Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:121. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport to provide an updated timeline of construction for the Luas Finglas extension project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2876/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Transport
Ceisteanna (121)
Freagraí scríofa
Luas Finglas is an ambitious and exciting project that has the potential to transform Finglas and the wider area for those who live and who work there.
In 2024, the Government provided approval for the Preliminary Business Case at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines, which allowed the project to enter the planning system. In November that year Transport Infrastructure Ireland submitted a Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála, including a full Environmental Impact Statement and scheme preliminary design. Last October, An Coimisiún Pleanála granted the Railway Order, with conditions.
Regarding the current status, I can advise that three separate judicial review applications have been submitted on the project and this is under examination.
Turning to the future of the project, the Deputy may be aware that Luas Finglas is one of the four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the lifetime of the NTA Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042. The project is identified in the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport as part of the National Development Plan Review. Specifically, under the Sectoral Investment Plan, the main construction works will commence by 2029, though some enabling works may commence beforehand.
I understand that the project team is currently preparing for future phases of the project, including the drafting of tender documents for future consultants, future construction contract documents, and enabling works contracts.
I look forward to seeing Luas Finglas progress. It will create a new high-capacity, frequent and speedy public transport connection not only for communities in the immediate area but also for those interchanging with DART+, BusConnects, and the new Park & Ride - and it is a priority for construction to start during the term of this Government.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (122, 174, 197, 209)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:122. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to reduce road deaths in Cork; the measures he is taking to reduce the number of road deaths nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2159/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Ciarán Ahern
Ceist:174. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the new measures he intends to implement to prevent road deaths, given the number of fatalities on Irish roads in 2025 was the highest since 2014, and follows a trend of year-on-year increases since 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2898/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Colm Burke
Ceist:197. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone, in view of the fact that in 2025, there was an 8% increase in road deaths compared to 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2785/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Conor D McGuinness
Ceist:209. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport given the increase in road deaths in Ireland in 2025, which included a 40% increase of road deaths in Waterford in comparison to 2024, what he attributes this rise to; and his plans to reverse this worrying trend. [2866/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 174, 197 and 209 together.
2025 was a difficult year on Irish roads. 190 people lost their lives marking a significant rise from 2024. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to those families who have lost a loved one on our roads.
Road safety remains a core priority for me and this Government. The fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030 sets a target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by the end of this decade and it shares the EU target of Vision Zero - no road deaths or serious injuries on our roads - by 2050.
In July, I published the Phase 2 Action Plan under the Road Safety Strategy which will run to December 2027. It contains 12 primary and 77 supporting actions, with the potential to deliver real transformative change. All of these actions are grounded in the internationally recognised Safe Systems approach and will be delivered through partnership and collaborative working by road safety stakeholders.
Some of the key actions include –
• investing significantly into new and improved active travel and public transport;
• expanding network safety analysis of the road network to identify high-risk locations, guide investment decisions and prioritise safety interventions including for the local road network;
• implementing in full all actions in the Phase 2 Action Plan based on the 2023 Speed limit review; and
• reviewing and overhauling our learning to drive curriculum.
Progress is being made. In February 2025, the first phase of the speed limit review was introduced, which saw the default speed limit on rural and local roads reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h. In October, local authorities were directed 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 on roads in cities and towns. Local authorities have been directed to conclude this process and have the new speed limits operational by 31 March 2027.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland has full access to collision data under the Road Infrastructure Safety Management Directive and uses this information to conduct detailed analysis on the national road network to prioritise safety investment. A priority for TII is the maintenance of the existing national roads network to ensure it is kept to a safe and robust standard. This involves carrying out extensive analysis of the network to identify high-risk locations, through analysis of collision data and through inspections.
In 2025, funding of €254m was provided through TII for the protection and renewal of the existing national road network. This included funding for various upgrades to improve safety on the national road network in county Cork. In addition, new road projects such as the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy project, which is under construction, will greatly improve safety for all road users.
In addition, in 2025, a ringfenced budget of €18m was set aside by for the RSA for public awareness, communications and education campaigns and a similar budget will be ringfenced for 2026. This will ensure a continued focus on campaigns and educational initiatives with the aim of making our roads safer for all road users.
Key legislative projects are also progressing. The Government has approved the General Scheme of the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill, which will restore direct collision data sharing with local authorities to help better inform investment decisions. The Bill will also include an amendment allowing a jury to consider a charge of careless driving where an individual is acquitted of dangerous driving, as recommended by Judge Haughton in his report on the death of Shane O’Farrell.
