Written Answers Nos. 308-327
308. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for a detailed update on the Port of Cork phase 1 development at Ringaskiddy as part of Connecting Europe Facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5737/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, developers have 3.8GW of offshore wind energy projects in our planning system, with expectation for these projects to be in construction by 2030. The Government's Climate Action Plan also outlines longer term ambitions of 20GW of offshore wind energy by 2040 and 37GW by 2050, inclusive of fixed-bottom and floating wind farms. My Department is facilitating the commercial State ports in building enabling infrastructure to service this demand.
Considering this, the Port of Cork Company (PoCC), a commercial State port, commenced work on its development at Ringaskiddy in October 2024 and is expected to complete works on the first phase of their Marshalling and Assembly (M&A) facility for Offshore Renewable Energy, (ORE) in 2026, well in advance of demand by developers.
Port of Cork Company - Connecting Europe Fund overview
The proposed developments of two berth extensions at Ringaskiddy will ensure continued safe and reliable maritime access within the EU TEN-T network while also providing the necessary facilities to allow the port to act as a deployment hub for ORE projects.
PoCC plans to have the developments at Ringaskiddy operational and serving the ORE industry by 2027/2028.
PoCC was successful in its application for funding under the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding instrument, and has been awarded €38.42 million for their two-berth development at Ringaskiddy.
Port of Cork CORE 1 Project Update
Port of Cork Company is progressing the construction of the multi-modal berth CORE 1 at Ringaskiddy East. The berth represents Phase One of the multi-phase development planned at Ringaskiddy. The development consists of a single berth with depth of 13m, quay length of 200m and nearby laydown/quayside area and a storage yard.
The development will be the first port in Ireland with facility for ORE deployment and will allow the port to facilitate M&A in time for the phase 1 ORE projects in Irish waters. The facility will also be well placed to service future development projects which will come from the South Coast Designated Marine Area Plan. The time for substantial completion for the CORE 1 works is planned for mid-2026, well in advance of when it is expected to be required by ORE developers
309. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for a detailed update on the Rosslare Europort Maritime Area Consent planning application for its proposed ORE Hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra310. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for a detailed list of the ports, state-owned or private, that he is aware of that are either currently undergoing, or are likely to submit planning/funding requests in the near future, for expanding or upgrading port capacity for commercial activity or renewable energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5739/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 309 and 310 together.
I am aware of several Irish ports, including Commercial State ports, Local Authority ports and privately-owned ports, with plans and ongoing developments to upscale infrastructure to facilitate the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Industry.
In 2021, my Department published a policy statement on the facilitation of ORE by Commercial State ports in recognition of the need for additional port capacity to service the ORE industry. The policy statement endorses a multiport approach as the most optimal policy, facilitating a strong response from the ports sector and private entities within ports.
My Department has actively encouraged the Commercial State ports to consider the commercial opportunities associated with ORE. To this end, the ports have made significant progress developing ORE-based port projects to a mature stage.
In this regard, the Port of Cork is progressing the construction of the multi-modal berth 'CORE 1' at Ringaskiddy East. The berth represents Phase One of a multi-phase development planned at Ringaskiddy. The development consists of a single berth with depth of 13m, quay length of 200m, laydown/quayside area and a new storage yard.
Having received renewed planning permission in December 2025, the Port of Cork is exploring plans to progress the construction of the second berth at Ringaskiddy.
The Ringaskiddy development presently under construction will be the first port in Ireland with a workable facility for ORE deployment and will allow the port to facilitate Marshalling and Assembly (M&A) in time for the phase 1 ORE projects in Irish waters. The facility will also be well placed to service future development projects which will come from the South Coast Designated Marine Area Plan (DMAP).
In 2025, Rosslare Europort and the Port of Waterford both received Maritime Area Consents (MACs) for their planned projects and both have taken the critical step of submitting planning applications to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP). Each of these are also well placed to support Phase One ORE projects as well as the South Coast DMAP projects.
Rosslare Europort specifically has plans to develop:
• Two ORE purpose-built quays and berth of at least 200m length,
• A 20 ha (200,000m2) reclamation area for ORE quayside storage and preconstruction, and
• Capital dredging will be conducted on the fairway approaches to Rosslare Europort, increasing the depth to 10m.
It is envisaged by Rosslare Europort that construction could commence in 2027 with a two-year construction period. These dates are subject to a final grant of planning permission and confirmation of finance.
Port of Waterford specifically has plans to develop:
• A 250-metre extension to the existing wharves at Belview,
• extensive land reclamation, new quayside operator support facilities with workshops and warehouses, and
• berthing pontoons, and two separate three-storey office and staff buildings for ORE operators.
Furthermore, Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) has submitted a MAC application for their large-scale development at Foynes Island in 2025. The port is planning to service the development of the future floating industry on Ireland’s West Coast. Shannon Foynes is also stepping up international collaboration, creating the first global Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) Alliance with Port Talbot and the Port of Brest.
