Written Answers Nos. 281-300
281. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure in County Laois, along key commuter routes and in towns such as Portlaoise, Mountmellick and Abbeyleix; his plans to support the transition to low-emission transport in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3147/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.
While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, there is a vital need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging and installing EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs. This strategy is currently being revised with a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 to be published for consultation in the coming months.
The government has launched a number of schemes to provide for increased high quality charging on the national network - so -called LDV schemes which are administered by TII.
Under Phase 1 a total of 131 high-powered recharging points will be built across 17 recharging pools along motorways providing an additional 24,260 kilowatts (24 megawatts) recharging capacity.
Under Phase 2 of the scheme, a total of 175 high-powered recharging points will be built across 53 recharging pools along national primary roads, providing an additional 20,000 kilowatts (20 Megawatts) of recharging capacity.
Under Phase 3 a total of 192 high-powered recharging points will be built across the 90 recharging pools along national secondary roads, providing an additional 22,000 kilowatts (20 Megawatts) of recharging capacity.
These initiatives, which also include sites in Laois, will significantly expand high power charging availability across the national, regional and local road network, creating a more convenient and reliable system for drivers nationwide.
There is also a Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan. This plan, which focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging, was published in April 2025. The plan will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors. Laois has been identified under Region 2 with counties Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath, and Regional Lead Offaly.
A third initiative, the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme provides funding to install a network of publicly accessible chargers in communities nationwide through their local sports clubs. Included in the scope of the Scheme are 227 clubs of which 179 are in Ireland and 48 in Northern Ireland. There are 5 eligible clubs in Laois: Annanough GAA 1, Clonaslee St Manmans GAA 1, Park Ratheniska GAA Club 1, The Heath Golf Club 1, and The Heritage Golf Resort.
Government will continue to do what it can to facilitate the rollout of more chargers as having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
282. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the specific supports planned to strengthen rural transport services (including Local Link) in the Laois region; how funding allocations for 2026 compare to 2025; the position regarding enhancing rural mobility for older and economically disadvantaged residents in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3148/26]
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.
283. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport his plans to develop an integrated transport hub in Portlaoise that links rail, bus and active travel facilities; the engagement that has taken place with Laois County Council and local stakeholders; the expected benefits for sustainable regional transport in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3149/26]
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 development 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.
284. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding planned active travel (cycling and walking infrastructure) improvements in towns and villages in County Laois; the timeline and budgetary measures allocated for these works in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3150/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities are responsible for the development and delivery of individual projects.
In general, the main focus of active travel investment will be to support high quality walking and cycling infrastructure, for everyday trips, in villages, towns and cities, particularly in designated growth settlements, with a view to promoting the greatest potential modal shift to active travel.
Given the ramping up of activities over the last few years in the Active Travel area, the number of projects being progressed now exceeds the level of funding made available to the NTA. Accordingly, the NTA is unable to fully fund all proposed Active Travel projects and has to prioritise certain projects over others in order to remain within its allocated budget. While a project may not be selected by the NTA for funding in a particular year, it may be funded in subsequent years.
Of the 2025 funding, Laois County Council received €3 million. As part of the allocations determination, the NTA liaises with each local authority to fully understand the projects being proposed by the local authority and its considerations in terms of priorities.
I was delighted to secure a similar funding for Active Travel in Budget 2026, meaning that we can continue to progress walking and cycling projects around Ireland into this year. Local authority funding allocations for 2026 are due to be announced in the coming days.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question in relation to planned active travel improvements in Laois to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
285. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport if he has quantified the potential reduction in daily commuter traffic to Dublin that would result from stronger remote working rights; the associated benefits for road safety, congestion, and emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3151/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Transport published "The Economic Cost of Congestion in the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2040" in 2023. This report uses transport modelling to analyse the economic cost of congestion in Dublin in 2023, and also projects how congestion will evolve over the coming years.
The model considers an ‘alternate future scenario’ which assumes reduced demand due to remote working after Covid-19 pandemic. The costs under the ‘alternate future scenario’ are lower than the costs under the core scenario, approximately 9% lower in 2040. However, the analysis does not consider other associated costs or benefits from stronger remote working rights.
286. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport if he will carry out an urgent review of the Greenway Code of Practice involving all stakeholders, in light of concerns about consultation, compensation, and compulsory purchase orders; if he will ensure that future Greenway development protects property rights, rural livelihoods, and community wellbeing; the measures to improve transparency, engagement, and public confidence in these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3152/26]
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.
287. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport the total funding allocated to national, regional and local roads in County Waterford; and the amount drawn down each year, by project in each year from 2020 to 2025 in tabular form. [3164/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra288. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport the total funding allocated to national, regional and local roads for each local authority in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the amount drawn down each year, in tabular form. [3165/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 287 and 288 together.
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.
National roads allocations for years 2020 -2024 are available at: www.tii.ie/en/tii-library/reports-accounts/. Full details of national roads allocations for 2025 are available on the TII website: www.tii.ie/media/orbdngms/tii_local-authorities_2025-road-grant-allocations.pdf
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 those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
€713 million was allocated to Regional and Local Road Grants in 2025, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works. This represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding on 2024.
In 2025, Waterford City and County Council received an allocation of €23,618,750 for the maintenance and improvement of its regional and local roads network of which over €21m was allocated to road protection and renewal. The 2025 allocation included funding for one Strategic Regional and Local Roads Scheme: Rice Bridge and two Specific Improvement Grant Schemes: R680 Old Kilmeaden Road Safety Improvement and R675 East Boatstrand Road Realignment.
As regards the funding allocated to and drawn down by each local authority for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads in each of the years 2020 to 2025, details of the regional and local road allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library. The 2025 payments booklet will be available on the Oireachtas Digital Library shortly.
289. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport the number of scheduled bus services, cancellations and reliability rates affecting Waterford city and county PSO routes in 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [3166/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus 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.
290. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the Athenry relief road project; if the eastern section will progress in conjunction with the western rail corridor project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3183/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
Regional and local road grant allocations for 2026 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
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 by 2030, 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.
The Strategy also identifies Major Projects to be progressed for the longer-run, involving intercity electrification and significant capacity upgrades on the rail network. This includes the reinstatement of lines including the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris to Athenry. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan also includes funding to commence this reinstatement project.
291. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the additional services on the Maynooth line, per year, from 2016 to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3184/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra292. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the additional services on the commuter train lines serving Dublin, per year, from 2016 to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3185/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 292 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 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.
293. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport for an update on his Department's work with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to increase the maximum prison sentence for dangerous driving causing death from 10 to 14 years following a meeting with Minister of State at the Department of Transport (details supplied); and if he has now examined the practice in Northern Ireland whereby the maximum sentencing is 14 years. [3211/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad safety remains a core priority for me and the Government including ensuring that there are appropriate consequences for dangerous driving.
As the Deputy is aware, under section 53 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, if a person is convicted of dangerous driving causing death or serious bodily harm to another person, they can be imprisoned for up to 10 years or fined up to €20,000, or both. It is important to note that while my Department sets out the maximum penalty for dangerous driving through road traffic legislation, sentencing is a matter for the Courts Service.
The Department is developing the next Road Traffic Bill to fulfil Programme for Government commitments in relation to road safety, including graduated speeding penalties and camera-based enforcement of mobile phone and seatbelt offences. This Bill also presents an opportunity to consider other amendments to the road traffic acts, including around sentencing. In the preparation of the Bill, my Department will consult with relevant stakeholders and any proposal that may impact upon the courts and prisons will be developed in consultation with the Department of Justice.
Finally, the Deputy may wish to note that the Government has approved the General Scheme of the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill. The Bill will 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.
294. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 310 of 16 December 2025, if he will review further correspondence relating to an NCT matter and if he will make a statement to clarify the issue (details supplied). [3213/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in my previous response, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing (NCT) service under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006. The NCT service is required to be conducted in accordance with the requirements of European Directive 2014/45/EU which has been given effect in Irish law by means of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017), as amended.
As the Deputy is aware, the RSA has contracted a third-party service provider, Applus, to run the NCT service on its behalf, with the contract managed and overseen by the RSA's customer operations directorate. The service is subject to a regime of internal and external audits by the RSA Training & Standards Team, which is assisted by a Supervision Services Contractor and a Technical Inspection Services Provider to monitor the service provider’s adherence to key performance indicators and service level agreements. These external audit and assurance contractors are independent from the service delivery contractor.
As previously outlined, the NCT is designed for a particular purpose, which is to ascertain does a vehicle meet certain roadworthiness tests at a point in time. It is important to note that the NCT certificate issued at the time of the test does not confirm the condition of the vehicle for the duration of the certificate. It merely states that a NCT was passed on that date and when the next test is due.