My Department is also developing the next Road Traffic Bill to fulfil Programme for Government commitments, including in relation to graduated speeding penalties and camera-based enforcement of mobile phone and seatbelt offences. We are also working with the Law Reform Commission to consolidate road traffic law for the first time since 1961, which will provide a clearer legal framework for road traffic law.
Long-standing issues are also being addressed, including in relation to multiple learner permits which, under current rules, allow individuals to repeatedly renew a permit without sitting a driving test. Regulations are now in place to end this practice, with the changes coming in to effect in November 2026.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (123)
Catherine Callaghan
Ceist:123. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the scope that is available to expand rural bus services across Carlow, in particular to service Tullow, Ardattin and Clonegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2665/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (124)
James O'Connor
Ceist:124. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for completion of the new train stations at Blackpool/Kilbarry and Tivoli; if the NTA has given approval for these new stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2605/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is a key project in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. The Programme is being delivered on a phased basis and will involves a transformative investment, enhancing the heavy rail network across the region, connecting Mallow, Cork, Cobh and Midleton with increased train capacity.
Phase 1 of the Programme consists of a signalling upgrade, construction of a through-platform at Kent Station, which opened in April 2025, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton.
Phase 2 of the programme plans for the electrification of the Cork commuter rail network and the delivery of new stations along the network. Last summer Iarnród Éireann held a non-statutory public consultation in relation to Phase 2, with a second round of consultation planned for April 2026.
Phase 2 will be progressed following the completion of Phase 1. Funding provided in the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, which was published by my Department in November, will see Iarnród Éireann complete Phase 1 complete this year, and commence Phase 2 thereafter, starting with new stations at Blackpool and Dunkettle and initial electrification works and depot construction.
Planning and delivery of Blackpool/Kilbarry station is being advanced within Phase 2. This prioritisation reflects the high level of development in the area and its strategic alignment with the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. Iarnród Éireann expects to lodge a planning application to Cork City Council later this year.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this 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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (125)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:125. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take to address the problems with bus services in Dublin south-west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2783/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Notwithstanding the above, 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/mechanic 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.
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 a detailed direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Road Traffic Accidents
Ceisteanna (126)
Colm Burke
Ceist:126. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the drafting of the National Vehicle Driver File Bill 2025; to provide a timeline for when local authorities will have access to relevant data on road traffic collisions to inform road improvements and to expand real time data access for An Garda Síochána to driver and vehicle information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2786/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Collision data are collected by members of An Garda Síochána at the scene of road traffic accidents. These data were previously shared with local authorities, to enable them to identify locations of interest (accident blackspots) that would benefit from safety improvements. Due to the presence of personal information in the data, legal advice related to GDPR has meant that local authorities have stopped receiving collision data since November 2023. As an interim measure, the Department of Transport has been undertaking detailed collision analysis on the regional and local road network to identify locations of interest. When locations of interest are identified, the Department notifies the affected local authority. In turn, local authorities can apply for funding of low-cost safety schemes for these locations of interest.
The General Scheme of the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025 has been approved by Government and is with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for drafting. The passage of this Bill is a Programme for Government commitment and will amend the Roads Act 1993 to provide a basis for the resumption of direct sharing of road traffic collision data with local authorities.
Other provisions included in the General Scheme improve the legislative basis underpinning the National Vehicle and Driver File, remove the requirement to display a paper motor tax disc, allow for open-ended declarations of non-use of a motor vehicle and amend the Road Traffic Act 2004 to allow for a speed limit of 60km/h on local roads within built-up areas. Additional Heads of Bill subsequently considered and approved by Government last December will, among other provisions, allow a jury to consider a lesser charge of careless driving where an individual is acquitted of dangerous driving, as recommended by Judge Haughton in his report on the death of Shane O'Farrell.
In relation to the expansion of real time data access for An Garda Síochána, it should be noted that, in practice, An Garda Síochána already have real time data access with the deployment of the Traffic app and that the relevant provisions of the Bill are intended to underpin current policy and procedures. The Bill strengthens the provisions of the Finance Act 1993 in relation to access to vehicle and driver data by An Garda Síochána and other bodies, updating the Act, which is pre-GDPR, to bring it in line with current data protection principles. The Bill provides for the making of data sharing agreements with those bodies, as well as providing for limitations on the access to, and use of data both internally in the Department and by those with whom the data is shared.
