Action Plan Electric Vehicle Target for 195,000 EVs on Irish roads -before end 2025, slightly ahead of schedule.
• Three national road EV infrastructure schemes were procured and moved to rollout, to deliver 160 recharging hubs across the national road network.
• All Local Authorities have progressed their Local Area EV charging networks, with 26 pilots in development while strategies are being finalised.
• We successfully delivered on the Climate Action & Sustainable Mobility Public Engagement Strategy 2024–2025, completing many of its assigned actions and making significant progress on the remainder, reflecting a strong commitment to climate engagement in the sector. Notable milestones included commencing the rollout of a series of Public Engagement Pilot Initiatives, including their detailed evaluation.
Maritime
• Progress was made on the Net Zero Framework for Shipping and the Northeast Atlantic Emissions Control Area at the International Maritime Organisation.
• We undertook the renewal of MSO ISO 9001 certification of Quality Management System to include maritime education and training.
• Following the enactment of the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Act 2025 in April 2025, preparations are underway to establish a Marine Accident Investigation Unit within the Department of Transport and dissolve the Marine Casualty Investigation Board in the coming weeks. This marks a key Programme for Government commitment and strengthens Ireland’s marine accident investigation framework.
• Publication of Guidance on Safety of Navigation and Emergency Response for Offshore Renewable Energy Installations.
• Election of Ireland to the new International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) Council, which took place during the inter-governmental organisation's inaugural General Assembly in Singapore on February 20, 2025.
Irish Coast Guard
• Publication of the Maritime Navigation Safety Guidance for Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI) and the Guidance for Search & Rescue and Emergency Response for OREI (Standard Operating Procedure 07-2025).
• The completion and publication of the National Search and Rescue Annual Report for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
• The commencement of a full review of the National Search and Rescue plan following Ministerial decision.
• Hosting and facilitating the 6th Place of Refuge tabletop exercise co-organised with European Maritime Safety Agency and the European Commission in October 2025. It was attended by participants and observers from Ireland, EU Member States, neighbouring regions and industry experts.
• We continued to manage the transition process for the new Coast Guard Aviation Service Contract with two bases now fully transitioned. The transition process will be completed during Q1 2026, at which point all four bases will have transitioned.
• We successfully defended two legal challenges to the outcome of the procurement process for the new Coast Guard Aviation Service.
Road Transport Services
• The current national framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. During 2025 my Department took full ownership of the formulation of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy. A key action completed by my Department was the publication of the Phase 2 Action Plan in July this year which will contribute to Ireland achieving its goal of reducing road fatalities by 50% by 2030 and putting the country on track to achieve Vision Zero. This Action Plan, which will run to the end of 2027, includes 12 primary actions with the potential for transformative road safety impacts in the coming years. These 12 primary actions are further supplemented by 77 supporting actions to be delivered by a wide range of sectoral stakeholders and partners. My Department is leading on the implementation of the Action Plan and will continue to provide leadership and to work with all road safety stakeholders to ensure that the Plan is implemented in full.
• Finalised negotiation of the EU Driving Licence and Disqualification Directive, including successful inclusion of key amendments in Ireland’s favour in Directives text.
• Coordinated Ireland’s position in relation to EU Directives at Council level including the Weights & Dimensions Directive and 3 EU Roadworthiness Package Directives.
• I signed Multiple Learner Permits Regulations (S.I. No. 527 of 2025), which sets out that learner drivers can no longer repeatedly renew their learner permits without sitting or attempting to sit a driving test.
• I also signed both the Signs Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 433 of 2025) & the Traffic and Parking Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 473 of 2025) which provide a statutory basis to certain updates within the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM).
• Introduction of the Disabled Parking Fraudulent Application Offence, which allows for prosecution which in turn may lead to receipt of a fine of up to €2,500 and/or up to 6 months in prison
• A report considering the availability and use of Hydro Treated Vegetable Oil in the Heavy Goods Vehicles sector was published on gov.ie in November.
