Louis O'Hara
Ceist:181. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport his Department’s efforts to ensure regional balance in capital expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2321/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTransport Policy
Ceisteanna (181)
Freagraí scríofa
This Government is committed to balanced regional development and recognises the role of essential infrastructure, such as transport, in delivering on that commitment. The National Planning Framework seeks to counteract the long-standing over-concentration of population and economic activity in Dublin and the Eastern Midlands region by promoting ‘regional parity’. This approach aims to distribute population growth more evenly across the regions and transport is a key lever in supporting this goal.
The National Development Plan Review 2025 - Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published in November 2025, sets out the investment framework for the period 2026-2030. The plan recognises demographics and balanced regional growth as drivers of capital needs. The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport is committed to ensuring that infrastructure planning and resource allocation are responsive to demographic trends.
Planning and investment strategies have a strong regional focus. Investment in the regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford will be guided by Metropolitan Area Transport Strategies. These strategies set out the multi-modal investment strategies for twenty-year periods, reviewed every six years. These encompass all modes including enhanced rail and bus investment programmes. Indeed, significant is already taking place, for example in the development of BusConnects for each city, Cork Commuter Rail project and in the Waterford North Quays project.
Road and rail inter-urban connectivity is also a strong focus. The Department of Transport, together with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, published the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy in December 2025. This Strategy outlines how to best sequence and optimise the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published in July 2024.
The Rail Strategy specifies short-term rail infrastructure investments, referred to as Early Interventions, to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity, which are funded, under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport published by the Department in November 2025, to be fully delivered by 2030. It will also include progression of the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry – Claremorris.
The Sectoral Investment Plan sets out the ongoing and planned road investments, for example the N5 Ballaghderreen to Scramogue, Adare Bypass, M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy, and the Donegal TEN-T Project. In total, 30 roads projects will be progressed under the Plan.
Significant investment will continue to take place in active travel. In 2024 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) published the National Cycle Network Plan was published which proposes a network of approximately 3,500km linking cities and towns of over 5,000 people via a safe, connected and inviting cycle network. In addition, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has developed CycleConnects which sets out an approach towards developing and interconnected network or primary, secondary and tertiary routes within cities, towns and villages across every county. 2026 includes investments such as the Sustainable Transport Bridge in Waterford, the Glanmire Urban Greenway and the South Kerry Greenway.
Meeting Ireland’s climate ambitions is a key driver of investment need. Significant investment is taking place and will continue to take place in electrification of private transport networks. A number of strategies have been developed by Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) which will assist in balanced regional investment. This includes a national Light Duty Vehicle scheme to invest in the motorway charging network; local authority EV charging strategies and implementation plans; and the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging scheme.
The National Aviation Policy (NAP) recognises the role of regional airports in supporting connectivity and regional development and commits to encouraging airports to attract new business, to achieve excellence in the delivery of service and value for passengers and airlines, and to make a sustainable contribution to their respective local economies and communities.
The Programme for Government commits to the continuation of investment in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent National Development Plan (NDP) Review will provide almost €45million investment in regional airports over this period, with €9million in capital available for allocation in 2026 under the new Programme.
Taken together, the national and regional transport investment strategies, and associated funding commitments will ensure balanced regional investment in transport to meet the needs of our economy and society.
Road Network
Ceisteanna (182)
Tony McCormack
Ceist:182. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration is being given to a dedicated or additional funding stream to address the unique challenges associated with peat-based roads in counties such as Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2848/26]
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 approximately 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Offaly County Council in conjunction with the Department of Transport have been working on a pilot project investigating the rehabilitation of roads over peat. The pilot project is to help identify innovative solutions in dealing with the issue of roads over peat.
Between 2022 and 2025, Offaly County Council has been allocated funding of €3,800,000 for this pilot project. Grant allocations for 2026 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
Greenways Provision
Ceisteanna (183)
Joe Cooney
Ceist:183. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date on each section of the West Clare Railway Greenway; the next steps to be taken for sections one and two; the plans for investment in sections three and four in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1450/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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). TII have informed me of the following:
Clare County Council are currently advancing the delivery of a greenway broadly along the line of the old West Clare Railway. The project aims to enhance recreation, leisure and amenities for local residents, while also offering a new sustainable tourism visitor experience in West & North Clare. By attracting visitors and promoting outdoor activity, the Greenway is expected to boost local employment and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
The proposed Greenway will be approximately 100km long, incorporating safe links to nearby towns and villages. Due to the scale of the project, it has been divided into four sections for delivery purposes;
Section 1 (Kilrush to Kilkee),
Section 2 (Ennis to Ennistymon),
Section 3 (Ennistymon to Miltown Malbay) &
Section 4 (Miltown Malbay to Moyasta),
Each section is progressing at different stages of the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) Project Management Guidelines (PMGs).