Enactment of the Bill is targeted for the first half of 2026.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (127)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:127. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport for an update on meetings he has held with Bus Éireann and the NTA on the ongoing bus crisis in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2787/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. As Minister for Transport, I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
The individual operators are responsible for the management and operation of services on a day-to-day basis. In this case, Bus Éireann operates both Public Service Obligation (PSO) services funded by the State subvention and Expressway intercity services which operate on a commercial basis and do not receive any State subvention.
I can assure you that my Department is committed to providing investment in our public transport network and that I am supportive of the Governments goals in delivering an accessible, affordable and reliable public transport network throughout the country, including in Cork city. Key to delivering on this commitment is the requirement for a well-resourced public transport workforce, and my Department are actively engaging with the operators and relevant stakeholders to establish a pathway in that regard as well.
In addition to regular meetings between the Company and officials from my Department, I have met with the Bus Éireann leadership four times since I have taken office, at which a wide range of topics including PSO services were discussed. Further, I am aware that the NTA formally meets Bus Éireann on a regular basis to review performance, associated customer feedback and driver recovery plans.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (128)
Erin McGreehan
Ceist:128. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans for an additional train station in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2873/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network including any proposed new stations in County Louth, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
I am unaware of a business case for any new station in County Louth, though this issue can be kept under review as the population changes. An additional station would require funding and have to secure relevant approvals required under the Infrastructure Guidelines. Iarnród Éireann will engage with any parties proposing a new station and my Department will continue to keep me informed of this issue.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (129, 203)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:129. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he has had any direct contact with the NTA or Iarnród Éireann following reports of overcrowding on the Gorey-Dublin commuter train; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1762/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraJennifer Whitmore
Ceist:203. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of carriages allocated to the Gorey-Dublin commuter train, on a service-by-service basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1761/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 203 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the NTA is a non-commercial State body, and Iarnród Éireann is a commercial semi-State body operating under the aegis of my Department. As with other State bodies under my Department I engage as appropriate with the Chair and the executive in relation to relevant issues.
My officials have a structured engagement process with all agencies under my remit, including monthly meetings with senior management, quarterly governance meetings, and receive regular updates on policy and programme delivery.
However, in my role as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; but 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (130)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Ceist:130. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the ring road in Kilkenny. [2671/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
In line with Government requirements Kilkenny County Council produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension and a draft was forwarded to the Department in January 2023. The Department reviewed the SAR and returned its comments and observations to Kilkenny County Council for consideration.
Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department continues to liaise with the Council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure Guidelines and the TAF including the preparation of a Project Outline Document (POD) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the SAR stage.
In 2024, the Department provided funding for an updated POD, which has been submitted to the Department by Kilkenny County Council, and while this process was underway funding was also allocated for Traffic/Junction Analysis in the Butts Green area of the City to further assess and understand traffic patterns in the city.
In 2025, following a review of the POD by the Department, €200,000 was allocated to the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project (formerly Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension Project) to allow Kilkenny County Council to progress the project to the Phase 2, Options Stage. Kilkenny County Council has appointed a design consultant to progress the Options Stage and a funding request for 2026 is currently under consideration by the Department.
Grants allocations for 2026 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (131, 142)
Barry Heneghan
Ceist:131. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the additional measures he is considering to further reduce driving test waiting times towards the ten week target, including any operational or administrative changes within the Road Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2668/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraConor D McGuinness
Ceist:142. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he plans to lower the backlog of diving test waiting times in Waterford given the fact that Waterford has one of the highest, if not the highest, backlogs for those waiting for tests, per-capita, in the country. [2867/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 142 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including the provision of test centres. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level.
Since taking office, reducing driver test waiting times has been a key priority for me. To that end in May 2025 I directed the RSA to produce and publish a service recovery plan to meet the 10-week average national waiting time target by September 2025, which the RSA achieved. While there has been a small increase in average wait times in Q4 2025 the latest information available to me from the RSA indicates that the average national waiting time for a driving test was 10.6 weeks at the end of December. This marks a significant improvement on the 27-week average wait time in April 2025.
Figures provided to me by the RSA indicate that there are now 30 test centres operating at or below the agreed Service Level Agreement target of 10 weeks. In addition, a further 11 centres record an average wait time of 11 or 12 weeks which does reflect an overall improvement. I am informed that the average wait time in Waterford at the end of December was 13 weeks. It is important that the RSA continues to focus on reducing waiting times in the 26 centres, including Waterford, which remain remain above target.
