Written Answers Nos. 1-20
1. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Taoiseach the application process for higher scales for administrative grades below the grade of assistant principal operated in his Department (details supplied). [2659/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAssignments to higher scales for administrative grades below the grade of Assistant Principal are governed by Circulars 33/1997 and 24/1995, which give effect to an agreement reached at the General Council under the scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for the Civil Service.
Assignments to higher scales in the Department of the Taoiseach for the grades in question are made in line with the criteria outlined in the Circulars and arrangements agreed with the local staff representative associations, as provided for in the Circulars.
Circular 33/1997 (as updated by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's letter of 1st November 2017) provides for the agreed percentage of higher scales at Clerical Officer level in each Department (currently 25%.)
Circular 24/1995 provides for the agreed percentage of higher scales at Executive Officer level and Higher Executive Officer/Administrative Officer level (currently 25% and 30% respectively).
2. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on Israel's ordered demolition of a football pitch at the Aida Refugee Camp; the engagement her Department has had with Israel in relation to this matter. [2612/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile international attention is understandably focused on preserving the ceasefire in Gaza and the need to urgently scale up humanitarian access, Ireland has not lost sight of the situation in the West Bank. Unprecedented Israeli military operations have caused widespread displacement and destruction of civilian infrastructure and homes. Such operations have also included, as the Deputy has pointed out, demolition orders imposed on important community and recreational facilities, such as the football pitch at Aida Refugee Camp.
I am deeply concerned by these orders and by the illegal settlement construction. I am also concerned about increasing and escalating extremist settler violence, which continues in an environment of impunity, restricting life for Palestinians across the West Bank. The number of settlement plans and tenders advanced by Israel in 2023 and 2024 represents a 250% increase over a period of seven years since 2018.
Ireland, alongside our EU partners, is strongly opposed to Israel’s settlement policy and activities, including in and around East Jerusalem. Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law. This is the longstanding position of the European Union. Ireland has repeatedly called on Israel to immediately halt these activities and welcomes strong US statements clearly opposing annexation of the West Bank.
Ireland has strongly supported the sanctions adopted by the EU against both individuals and entities involved in settler violence. Ireland welcomes further proposals from the European Commission to sanction extremist Israeli ministers and violent settlers.
In December, I co-signed a statement with thirteen of my counterparts condemning the approval by the Israeli security cabinet of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. Such unilateral actions not only violate international law but also risk fueling instability. We call on Israel to reverse this decision, as well as the expansion of settlements, in line with UNSC Resolution 2334.
The West Bank must be centrally considered as work to implement the next phase of the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza progresses, given its centrality to a durable peace plan with the implementation of the two-State solution as its central goal. Ireland continues to advocate for this at EU and international level. Ireland was active in preparing the UN High-level Conference on the Two-State Solution, held in New York from 28 - 30 July and the outcome document from the meeting – the New York Declaration – has been endorsed by 142 countries. Ireland is also an active member of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and will host a meeting of the Global Alliance in Ireland later this month, where we will share elements of our own experience of a successful peace process in Northern Ireland.
3. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the application process for higher scales for administrative grades below the grade of assistant principal operated in her Department (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2651/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe process for the application of higher scales for administrative grades below Assistant Principal Officer in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade operates in the following way.
As per Circular 24/1995, 25% of Executive Officers, 30% of Higher Executive Officers and 30% of Administrative Officers are on the higher scale for their respective grades.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade conducts a quarterly review of the percentage of officers serving at the higher scale. In cases where the number of officers currently serving at the higher scale for their respective grade is below the agreed percentages, officers are appointed to the higher scale using the following criteria:
The seniority of the officer at their current grade;
The performance record of the officer based on their annual Performance Management and Development (PMDS) review with their line manager;
The attendance record of the officer as per the criteria outlined in Circular 13/2023.
4. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the response she and the EU proposes to take in the event of the US taking military action to exert control over Greenland. [2767/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has been closely monitoring developments regarding Greenland amid the public commentary on the island's future in recent weeks. I issued statements setting out the Government's position on 23 December and on 9 January and I will continue to remain seized of the matter.