Section one (Kilrush to Kilkee), is currently the most advanced and is at Phase 3 of the TII PMGs ( Design and Environmental Evaluation) .The project is being progressed in line with the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways, all three non-statutory public consultations have been completed, covering the Study Area, Route Options, and the Emerging Preferred Corridor. Engagement with affected households and landowners is on-going and in general is progressing positively, with one-to-one negotiations well underway. Voluntary Land Acquisition Agreements will proceed throughout 2026 subject to funding, with the aim of reaching mutually beneficial outcomes. It is anticipated subject to funding that the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), Natura Impact Statement (NIS), General Alignment Drawings, and Land Acquisition documentation will be submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála in Q3 2026.
Section two (Ennis to Ennistymon) is at Phase 2 of the TII PMGs (Option Selection).The development of the Options Selection Report is ongoing. When completed (subject to funding), a preferred route corridor will be identified and published, with public consultation to follow. It is expected that this will take place in Q4 2026.
Sections three (Ennistymon to Miltown) and four ( Miltown Malbay to Moyasta) did not receive a grant allocation in 2025 due to funding and resource constraints.
It is anticipated that the National Greenway and Active Travel Grants allocations booklet will be published before the end of January, details of 2026 allocations for schemes will be contained within the booklet.
Air Services
Ceisteanna (184)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:184. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the reinstatement of the Derry to Dublin airlink, with clear timeframes. [1397/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to thank the Deputy for his continued interest in this matter. The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to engage with relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin and City of Derry airports.
My Department is progressing the preparatory work necessary to establish a Dublin-Derry Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service in 2026 and my officials are continuing to engage with the Department for the Economy (NI), the Department for Transport (UK), City of Derry Airport and the EU Commission.
I am happy to have the opportunity to provide the Deputy with an update on the establishment of this service, which will enhance connectivity for the North West of the island.
On 22 December my Department published an online market sounding survey. This survey seeks views from potential passengers and stakeholders on the specifications required to meet expected demand for the service in terms of aircraft capacity, fare structures, frequency and timing of services. While the survey will be open until 31 January, engagement to date has been very positive, confirming the interest in and recognised benefits of the PSO air service for stakeholders in Derry and the wider North West region.
It is anticipated that a tender for the PSO air service will be published by my Department this Spring with a view to services commencing by October 2026, or earlier if operationally feasible.
The Deputy will appreciate that following a public procurement process and the award of a contract to the successful bidder, sufficient time needs to be provided in advance of services commencing to allow the successful carrier to set up operations and sell fares. I can assure the Deputy that this current timeline is the optimal timeline to ensure that the detailed work required to establish a service on this route can be completed so that a new service can be launched successfully.
Like the Deputy, I too look forward to the delivery of this new service, which will complement the Exchequer funded Donegal-Dublin PSO air service which serves the West Donegal region. These services will jointly improve transport connectivity for the North West on the island and internationally and support opportunities for economic growth and in-bound tourism for the region.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (185)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:185. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport when the overdue funding will be released to bring the main N70 road in Cahersiveen town, and the footpaths, up to a safe and acceptable standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2853/26]
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 operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the N70.
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland.
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.
Road Tolls
Ceisteanna (186)
Pa Daly
Ceist:186. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the toll on the M50 is fit for purpose; if he has considered reversing the recent toll hike; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2735/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question regarding tolls 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.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (187)
Grace Boland
Ceist:187. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the measures in place to ensure clear and timely communication to passengers across all public transport providers during service disruptions and severe weather events given recent reports by commuters of communication issues (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2010/26]
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.
I understand that the disruption to public transport services caused by severe weather events can inconvenience, and unclear communications can cause frustration and stress to passengers. However, the dynamic and evolving nature of these events poses a significant challenge to operators across the board. I would like to emphasise that the NTA and our operators work very hard to make the most up to date information available to passengers and to ensure passengers have an awareness of dangerous conditions. Passenger safety is of the utmost importance and is always given the highest priority during severe weather events.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for further reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Taxi Regulations
Ceisteanna (188)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:188. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his request to the NTA to examine the fixed pricing model of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2228/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is already aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is the independent transport regulator of the SPSV sector, and I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of that sector.
