Written Answers Nos. 262-280
262. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if representatives of affected landowners in County Galway can be included as stakeholders in the review of the code of best practice for national and regional greenways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2979/26]
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. This work includes identifying appropriate stakeholders to consult with as well as identifying the most suitable communication channels for all forms of consultation associated with the review.
263. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the Dublin Port 3FM infrastructure expansion project; and if he will confirm the level of engagement Dublin Port has had with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Dublin City Council (DCC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Transport Authority (NTA) with regards to the 3FM project. [3034/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department maintains strong communication channels with State-owned commercial ports at all times, and I am kept well informed on all matters, including infrastructural developments such as Dublin Port Company’s (DPC) Masterplan 2040.
DPC's core mandate is to facilitate international trade. It accounts for approximately 50% of all freight through Irish ports, with approximately €165 billion worth of imports and exports and 1.6 million ferry passengers using the port in 2024. DPC operates with a total of 265 hectares at its disposal and limited berth space to handle more than 15,000 vessel movements each year. It is already experiencing capacity pinch points, which its Masterplan 2040 aims to address to ensure the port stays ahead of projected demand.
DPC’s third and final Masterplan project, also known as the 3FM Project, involves the development of port lands on the Poolbeg Peninsula. It also includes the construction of a new bridge across the Liffey to provide a Southern Port Access Route for port-related HGV traffic. The 3FM Project will contribute significantly to the provision of active transport options in the vicinity of Dublin Port. It is proposed that a new Maritime Village and enhanced public and community amenities will be provided, along with 5.5 km of cycle and pedestrian routes across the Poolbeg Peninsula. DPC lodged its planning application for the 3FM Project with An Coimisiún Pleanála on 22 July 2024, and a planning decision is awaited. This is a project of strategic significance for the State by providing essential infrastructure required for international trade.
I am advised that DPC consulted very extensively with stakeholders in relation to the 3FM Project, undertaking detailed non-statutory engagement along with a robust statutory process. In this regard, DPC’s final design proposal contained within the planning application for the 3FM project reflects extensive public consultation and collaboration with stakeholders, including the port’s local community, customers, public representatives, State agencies, Government departments, and a wide range of public bodies to balance a range of commercial, community, heritage, and sustainability considerations. Included within this was extensive engagement with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the National Transport Authority (NTA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Dublin City Council.
264. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the work his Department is doing to ensure that the agreed pension increases for Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) pensioners will go ahead as planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3035/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department are currently engaging with CIÉ as well as financial advisors at NewERA, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members, including review of the relevant statutory instruments and the matter of increases to pension payments.
My Department and all relevant stakeholders are endeavouring to achieve the same at the earliest, keeping in line with the appropriate processes, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals.
266. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if a level crossing will be provided at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3060/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 any proposed level crossings, 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 direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
267. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the amount his Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in each of the years 2024 and 2025 respectively; to outline any expenditure on verification or premium accounts on the platform in those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3112/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has not spent any money on advertising or verification in the years specified with the platform specified.
As the information requested by the Deputy is retained by the agencies, I have referred your question to them for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
277. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the timeline and budgetary measures being taken to improve the frequency, reliability and capacity of public bus services serving towns and villages in County Laois, in light of continued population growth and demand for sustainable transport options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3143/26]
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.
Under Budget 2026, a funding package of €940 million was secured for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (a 43% increase from €658.442 million in 2025). This will further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, while maintaining targeted fares - including 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. €31 million was also secured for continued investment in the rural transport programme in 2026 – a 38% increase on last year’s funding.
The 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.
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.
278. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the plans, timeline and budgetary measures for upgrading Portlaoise Train Station and associated facilities (including accessibility, parking, and passenger amenities) to support increased rail usage and regional connectivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3144/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 any proposed works at Portlaoise train station, 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 direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
279. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the latest safety statistics for the M7 and M8 corridors passing through County Laois; the targeted safety improvements planned; when these will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3145/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the M7 and M8 corridors passing through County Laois.
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.
280. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the current status of planned upgrades and resurfacing works on the N80 and N77 regional roads in County Laois; the expected timeframe and budgetary measures for commencement and completion of these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3146/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of any works on the N77 and N80 national roads.
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.