The Government has made clear that the future of Greenland is a matter to be determined by Denmark and by the Greenlandic people in line with well-established democratic principles and international law. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of States are fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and Ireland the EU stand firmly behind them.
Ireland fully supports the approach of our close EU partner Denmark to resolve the matter diplomatically. I note recent indications from the U.S. administration of openness to dialogue with Denmark and Greenland representatives and that this could happen as early as this week. This is a development which we welcome.
I assure the Deputy that we will continue to monitor the situation as it develops and that we will remain in close contact with Denmark and with EU partners.
5. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will extend the 15 January deadline for the public consultation on the regulation of costs payable in matters prescribed on foot of section 294 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (scale of fees) (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2530/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis public consultation relates to the secondary legislation necessary to implement the provision for a scale of costs in the context of judicial reviews, the primary legislation for which was passed by the Oireachtas in the Planning and Development Act, 2024. The objective is to bring greater predictability and proportionality to the State's legal costs in environmental judicial reviews.
My Department takes a proactive and transparent approach to meaningful public and stakeholder consultations, ensuring they are widely communicated and easy to access. All consultations are published on gov.ie and are actively promoted across the Department’s social media channels using a standardised and accessible approach.
Normally a public consultation period is four weeks. This consultation opened on 3 December 2025 and is due to close at 5.30pm on Thursday, 15 January 2026. An additional two weeks has been factored into this consultation to accommodate public participation and to allow interested stakeholders to express their views. Over 200 substantive submissions have already been received and I do not propose to extend the period.
6. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will examine and review the criteria for solar farms to feed back to the grid (details supplied). [2566/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to promoting the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) to simplify market access for community, SME and farmer-owned solar and wind projects.
Renewable electricity projects bring benefits to local communities across the country through jobs, community funds, and local revenue. In that regard, my Department is committed to engaging farmers in renewable energy opportunities, fostering sustainable growth and economic diversification in rural Ireland.
Renewable energy offers farmers and others in rural areas opportunities to diversify and develop new income streams and reduce costs. Farms, individuals, and businesses can generate their own electricity, cut utility costs, and reduce emissions through the deployment of renewable energy.
The SRESS export phase (SRESS 1) assists farmers, communities, and SMEs to establish export projects up to 6 megawatt, providing a guaranteed tariff, without performance bonds or auctions. SRESS simplifies market access for such small and community projects that are not suited to other schemes, aligning more closely to their experience and the capacity of these sectors. Farmers can apply to SRESS on their own, on the same basis as SMEs, or else as members of Renewable Energy Communities.
The scheme opened for applications in 2025. The SRESS application form together with the terms and conditions and a non-technical summary, are available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/sress.
7. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the application process for higher scales for administrative grades below the grade of assistant principal operated in his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2645/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that the application process for higher scales for administrative grades below the grade of Assistant Principal operated in my Department is administered in line with Government Circular 24/1995.
The cross-sectoral process in place in my Department is to acknowledge any officer who has been awarded the higher scale in their current role and then joins my Department, or transfers to a recipient Department, at the same grade, carry the higher scale with them.
The impact on the the entitlements within the receiving Department is restricted to transfer/mobility at the same grade.
8. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the amount the Government paid out in the various SEAI grants in 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2714/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe figures related to grant payments for 2024 are a matter of public record, having been published in the SEAI Annual Report and Accounts 2024. The SEAI Annual Report was noted by Government on 17 September 2025 and laid before the Oireachtas on 3 October 2025. The document is available on the Oireachtas library at the following link: https://opac.oireachtas.ie/Data/Library3/Documents%20Laid/2025/pdf/DECCdoclaid031025_133436.pdf . The specific information requested by the Deputy can be found on pages 83-89.
For the most up to date grant figures from 2025, the Deputy may wish to contact the SEAI directly in relation to this matter. The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries for Oireachtas members so that queries in relation to operational matters can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is pq@seai.ie .
9. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will consider supporting pilot projects that demonstrate more efficient use of the existing electricity grid by large energy users where such projects align with national decarbonisation objectives; if he will consider the development of a virtual ‘single site’ energy sharing model for multi-site industrial users in Ireland in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2748/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlanning, building, safely operating and maintaining the electricity system are functions which are assigned to the respective Distribution and Transmission System Operators, who are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions. They are accountable to the independent regulator, the CRU.
Each of these organisations have a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members. As such the Deputy may wish to engage with EirGrid, ESBN and CRU directly via oireachtas@eirgrid.ie , oireachtas@esb.ie and oireachtas@cru.ie,
Notwithstanding this, my Department is in regular engagement with the system operators, the CRU and industry working to address challenges around facilitating large energy user (LEU) connections and are keen to hear innovative solutions from industry on efficient use of the existing and future electricity grid.
In line with the Programme for Government commitments, a range of policy and energy infrastructure planning workstreams are being prioritised, including unprecedented investment in critical infrastructure and our electricity grid, as well as enhancing data centres’ use of renewable energy sources, energy efficient technology and solutions such as waste heat capture for district heating systems and other local uses.
An updated Large Energy Users Connection Policy was published by the CRU in December 2025. This has provided increased transparency in respect of new data centre connections to the electricity network and establishes a pathway for connection, addressing security of electricity supply and network constraint considerations, while promoting Ireland’s renewable energy ambitions.
Furthermore, Government has published a comprehensive Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP) with robust measures that will, inter alia, accelerate energy generation, connectivity, and planning processes which will guide the development of data centres and other strategically significant very energy intensive industries, in alignment with Ireland’s decarbonisation objectives and growing the knowledge-based economy. In particular, this will allow for greater co-location of energy-intensive sectors with the supply of renewable energy generation within green energy parks.
10. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he plans to modernise electricity charging structures for energy intensive industries (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2749/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for electricity connection policy and the economic regulation of the electricity system operators ESB Networks and EirGrid. The CRU is an independent regulator and accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas.
In line with its statutory obligations, the CRU reviews network operators’ investment plans and sets network charges annually to make sure they’re necessary, cost-effective, and will improve electricity services for customers. As such the Deputy may wish to engage with CRU directly via oireachtas@cru.ie.
Government is aware of the challenges of finding a balanced approach to facilitating additional demand by energy intensive industries while also ensuring the competitiveness, sustainability and security of supply of our energy system.
The Programme for Government commits to addressing these challenges through a range of policy and energy infrastructure planning workstreams which are being prioritised, including unprecedented investment in critical infrastructure and our electricity grid, with priority for renewables.
Furthermore, Government has published a comprehensive Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP) with robust measures that will, inter alia, accelerate energy generation, connectivity, and planning processes which will guide the development of strategically significant, very energy intensive industries, in alignment with Ireland’s decarbonisation objectives and the growing of the knowledge-based economy. In particular, this will allow for greater co-location of energy-intensive sectors with the supply of renewable energy generation within green energy parks. It will unlock investment and innovation in Ireland’s renewable energy sector, including offshore wind, create positive spillovers, and maximise the wider benefits in jobs and skills across Ireland’s regions.
Among the 17 actions, it mandates CRU under Action 4, in-line with the National Energy Demand Strategy, to assess reforms and implement actions on network tariffs, day-ahead and inter-day wholesale market trading, grid code, storage and flexibility procurement (plus capacity markets if required), and set out a pathway to future implementation.
Energy intensive industries can already contract directly with energy suppliers for a variety of tariff options, including ones that are more closely linked to the half hourly wholesale price. Most energy intensive industries use CPPAs (Corporate Power Purchase Agreements) to capture the value of renewables in terms of lower costs. This is not a matter in which I, as Minister, play a role and my Department does not have any visibility on those individual contractual arrangements.
11. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way in which he will ensure that the proposed data centre (details supplied) will not negatively impact on domestic water and energy access and supply. [2809/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraQuestions regarding the planning process are matters more appropriately directed in the first instance to the relevant Local Authority. Operational matters regarding the grid should be directed to both Eirgrid and ESB Networks. Water usage management and conservation across commercial and industrial (non-domestic) sectors, including data centres, is an operational matter under the remit of Uisce Éireann. These matters are not ones in which I, as Minister, have a function. As such the Deputy may wish to engage with these organisations directly. ESB and EirGrid may be contacted via email at oireachtas@esb.ie and oireachtas@eirgrid.ie and Uisce Éireann via oireachtasmembers@water.ie
12. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Defence the application process for higher scales for administrative grades below the grade of assistant principal operated in her Department (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2647/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates the assignment of higher scales to the grades covered by Circular 24/1995 in the manner specified in the circular.
The circular sets out that a special sub-committee of the General Council representative of both sides will consider any issues of general application which may arise. Therefore, matters relating to the wider application of the circular across the civil service are not a matter for my Department.
13. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport in light of the upcoming industrial action by driving testers, the actions his Department will take to deal with growing driving test waiting times; the assistance that will be offered to those who are currently awaiting a test, or re-test, and cannot renew their learner permit in the interim; and if he can commit to renewing the leaner permits in such cases. [2533/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the operation and delivery of the Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The current industrial dispute involving driver testers is therefore a matter for the RSA as the employer, with neither I nor my Department having a direct role.
As Minister, I welcome the commitment of both parties to enter talks before the Workplace Relations Commission on 20 January. I encourage the parties to comes to a resolution that avoids strike action, which would have severe negative impacts on customers.
I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of driver testers to reduce waiting times over the course of 2025, from a peak national average of 27 weeks last April to 10.6 weeks at the end of the year. This progress and the additional testing capacity now in the system allowed me to sign regulations last November to end the practice of learner drivers continually renewing a learner permit without ever sitting a test, an important initiative to improve road safety. These regulations have a 12-month lead in time before coming into effect on 1 November this year, and I believe this is more than adequate for those on a third or subsequent learner permit to make the necessary preparations to sit a test.
14. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the actions currently being taken to address the limited availability of late-night public and private transport services in rural areas; whether his Department regards this issue as a barrier to the sustainability of rural social and hospitality businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2536/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the local area hackney licence, and the provision of public passenger transport services in rural and urban areas, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016 and the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008.
The purpose of the local area hackney (LAH) licence is to offer a part-time SPSV service in a rural community where existing transport services do not serve the needs of the community. The LAH can meet the demand for these services, but it cannot displace any existing SPSV services. Applications are open to any person who wishes to provide this service, subject to the regulations. As of 30 November 2025, there are 25 licensed LAH drivers and 24 licensed LAH vehicles in operation.
The NTA held a public consultation, which closed on 28 November 2025, on proposed changes to the current LAH regulations to increase the LAH licence uptake. The proposed key changes to the regulations are to: (1) permit more than one local area hackney driver to operate the local area hackney; (2) enhance the voice of local communities regarding the transport needs assessment for their area, and (3) reduce the regulatory burden on applicants by giving greater clarity to local communities and applicants on the areas nationwide that are open for applications for LAH licences.
In addition to those key changes, the NTA also proposes to: extend the maximum licence period for vehicles and drivers from 3 years to 5 years; mandate licence holders to demonstrate that they are providing satisfactory service to their community when renewing their licence; reduce the time period in which a licence holder must complete their licence renewals from 12/24 months following expiration to within 3 months of their licence expiry to ensure that a community is not without the required services, and introduce a new fixed penalty notice offence for picking up passengers outside of their permitted local area. The NTA is currently evaluating the feedback from this consultation and the NTA expects to implement any related enhancements in early 2026.
Of the 36 new and enhanced routes launched under Connecting Ireland in 2025, 20 of them include evening services. Two of these routes also include late night services, Route 567 between Carrick-on-Shannon and Drumshanbo has a late-night service every Friday and Saturday, and Route 351 between Galway and Ennis also operates a late-night service.