In September 2024, my Department conveyed sanction for 70 additional driver testing posts on a permanent basis, bringing the permanent sanction to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022. At the end of December, 196 testers were in place, which marks a significant increase on the 151 available at the beginning of 2025. The RSA is working to reach its full complement of 200 testers and I am informed that it is planning to have 200 testers in place by February this year subject to a successful recruitment campaign.
In addition the RSA has indicated that overtime and bank holiday testing will continue in 2026. This will also allow the RSA to mitigate the impact on testing during winter months as a result of shorter days and inclement weather. I would also highlight that, to manage demand effectively at national level, testers, although formally assigned to specific centres, are routinely deployed to other locations as required.
In addition to recruiting more driver testers the RSA is continuing to increase the number of test centres. A new test centre opened in Mitchelstown in December and I am informed that new test centres in Drogheda and Sandyford will be operational shortly. This should assist in reducing average wait times in those areas.
Finally, the driver testing booking system now makes available cancelled test slots for candidates to take up at short notice. I would encourage learner drivers awaiting a test to monitor this channel, which may provide an opportunity to book an earlier testing date.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (132)
Cathy Bennett
Ceist:132. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on efforts to secure increased mutual recognition of driving licences. [2875/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports I wish to advise that Licence exchange agreements (LEA’s) are in place with 21 countries/regions outside the EU and the programme continues to expand.
Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law - the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The standards for testing drivers are set at EU level. All EU driving licences are exchangeable when a person moves from one Member State to another.
To drive in Ireland, someone who is resident must hold an Irish or EU/EEA licence. A visitor to Ireland can drive on a driving licence from any state outside of the EU/EEA for up to one year provided the driving licence is current and valid. However, upon taking up normal residence in Ireland, the driver must exchange the licence or apply for a licence in Ireland.
A driving licence may be exchanged where Ireland has a reciprocal licence exchange agreement with the other jurisdiction. Ireland may make bilateral licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. This is a technical, road safety-based process and reaching an exchange agreement is not a matter of political will. Agreements can be made only when both licencing authorities have compared licencing regimes and are satisfied that they are compatible.
For Ireland, this is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). In reaching an agreement, the most important element is ensuring that the other jurisdiction applies standards for obtaining a licence which are compatible with our own. Where they do not meet these standards, no agreement is possible, no matter how desirable an agreement with that jurisdiction may be.
In considering licence exchange agreements, Ireland has, to date, given priority to countries that may be a source of professional drivers, in light of the shortages across the EU in that sector. In this regard, the RSA is engaging with relevant licencing authorities in Moldova and North Macedonia.
In addition, the Programme for Government commits to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland already has agreements with Australia and seven of the ten Canadian provinces and is completing a technical review for an eighth province (Nova Scotia).
Ireland does not have any LEAs with US states. In the US, driver licensing is run at state, not federal, level. Individual US states will need to be considered in the context of US licensing arrangements. The Department of Transport alongside the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), have identified US states with large Irish-born populations to be examined first. Three states New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts have been chosen for initial consideration.
The RSA is currently engaging with the Department of Motor Vehicles in New York to complete a technical review and has also contacted the licensing authorities in New Jersey and Massachusetts. Once the RSA's reviews of these three states have been completed and its recommendations have been reviewed, other US states may also be considered as candidates for exchange. As always, the road safety of Irish road users will be paramount when those decisions are made.
Where a licence exchange agreement is not in place, a person with a full but non-exchangeable licence must go through the normal driver learning process, but they can still avail of shorter Essential Driver Training (EDT) of 6 lessons, instead of the usual 12, and they do not have to be a learner for the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.
It must be re-iterated that it is not simply a matter of political will to make a Licence Exchange Agreement happen. The technical assessment is an independent process, that requires adherence to EU standards and the agreement of the counter party jurisdiction too. LEA’s must be reciprocal.
Ireland’s road toll has been rising in recent years. It is imperative, for the safety of all Irish road users, that people who are awarded Irish driving licences have been tested to the same standard as Irish drivers.
The recently published Driving Licence Directive, (EU) 2025/2205, allows the European Commission to enter into EU-wide LEAs on behalf of member states. This process is expected to commence by 2029 and will provide an alternative pathway to pursuing bilateral agreements with individual member states.