• Four meetings of the Road Freight Forum were held along with a wider Road Haulage Strategy stakeholder session.
• The annual NORDUK meeting was held in Dublin in September. Delegates from the UK, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands attended.
• Road Transport (Operator’s Licence Application) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 and Road Transport Operator Licensing (Fees) Regulations 2025 to facilitate the new Road Transport Operator Licensing IT system that went live on 10 November 2025.
• The third Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week was successfully held from Monday 31 March to Saturday 5 April. This week-long initiative highlights career and educational opportunities across the logistics and supply chain sector. It included various events held both in-person and virtually across the country, including the second LogisTYcs Skills Expo, which is specifically designed for second-level students.
Transport Investment and Public Transport Policy
• Significant progress has been made on advancing MetroLink in 2025, with the National Development Plan Review, published in July by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, allocating €2 billion in funding from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to support the development of MetroLink.
• A series of market engagement events relating to MetroLink were held across Europe from September, and An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning approval for the project on 30th September. The Government also approved the establishment of a new dedicated delivery body to oversee the delivery of the project in November. These developments have generated significant momentum which will support the MetroLink project as it moves from planning and into construction.
• The Department of Transport has committed to significant investment in Public Transport over the period to 2030. The Review of the National Development Plan allocated €22.3 billion in Exchequer resources to Transport from 2026 to 2030.
• The funding of circa €10 billion for general public transport infrastructure, plus the previously mentioned €2 billion for MetroLInk from the Fund, is allocated primarily in line with the Department’s NIFTI (National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland) intervention hierarchy of Maintain, Optimise, Improve and New. This approach involves prioritising investment in the protection and renewal of existing assets before investing in new ones, on economic and environmental grounds. Key programmes that are funded include DART+ in Dublin and BusConnects in our cities.
• Another area of significant progress during the year has been BusConnects. In October the Government approved the Preliminary Business Case for BusConnects Cork which will allow the lodgement of planning applications next year.
• In Dublin, the first of the BusConnects Dublin 12 Core Bus Corridors (CBCs), which have all received planning approval, will commence construction this month, with the construction of the Liffey Valley CBC. Government also approved the construction of the Ballymun/Finglas CBC in November, which will enter construction next year.
• I signed regulations and enacted protocols extending the Interbus Agreement between the EU and third countries, to ensure the continuation of cross-border bus services in a post-Brexit environment.
Corporate Affairs and Central Policy
• Governance and Risk Unit – An enhanced Risk Management Framework was developed to further strengthen the Department’s overall risk management practices, risk culture and the transition to a more strategic, enterprise risk management approach.
• Agency Governance - Implemented the recommendations of the Senior Pay Remuneration Committee’s (SPRC) review regarding CEO pay in commercial State bodies under the aegis of the Department.
Statement of Strategy 2025 – 2028 • Following the formation of the Government in January 2025, the Department developed and published its Statement of Strategy 2025 – 2028 in September 2025. Reflecting the Programme for Government commitments, the Statement of Strategy Implementation Plan 2025 – 2028 was also published.
Active Travel and Greenways
• Delivered approximately 200km of new or upgraded walking and cycling infrastructure.
• Official openings of the Carlingford Lough Greenway, Rathkeale Trailhead, Ballycommon Trailhead, two sections of the Royal Canal Greenway, Bray DART interchange, and active travel projects on Battery Road and the N71 at Bandon and Clonakilty.
• Safe Routes to School projects completed in 40 schools
• CycleRight training provided to 43,000 pupils
Strategic Research and Analysis
• Published the “Transport Appraisal Framework Module 11 – Programme Guidance”
• Published “The Economic Cost of Congestion in the Regional Cities 2022-2040” (action from NIFTI) report
• Continued to host quarterly meetings of the Sustainable Mobility Policy Research Network
Roads Division
National Roads
• €633 million in exchequer funding was allocated for investment in the national road network in early 2025. This funding has been used to progress a range of projects across the network.