I wrote to the NTA in November last to request clarification on the regulatory position on the Uber fixed price fare for the information of taxi operators and public representatives alike. In its response to my letter, I was advised by the NTA that the charging of a fixed fare is in accordance with the applicable regulations. I have also been advised that the NTA continues to keep the regulatory model under review. Senior officials from my department met with the NTA to discuss the response on 09 December 2025.
I also formally requested the urgent consideration of the matter at a special meeting of the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles, (whose role it is to advise the Minister for Transport and NTA on matters relevant to SPSVs and their drivers), which took place on 11 December last.
The structure of the SPSV market has undoubtedly changed over the last number of years, particularly in relation to the role of dispatch operators. With this in mind, I have requested that the NTA conducts a regulatory assessment of dispatch operator licensing in Ireland, in the context of ensuring that the regulatory framework for this element of the overall sector is sufficiently up to date and robust to respond to developments in the SPSV market, since the enactment of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. In addition, I have requested that all stakeholders are given the opportunity to feed into this work as soon as possible.
Road Tolls
Ceisteanna (189)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:189. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the rationale for increasing the tolls for cars on the M3 motorway on 1 January 2026, when tolls on other toll roads were not increased for cars; his views on whether this is unfair on M3 road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1406/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question regarding tolls 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.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (190)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:190. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the N53 project in County Louth and the possible interim plans to address safety at the Crossmaglen turnoff on the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2855/26]
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 on the status of the N53 project.
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.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (191)
Tony McCormack
Ceist:191. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to improve capacity, frequency and reliability on the Dublin–Galway rail line serving the three stations in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2849/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, the queries raised by the Deputy are operational matters for the company. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's questions 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
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (192)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:192. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the fare reduction scheme for children under nine years-of-age to include commercial bus operators, given that the scheme currently applies only to public service operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1759/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which regulates fares for services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.
As the Minister for Transport, my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as 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.
The previous Government decision did not include provisions for extending free travel for children under 9 to commercial bus operators. While the NTA is responsible for licensing commercial bus services, any decisions regarding fares charged by these services are managed by commercial operators themselves, who largely operate without any State subvention.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (193)
Pa Daly
Ceist:193. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of the electrified buses in operation by Dublin Bus; if he is satisfied that these are being used efficiently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2731/26]
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.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (194)
Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin
Ceist:194. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be announced for the N11/M11 Junction 4 to Junction 14 improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68400/25]
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 on the status of the N11/M11 project.
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.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (195)
Joe Neville
Ceist:195. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will ensure that the Dart + South West project, which was recently pushed back until 2030, will be reinstated with its original starting timeline as it is a desperately needed piece of infrastructure for Kildare north; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2862/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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. This will significantly enhance access to high capacity public transport across the GDA.
DART+ South West will extend DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston. A Railway Order was approved for DART+ South West by An Coimisiún Pleanála in November 2024. In addition, procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
The Government is committed to the delivery of major public transport projects. That commitment is evidenced by last year’s review of the National Development Plan which allocated a total of €24.3 billion in Exchequer funding to transport projects from 2026 to 2030.
Of this total allocation, funding of circa €10 billion for public transport infrastructure is earmarked from 2026 to 2030, in addition to the €2 billion for MetroLink, primarily in line with the Department’s NIFTI 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.
This is an unprecedented level of investment in transport and represents an almost 87% increase as compared to the last five-year period under the previous NDP. However, it also a simple fact that within any funding envelope, no matter how big, there are decisions required in relation to sequencing and prioritisation and those are the decisions that come with the responsibilities of being in Government.
Funding secured under this NDP will see construction start before 2030 on the DART+ programme, beginning with DART+ West, which is the crucial enabler of the rest of the programme and particularly DART+ South-West.
DART+ West must be advanced as it will provide the depot capacity for the new fleet to be used on South-West and also will provide the capacity in the city centre to allow for South-West services to proceed. The CPO processes for South-West will commence this year and aspects of the procurement frameworks put in place for DART+ West will be available for use on South-West when its main construction works commence, which I hope to accelerate through the additional NDP funding made available in 2028 onwards.