A driving licence issued in the following countries can be exchanged in Ireland without the requirement to sit a driving test where a person has taken up residence in Ireland.
Ireland has licence agreement with 21 non-EU jurisdictions:
Ø Australia*
Ø Canada, Alberta Province* (Cars & motorbikes only)
Ø Canada, British Columbia Province* (Cars & motorbikes only)
Ø Canada, Manitoba Province* (Cars & motorbikes only)
Ø Canada, New Brunswick Province* (Cars & motorbikes only)
Ø Canada, Newfoundland & Labrador* (Cars & motorbikes only)
Ø Canada, Ontario Province* (Cars only)
Ø Canada, Saskatchewan State* (Cars & motorbikes only)
Ø Georgia
Ø Gibraltar
Ø Guernsey
Ø Isle Of Man
Ø Japan
Ø Jersey
Ø New Zealand* (Cars & motorbikes only)
Ø Northern Ireland
Ø Republic of Korea
Ø South Africa
Ø Switzerland
Ø Taiwan (Cars & motorbikes only)
Ø United Kingdom
* Restricted to automatic transmission unless they can prove they were tested in manual.
Ireland is currently exploring entering into licence exchange agreements with the following jurisdictions:
Ø Moldova
Ø North Macedonia
Ø Nova Scotia
Ø New York
Ø New Jersey
Ø Massachusetts
Ports Policy
Ceisteanna (133)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:133. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made in developing Foynes Port as a centre for the delivery of offshore wind energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73135/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State with responsibility for ports, I am committed to facilitating the Commercial Irish State ports under my remit as positive contributors to the offshore renewable energy (ORE) industry to support Ireland to meet its ambitious climate targets.
To deliver our offshore energy ambitions, the Government is implementing a plan-led approach which is driven by a cross-Government Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce. Supporting the development of port infrastructure is a core objective of the Taskforce as well as my Department, as evidenced by the dedicated ORE Ports Facilitation Division established in 2024.
With its natural deep waters and strategic location at the edge of the Atlantic, Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) is ideally positioned to become a hub for offshore renewable energy and play a pivotal role in supporting Ireland’s energy transition. The port is currently progressing plans to develop infrastructure to support offshore wind projects.
The Foynes Island development, part of SFPC’s Vision 2041 masterplan, aims to serve as an integration and pre-commissioning base for offshore wind turbines. As well as this, it plans to operate as a multi-purpose terminal, supporting general cargo operations from the inner port at Foynes. This proposed expansion aligns with SFPC's goal to become a global hub for floating offshore wind and renewable energy logistics while also enabling the growth of SFPC’s existing operations to help to alleviate the national constraint on 'lift-on-lift-off' (LoLo) cargo capacity that is expected to arise in the future.
Shannon Foynes’ proposed development includes an 800m long terminal- 400m of which will facilitate marshalling and assembly of offshore wind components with the other 400m acting as a multi-purpose terminal. The quay will also include 25-hectare hardstanding area.
Shannon Foynes submitted a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) application to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) for the Foynes Island development in June 2025. Once a MAC has been granted, SFPC will be able to apply for planning permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála.
My Department continues to provide support to Shannon Foynes through regular engagement and exploration of financing options with a view to maximising all opportunities available to Shannon Foynes (and all commercial state ports) to develop this key infrastructure. This includes facilitating engagement with potential financing partners such as the Irish Strategic Investment Fund and the European Investment Bank as well as the Connecting Europe Facility.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (134)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:134. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the remaining sections of the Athenry relief road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2320/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
To date, two of the four sections of the Athenry Relief Road have been constructed. Funding was provided in 2025 to facilitate the construction of the third section which will connect the previous two sections already constructed. The contract was awarded in 2025 for the third section following the conclusion of the tender process, and the construction programme is underway. The implementation of this project is the responsibility of Galway County Council.
The Department has provided funding to Galway County Council under the strategic regional and local road grant programme to undertake surveys to allow the development of the preliminary design including aspects of the bridge works required to facilitate the final section of the relief road. This work has been progressed in conjunction with Irish Rail. The current proposal indicates that the existing bridge over the final road section may have to be have to be raised and there may be additional impacts on another bridge. The cost implications on the final section of the Athenry Relief Road and any possible impact on the business case for the scheme are being assessed.