• A number of new national road projects have been progressed over the course of 2025. Construction of the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project continued to progress. This project, when complete, will greatly enhance regional accessibility in Mayo and Roscommon and will also deliver a safer N5 for all road users.
• In February, the main construction contract for the Adare Bypass was signed, with the contract for the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy upgrade being signed in May. Construction on both projects is underway and progressing well.
• Other projects at an earlier stage in the development lifecycle have been further advanced through the design and planning processes.
• Throughout the year, much work has taken place on the protection and renewal of the existing national road network. This work includes pavement renewal, winter maintenance, safety improvements and junction upgrades, and the variety of day-to-day maintenance tasks that ensure the network is protected for all road users.
Regional and Local Roads
• At the start of 2025, €713 million was allocated for investment in the regional and local road network, with about 90% directed to road maintenance and renewal and the balance for targeted road improvement schemes. This investment will see approximately 5,200kms of pavement rehabilitation and maintenance across the country.
• In addition, as part of the National Development Plan, eight NDP projects have been completed to date including the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade which opened in May 2025, the Athy Southern Distributor Road, Sallins Bypass and the Sligo Western Distributor Road along with the Laytown to Bettystown Link Road.
• A further three projects are at construction stage, namely the R498 Latteragh Upgrade in County Tipperary, the Tralee Northern Relief Road in County Kerry and Coonagh Knockalisheen Distributor Road in Limerick city.
• A range of regional and local road minor/safety improvement schemes, bridge rehabilitation schemes and climate adaptation projects are also being implemented under the roads works programme.
• My Department, in association with local authorities and agencies, implemented phase one of the speed limit review and a reduction in rural local road speed limits from 80km/hr to 60km/hr on February 7th 2025. This change affected approximately 80% of the network and is a positive step in the Government policy of vision zero.
• I also directed local authorities to review existing speed limits on roads in built-up and urban areas. Local authorities will, where appropriate, implement lower speed limits including the introduction of 30 km/h speed limits, such as in roads in cities and towns.
115. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the funding available for river rescue services such as an organisation (details supplied); if he will consider formalising governance and funding arrangements with such groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70534/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coast Guard is a pillar within the Department of Transport under the leadership of a dedicated Assistant Secretary General. Under the National SAR Plan the Coast Guard has responsibility for maritime search and rescue, in addition to responsibility for maritime casualty and pollution response. All Coast Guard functions are fully funded through the Departmental Vote and reviewed as part of the annual budgetary process.
The Coast Guard delivers maritime search and rescue through its own Units, contracted helicopter and aviation services and dedicated arrangements with the RNLI and independent rescue boat operators placed strategically around the coast to provide sufficient service coverage. A maintenance grant payment is only offered to those independent rescue boat operators to cover specific costs involved in the delivery of their services and particularly in support of the implementation of new Rescue Boat Guidelines, a common safety and operational standard for operators with declared status to the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard does not currently have a requirement for maritime search and rescue services as delivered by Meath River Rescue and the Department is not in a position to provide them with funding. However, we do wish them well with their endeavours.
116. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements in place to ensure that vehicles purchased in the North of Ireland have valid MOTs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70546/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra117. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements in place to ensure that vehicles purchased in the North of Ireland are roadworthy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70547/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that standards for roadworthiness are regulated at EU level. As the UK is no longer a member state of the EU, UK roadworthiness certificates are no longer recognised in Ireland.
Vehicles purchased outside the State must undergo roadworthiness testing once registered in the State, in accordance with the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (SI 415/2017) and the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (Vehicle Testing) (No. 2) Regulations 2013 (SI 347/2013), as amended.
The national car test is a point-in-time test and it reflects the condition of the vehicle only at the time of testing. It is the responsibility of a vehicle owner to ensure that their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition at all times.
118. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Transport the measures in place to ensure compliance with Irish insurance requirements for foreign-registered vehicles operating in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70565/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 56 of the Road Traffic Act of 1961, a valid policy of motor insurance is required to drive any mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place in Ireland, irrespective of the origin of that vehicle.
Specific measures have been put in place to enable Ukrainian citizens in Ireland on a temporary basis to both renew their insurance policies online and get an International Insurance Green Card. This card is internationally recognised as proof of insurance compliance, and facilitates Garda roadside enforcement.
The drivers of vehicles registered in other EU member states, however, are not required to carry a Green Card when travelling in Ireland, as they are already covered by the EU Motor Insurance Directives. UK-registered vehicles are also exempt from this requirement.
119. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport to review the roll out of new bus routes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70599/25]
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.
BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the state and is managed by the NTA. The aim of the network is to improve the existing Transport for Ireland system through enhanced services with high frequency spines and new local, Orbital and Radial routes.
It is acknowledged that reliability has been a key concern during the initial rollout of Phase 7, with challenges primarily linked to traffic congestion on new city-centre alignments and driver availability. When implementing new phases of the BusConnects network, the NTA continuously monitors services, identifies any issues that arise, and puts in fixes where appropriate. In that context, and as the Deputy may be aware, the NTA have recently announced changes to certain route alignments for Phase 7, including routes 80, 23, and 24, following feedback from passengers and local representatives. These amendments reflect the NTA’s commitment to improving services in direct response to that input.
Notwithstanding this, I would like to reassure the Deputy that Government remains strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. To support this objective, in Budget 2026, the Department of Transport secured €940 million of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (a significant 43% uplift, an increase from €658.4 million in 2025).
My Department will continue to work with the NTA to ensure the redesigned network delivers on its objectives and its performance is closely monitored.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
120. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the public transport provision serving Garristown and the surrounding rural areas of north County Dublin; if he will consider extending or adapting the 192 bus service, or introducing a new local loop route from Ashbourne through Ballymadun, Nutstown, Adamstown and Newhaggard, returning to Ashbourne; to examine the feasibility of providing a door-to-door Local Link service to assist residents, particularly older and isolated individuals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70647/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
121. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport when the necessary charging infrastructure will be in place to support the full electrification of the Dublin Bus fleet; the timeline for completion of charging depots in the Dublin Metropolitan Area north; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70663/25]
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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision and upgrade of the public bus fleet, and the provision of bus depots.
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 working days.
122. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a breakdown of progress on charging infrastructure at individual Dublin Bus depots, including plans for depot upgrades serving the Fingal area, such as those linked to the 33 and 33X services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70664/25]
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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision and upgrade of the public bus fleet, and the provision of bus depots.
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 working days.
123. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the number of reported faults or failures in real-time passenger information systems at rail stations in north County Dublin over the past 12 months; the stations with the highest number of reported issues; the measures being taken to improve the reliability and accuracy of these systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70665/25]
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 Iarnród Éireann.
In light of their responsibilities in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA and Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
124. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if Irish Rail has undertaken a review of the effectiveness of station audio systems, including speaker clarity, volume levels and audibility at Pearse Station and other commuter stations; the findings of any such review; if there are plans in place to upgrade or improve these systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70666/25]
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.
125. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if a service audit has been conducted by Irish Rail or the National Transport Authority in the past 12 months in relation to punctuality, cleanliness, accessibility and passenger experience on the northern commuter line; if so, to provide the findings of that audit; and if he will request that such an audit be commissioned and made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70667/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
126. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if Irish Rail, the National Transport Authority or Dublin Bus conduct internal staff surveys to ascertain the proportion of their workforce who use public transport for commuting; if such data is broken down by staff grades or roles; if he will provide the most recent results of any such survey; if not, to request that such a survey be commissioned and made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70673/25]
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, Dublin Bus, and the National Transport Authority. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
127. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the current number of international trading ships on the Irish Ship Register; the names of each of these ships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70674/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 43 vessels trading under the Irish Flag. 40 vessels on the Irish Flag are part of the Arklow Shipping Ltd fleet as follows:
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ARKLOW ABBEY |
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ARKLOW ACCORD |
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ARKLOW ACE |
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ARKLOW ARCHER |
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ARKLOW ARROW |
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ARKLOW ARTIST |
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ARKLOW CAPE |
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ARKLOW CASTLE |
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ARKLOW CLAN |
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ARKLOW CLIFF |
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ARKLOW CLIPPER |
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ARKLOW CLOUD |
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ARKLOW COAST |
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ARKLOW COVE |
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ARKLOW CREST |
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ARKLOW FALCON |
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ARKLOW FERN |
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ARKLOW FIELD |
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ARKLOW FOREST |
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ARKLOW MANOR |
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ARKLOW MARSH |
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ARKLOW MEADOW |
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ARKLOW MILL |
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ARKLOW MOOR |
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ARKLOW MUSE |
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ARKLOW RAIDER |
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ARKLOW RACER |
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ARKLOW RALLY |
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ARKLOW RAMBLER |
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ARKLOW RANGER |
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ARKLOW RAVEN |
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ARKLOW RESOLVE |
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ARKLOW ROSE |
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ARKLOW ROVER |
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ARKLOW SPIRIT |
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ARKLOW SPRAY |
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ARKLOW WAVE |
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ARKLOW WILLOW |
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ARKLOW WIND |
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ARKLOW WOOD |
Additionally, the Marine Institute operates two vessels, Celtic Explorer and Tom Crean, whilst the Granuaile is operated by Irish Lights.
128. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the number of additional passenger places which will be provided, on a daily basis, on the northern commuter line following the deployment of the new battery electric train sets in 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70675/25]
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 network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours.
The DART+ fleet project provides a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet. 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, increasing 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.
129. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if the deployment of the new train sets on the northern commuter line will facilitate any additional services; if not, when additional services are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70676/25]
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 network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours.
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.
DART+ Fleet will provide a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet. 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, which will provide additional 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.
130. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if his Department and the National Transport Authority have considered the rapid population growth along the northern commuter line corridor, including Skerries, Rush and Lusk, and Balbriggan, in planning for additional capacity and service frequency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70677/25]
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.
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.
131. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the next generation ticketing programme; the expected timeline for national implementation across all modes of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70678/25]
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.
Following a competitive procurement process, the NTA awarded, in April 2024, an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of a new multi-modal, ticketing system to Spanish information technology company - Indra Sistemas S.A. - who have designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.
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 recent 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. NGT is being designed to replace Leap and provide the requisite functionality and flexibility for the next ten to twenty years in the area of transit payments.
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 roll-outs thereafter.
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 working days.
132. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the projected operational date for the national train control centre; the current status of commissioning and software integration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70679/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra133. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delays to the national train control centre and associated traffic management system; the revised cost and schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70680/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra135. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the impact that delays to the national train control centre will have on planned capacity enhancements on the northern commuter line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70684/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 133 and 135 together.
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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the National Train Control Centre or NTCC.
As the Deputy may be aware, the NTCC project is designed to deliver a modern, safe and efficient national train control system that can effectively meet the needs of a growing railway over the coming decades.
The NTCC building was completed in November 2022 but bringing it into operation has been delayed due to complexities associated with the roll-out of the Traffic Management System or TMS, which is the software system that integrates a range of railway systems such as signalling and communications.
As a result, in August I met with the NTA and the contractor, Indra Sistemas, who are responsible for the TMS project. At the meeting, I noted my dissatisfaction at the rate of progress with the TMS and emphasised the importance of project delivery.
More broadly, I will continue to have the NTA keep the NTCC project under close review, with a view to it bringing its benefits to railways users as soon as feasible.
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 working days.