Given the NTA's responsibility in securing the provision of public transport passenger services in rural and urban areas, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
15. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made in expanding the availability of taxi services in rural areas, particularly during late-night hours; whether any reforms to licensing requirements, financial incentives or pilot schemes are under active consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2537/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the local area hackney, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
The purpose of the local area hackney (LAH) licence is to offer a SPSV service in a rural community where existing transport services do not serve the needs of the community. The LAH can meet the demand for these services, but it cannot displace any existing SPSV services. Applications are open to any person who wishes to provide this service, subject to the regulations. As of 30 November 2025, there are 25 licensed LAH drivers and 24 licensed LAH vehicles.
The NTA held a public consultation, which closed on 28 November 2025, on proposed changes to the current LAH regulations to increase LAH licence uptake. The proposed key changes to the regulations are to: (1) permit more than one local area hackney driver to operate the local area hackney; (2) enhance the voice of local communities regarding the transport needs assessment for their area, and (3) reduce the regulatory burden on applicants by giving greater clarity to local communities and applicants on the areas nationwide that are open for applications for LAH licences.
In addition to those key changes, the NTA also proposes to: extend the maximum licence period for vehicles and drivers from 3 years to 5 years; mandate licence holders to demonstrate that they are providing satisfactory service to their community when renewing their licence; reduce the time period in which a licence holder must complete their licence renewals from 12/24 months following expiration to within 3 months of their licence expiry to ensure that a community is not without the required services, and introduce a new Fixed Penalty Notice offence for picking up passengers outside of their permitted local area. The NTA is currently evaluating the feedback from this consultation and the NTA expects to implement any related enhancements in early 2026.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
16. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the status of the opening of the Luas to Lucan route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2546/26]
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 in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is progressing the Luas Lucan project in collaboration with the NTA. In 2025, the NTA submitted the Project Outline Document (POD) for Luas Lucan to my Department, as required under the Transport Appraisal Framework for investment proposals in the transport sector with an estimated potential cost of €20 million or more. TII are currently working to identify the emerging preferred route for Luas Lucan and this is expected to undergo a non-statutory public consultation in 2026.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA, 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.
17. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider extending a recently announced 24-hour bus service (details supplied) to include Kildare town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2547/26]
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 question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
18. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 280 of 8 September 2025, if there is a further update from the National Transport Authority with regard to the extension of the SPSV licencing period for standard taxi vehicles first registered in 2016 (details supplied). [2550/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV age limits, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Further to Parliamentary Question No. 280 of 8 September 2025 and in relation to the Deputy's comments stating that no update has been received by the NTA, I have been informed that a reply was sent to the Deputy from the NTA on 23 September 2025 in which the NTA confirmed that no further extensions to the maximum permissible age are under consideration.
Nevertheless, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information, given their responsibility in this area. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
19. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport to provide passenger numbers as a total number, and occupancy rates as a percentage, for all TFI services in County Clare in 2024 and 2025, by route, in tabular form; the plans for expanding existing and new services in Clare during 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2574/26]
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 and monitoring the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including passenger data. 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.
20. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport whether a review of the code of best practice for national and regional greenways has taken place; if so, the stakeholders that were involved; if not, when the review will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2614/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual National and Regional Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). They are tasked with maintaining the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways.
The Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways was published in late 2021 following its development and finalisation by a sub-group made up of a range of representatives from the rural recreation, tourism, sport, farming, local business development and transport sectors. The intention of the Code is to ensure a transparent and pragmatic approach in relation to the delivery of Greenways and ensuring that landowners are engaged with throughout the development process.
As you may be aware, at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport (held on 12th November 2025), the issue of the Code of Practice for Greenways was discussed in some detail with the CEO of TII advising the committee that “the Code was put together in a spirit of engagement and collaboration with a whole host of stakeholders, including the IFA and other farming organisations. It is subject to an annual review, and this is now up again. We are more than happy to sit down with those organisations to see whether tweaks or changes are required to the Code to ensure we actually achieve the objectives that underpin the original Code, which were to deliver greenways and be respectful of landowners”.
TII have advised my officials that this remains the current position and preliminary work is underway in relation to this matter.