Related, my Department will also explore any EU funding which may become available to accelerate public transport projects.
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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (196)
Emer Currie
Ceist:196. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to ensure sufficient funding will be made available in 2026 for the provision of new bus services, to address performance and capacity issues on existing services, and to support the enhancement of existing bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2851/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. While my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide, it is the NTA that have the statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
In this context, I secured an unprecedented allocation of €940 million for PSO services in Budget 2026, a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from 2025. This allocation will ensure that existing public transport services can operate reliably and sustainably throughout the year in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs. The 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.
The 2026 allocation prioritises the advancement of ongoing programmes and commitments in line with operational readiness and resource availability. This includes the recently announced changes to route alignments under Phase 7 of BusConnects and the upcoming rollout of new town services in Mullingar in Q1 2026. Also included is €31 million for rural transport in 2026 – a 38% increase on last year’s funding. This ensures the continued delivery of vital services across rural Ireland, to meet demand in communities that depend on these services most.
My Department continues to engage with the NTA as they finalise their 2026 service plan, ensuring that planning and strategic decisions are informed by both operational and resource considerations.
Question No. 197 answered with Question No. 122.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (198)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:198. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the rail prioritisation strategy; the impact of not proceeding with the proposed new line between Clongriffin and Drogheda, which would have facilitated express services to Drogheda, Dundalk, Newry and Belfast; the plans to deal with the lack of car parking at rail stations on these routes, particularly with the loss of parking spaces at Clarke Station in Dundalk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2856/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Transport, together with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, published the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy in December 2025. This Strategy outlines how to best sequence and optimise the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published in July 2024.
The Rail Strategy specifies short-term rail infrastructure investments, referred to as Early Interventions, to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity, which are funded to be fully delivered by 2030. This includes the reinstatement of a passing loop at Mosney and increased use of a passing loop at Skerries, which will support quicker journeys between Dublin and Belfast. The Early Interventions in Ireland are fully funded.
The Strategy also identifies Major Projects to be progressed, involving intercity electrification and significant capacity upgrades on the rail network. These Major Projects include “FourNorth”, to add track capacity on the busy Northern line north of Connolly station; and electrification and line speed improvements on the Dublin-Belfast line. Projects such as the proposed new line between Clongriffin and Drogheda are intended to be developed in the longer-term.
In relation to car parking facilities, stations on the Northern Commuter line between Clongriffin and Dundalk have almost 1,700 spaces across ten stations, with Drogheda and Dundalk Stations amongst the largest car parks.
An issue developed in recent months with illegal parking on the access road to Dundalk station. The extent of parking had created safety issues in access for emergency services vehicles. As a result, double-yellow lines were put in place in October, and those parking illegally in this area will be subject to clamping.
The success of the expanded Enterprise train service has resulted in challenges for car park capacity in Dundalk, and Iarnród Éireann is examining opportunities to make some initial changes to yield even a small number of extra spaces.
Beyond this, Iarnród Éireann is reviewing its national car park network at present to identify stations most in need of additional capacity and will liaise with the National Transport Authority on priority locations. Timing of any expansion works will be subject to land availability and funding approval.
As Minister of 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 car parking, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (199)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:199. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on implementation of enhanced bus services for routes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2868/26]
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, including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. 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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (200)
John Connolly
Ceist:200. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the implementation of the new Galway Bus Network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2879/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities, including Galway. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The redesign of the bus network is one of the key elements of BusConnects Galway, which aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.
In 2023, the NTA carried out an extensive review of the bus network in Galway, in collaboration with Galway City Council, Galway County Council, local bus operators, and with the specialised expertise of transport designers Jarrett Walker and Associates. In April 2023, a draft new network was published, and the feedback and submissions received informed the final new bus network published in December that year.
The new bus network will enable more people to avail of public transport, resulting in increased access to a greater number of schools and workplaces across Galway City, Bearna, and Oranmore. Once this network is implemented, circa 67% of residents will live within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route (running every 15 minutes or better).
The NTA plans to commence the implementation of the new Galway bus network in the coming years, subject to funding and operational readiness. As part of BusConnects, the NTA is also advancing work on the Sustainable Transport Corridor, the Cross-City Link, which will improve travel times on the bus network and improve connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Other parts of the BusConnects programme, such as simpler fares, will be delivered with the new bus network.
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 with 10 days.