I am satisfied that the NCT service is being conducted in accordance with the statutory requirements. My Department will continue to engage with the RSA on NCT service provision including quality control and monitoring, and any issues arising.
295. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Transport to ensure that Iarnód Éireann communicates live updates via their website rather than via a social media account (details supplied). [3216/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The 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.
296. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Transport to ensure that the NTA delivers the proposed additional 33D bus service for Donabate; if he will confirm that the active travel and road projects for Donabate can be delivered before 2027; and if the DART+ Coastal North include an upgrade and electrification for Donabate. [3229/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, please see below an update on transport related investment in the environs of Donabate.
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 (including the 33D service) in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Concerning rail, DART+ Coastal North provides an extension of DART services from the City Centre to Drogheda. Planning approval for DART+ Costal North was granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála in August 2025. The programme includes:
• An extension of existing overhead electric wires to Drogheda by approximately 37km;
• Reconfiguration of the existing track layout and associated infrastructure at Clongriffin, Malahide, and Howth Junction and Donaghmede stations;
• Construction of a new platform at Drogheda MacBride Station;
• Modifications to existing depots at Drogheda MacBride and Fairview;
• Undertaking upgrades to existing signalling, telecoms and power supplies to support the planned increase in train services; including the introduction of new electrical substations at key locations alongside the railway line including Donabate.
The Review of the National Development Plan (NDP) has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The NDP Sectoral Implementation Plan, which was published by my Department in November 2025, notes that there is potential to commence works on other elements of DART+ Coastal North, including supporting infrastructure such as track passing loops and a new platform at Drogheda station over the period 2026-2030, in advance of works on Overhead Line Equipment (OHLE).
DART+ Fleet provides a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet. Three fleet orders have been placed comprising both battery-electric and electric carriages, bringing the total number of DART carriages ordered to 285, made up of 57 five-carriage trains. The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started arriving and are currently undergoing certification and safety testing. It is intended that the new battery-electric sets will be initially deployed on the Northern Commuter Line serving Dublin to/from Drogheda from 2027
In relation to active travel, there are four key active travel projects in the environs of Donabate. An update on each project is set out below:
• Broadmeadow Estuary Cycle & Pedestrian Bridge – This project will be delivered in stages. Construction of the Broadmeadow Estuary Bridge took place in 2024, and construction of causeway works are expected to commence during the summer months of 2026 and continue into 2027. The Donabate and Malahide landward works will take place during a similar timeframe. Due to the seasonal constraints of working within the estuary, along with the technical challenges of building on the Northern Causeway, it is expected that the completion of the Broadmeadow Way will be in late 2027 or in 2028;
• Donabate Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge –Works were completed in 2025;
• Donabate Hearse Rd/Main Street/Portrane Road (Link 1 & Link 2) – This project is at optioneering stage with feasible design works and viable route identification to be continued into 2026;
• Donabate to Portrane – Options report for this project has been completed and the local authority is working with the NTA on project approval in 2026. Construction works are planned for 2029.
297. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding Dart southwest in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3248/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ programme.
The DART+ programme, which comprises five different projects in and around the GDA, will triple the length of the electrified network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours. 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.
298. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Transport if additional external lighting at Athy train station County Kildare to include a pedestrian crossing from the station will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3249/26]
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 Athy 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.
299. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the IT systems that will need to be changed to introduce the new provisions to restrict the use of multiple learner permits from 1 November 2026, as reported by the RSA to the Oireachtas Committee on Transport on 8 October 2025; and the proposed date for each of the 11 necessary changes to IT systems to be completed before the new system goes live on 1 November 2026. [3255/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra300. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the current number of second permit holders; if the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has written out to all second learner permit holders to inform them of the new rules (S.I. No. 527/2025) that will apply to them from 1 November 2026; if the RSA has informed them that application for a third learner permit will require them to have undertaken a driving test in the previous two years. [3256/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra301. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the current number of learner permit holders on their third or subsequent learner permit; if the RSA has written to these permit holders to inform them of the new rules (S.I. No. 527/2025) coming into effect on 1 November 2026; and if so, the details of what the RSA has communicated in these letters. [3257/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 299, 300 and 301 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service and for the administration and issuing of learner permits.
Accordingly, I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days. Pending that reply, I would note that the RSA has assured me that all necessary systems changes will be in place to allow for the new regime to be introduced as planned on 1 November 2026 and the Authority has committed to a communications and assistance campaign to engage with affected road users in the period since the regulations were announced through to November 2026, and beyond as necessary.