Grant allocations for 2026 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (135)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:135. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport if he will approve an urgent increase in funding for the community involvement scheme for Leitrim County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1457/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on these roads are funded from Councils’ own resources and supplemented by State Road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government commits to providing additional funding for the Local Improvement Scheme and the Community Involvement Scheme.
In 2018, the Department introduced ring-fenced funding for Community Involvement Schemes (CIS). The purpose of the CIS is to facilitate local community participation in the repair of local roads. The focus of the programme is on the repair of more lightly trafficked public roads which might not be high on the list of a local authority's annual roadwork programme. Under the scheme a local community can contribute in money or in kind, for example by making labour or machinery available.
While community contributions in the range 15% to 30% had been required up to 2021, depending on the mix between works and monies, the contribution rates were reduced to a minimum of 10% for monetary contributions and 20% for works contribution. This is more in line with Local Improvement Scheme contribution rates.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that from 2026 the contribution rate for monetary contributions has been reduced to a minimum of 8%, with the contribution rate remaining at 20% for works contribution.
In 2025, Leitrim County Council received an allocation of €375,650 for Community Involvement Schemes.
In order to allow for sufficient planning and applications for this scheme, local authorities are invited to apply for funding for CIS projects for a two-year programme, with the latest round of applications received in late 2025 for the 2026/2027 period.
Grant allocations for 2026, including those for CIS, will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (136)
Mark Ward
Ceist:136. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the solution in place to combat the amount of cancellations of public buses in Dublin mid-west, including the reported 1,200 cancellations of the number 13 bus in just two months, causing significant disruption for residents who rely on the service for work, school, and college. [2368/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 Dublin Bus. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 137 answered with Question No. 120.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (138)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:138. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will allocate additional capital and supplementary current funding for investment in public transport infrastructure and for new services this year in view of worsening traffic congestion and delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2784/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My officials and I are aware of recent experience of congestion in our cities and of the impact that this has on daily life. The Department has published several reports in recent years on the Economic Cost of Congestion in the Greater Dublin Area and in the regional cities. These reports examine the key factors driving congestion and provide projections of how annual economic costs are likely to evolve up to 2040.
In relation to the ‘supply’ of sustainable public transport infrastructure and services, active travel infrastructure, and shared mobility options, all of which help to tackle congestion, this Government is investing in a significant number of transformative projects over the next five years. The Government’s National Development Plan (NDP) Sectoral Implementation Plan for Transport, published in November, allocates approximately €10.1 billion in public transport infrastructure investment from 2026 to 2030, with a further €2 billion from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund specifically to start construction on MetroLink. This circa €12.1 billion investment package to 2030 marks a major increase in public transport capital funding, more than double the level seen in the previous five years, demonstrating the Government’s strong commitment to public transport.
For this year, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has published in Revised Estimates for Public Services (or REV) 2026. It allocates circa €1.4 billion in capital funding and circa €940 million in current funding to public transport.
This year's PSO funding allocation represents a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from 2025, which reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that public transport services can continue to operate reliably and sustainably in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs. Crucially, this allocation will also allow for the continued delivery of targeted fare initiatives, including the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9, and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA’s National Fares Strategy. These measures help ensure effective and high-quality public transport service provision.
The Department of Transport will continue to explore opportunities for additional funding, including through funding streams such as the European Union Connect Europe Facility (CEF), to compliment national Exchequer funding, which may allow some projects to proceed to construction earlier than currently anticipated.
In addition, my Department will carefully monitor spending on all areas throughout the year. Should it appear likely that an underspend may arise on another subhead, Government Accounting allows for the process of virement, or the use of savings on one or more subheads to meet excess expenditure on another subhead or subheads in the same Vote. Virement is subject to the specific authority of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and the process is set out in Public Financial Procedures section C2.5 to C2.12.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (139, 212)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:139. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport whether he will review bus routes in Dún Laoghaire in view of delays, ghost buses, diversions, and buses that must skip parts of their route to remain on-schedule (details supplied). [2870/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRichard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:212. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve the reliability of bus routes in Dún Laoghaire in order to ensure that residents without car transport can attend work or other engagements consistently and on time (details supplied). [2871/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 212 together.
As 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. As Minister for Transport I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (140)
Noel McCarthy
Ceist:140. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport if any upgrade of the Lakeview Roundabout, Midleton, is included in the proposed N25 Midleton to Youghal (Castlemartyr and Killeagh Bypasses) project outlined in the recent National Development Plan Review 2025 Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2798/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding the Lakeview Roundabout.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.