Certain local authority-owned ports also envisage a role in the ORE industry. The Department is aware of plans by:
• The Port of Galway and
• Drogheda Port Company (in collaboration with Ronan Group for the Bremore Port Project).
My Department is aware that ESB has plans to develop their power station at Moneypoint in the Shannon Estuary to service Floating Offshore Wind.
My Department is also aware that the following privately-owned ports are planning port projects to enable ORE development, including:
• Greenore Port, owned by Doyle Shipping Group, based in County Louth,
• Leahill Quarry Port in Bantry Bay, and
• Bremore Port project (a collaboration between Drogheda Port Company and Ronan Group).
It is my Department’s understanding that aside from Greenore Port, none of the above privately-owned ports have yet submitted a planning application for their respective developments. Greenore Port has secured planning permission for an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) facility to service future ORE projects in the Irish sea.
311. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the review of the National Ports Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5740/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Memorandum for Government on a draft text of the revision of the National Ports Policy 2013 (NPP) will be presented to Cabinet in Q1 2026.
Once approved, my Department will complete a public consultation on the draft policy in the first half of 2026. Thereafter the finalised draft will be returned to Cabinet for approval and then publication.
I look forward to the same level of stakeholder engagement with this second public consultation as was achieved during the first, which was based on a thematic Issues Paper to which over 70 responses were carefully assessed by officials in my Department.
312. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) Bill 2025; when this Bill will progress to the next stage. [5750/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 provisions included in this 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 Roads Act 1993 to provide a basis for the direct sharing of road traffic collision data with local authorities.
On 16 December 2025, Cabinet approved the inclusion of additional Heads for drafting. Two of the additional provisions were agreed with the Minister for Justice at the time of approving the General Scheme in April and will allow a jury to consider a charge of careless driving when a driver is acquitted of dangerous driving and allow safety camera van operators to provide certificate evidence in court.
Two additional provisions relate to the Road Traffic Act 2024. One is a technical amendment to local authority speed limit bye-law setting powers on national secondary roads and the other provides additional legislative clarity around how multiple penalty points from a single incident are to be applied to serve as a stronger deterrent to dangerous driving.
The fifth provision relates to the regulation of testing of autonomous vehicles. The final provision relates to the new CheckMyVehicle website, which will facilitate parties who might need to be assured of compliance, such as driver testers, driving instructors or car buyers, once the requirement to display a motor tax disc is removed.
The additional provisions were intended to be introduced at Committee Stage but, having now received Government approval, the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel will draft the provisions alongside the existing General Scheme and expedite its enactment, which is targeted within the first half of 2026.
313. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport whether the NTA have been provided with resources to increase local link services beyond the resources included in the connecting Ireland rural mobility plan in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5759/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations. The National Transport Authority (NTA) also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including allocating funding to Transport Coordination Units.
My Department supports the continued investment in rural transport in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to continue delivering on the foundational public transport services introduced under the flagship Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, with €31 million ringfenced for the rural transport programme, a 38% increase on last year’s funding.
Accordingly, the Department’s significant 2026 allocation prioritises the advancement of ongoing programmes and commitments in line with operational readiness and resource availability. 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.
314. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the local authorities which have benefitted from funding provided by the NTA and the quantity of funding provided for the development of the quiet street initiative in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5760/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
315. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to provide additional peak-time services on a bus route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5772/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case, Go-Ahead.
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.
316. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Transport if an investigation can be conducted of an inspection carried out at a test centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5832/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in my earlier responses, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006.
As the Deputy is aware, the RSA has contracted a third-party service provider to run the NCTS on its behalf, with the contract managed and overseen by the RSA's customer operations directorate.
The RSA have advised that this matter was investigated by the NCTS at the time and a number of responses were issued to the vehicle owner following the investigation. Information was provided to the vehicle owner outlining the NCTS Customer Complaints Procedure which also included information in relation to contacting the Independent Appeals Board (IAB) if the vehicle owner wished to do so. The IAB is provided by the Automobile Association (AA) on behalf of the RSA. The AA is fully independent in the exercise of this function, and its findings are binding on the RSA and NCTS.
317. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the details of all works completed since 2020 and all works planned for the period 2026 to 2030 at DART stations and platforms on the northside of Dublin (details supplied); the type of works carried out or proposed in each station; the year of completion or planned delivery; the current status and the funding source of each, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5850/26]
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 rail 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.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ Coastal North will provide an extension of DART services from Malahide to Drogheda.
The Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in August 2025.
The DART+ fleet project provides a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric train fleet. Three fleet orders have been placed comprising 285 battery-electric and electric carriages. 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 in Ireland 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, which will provide additional capacity on the line.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan published by my Department in November 2025 notes that there is also potential to commence works on elements of DART+ Coastal North, including supporting infrastructure such as track passing loops and a new platform at Drogheda station, prior to 2030, in advance of works on Overhead Line Equipment (OHLE).
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.
318. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a bus timetable could be erected at the bus stop in Dingle (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5859/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. The NTA also has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
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.
319. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the use of water taxis from Dublin Port along the River Liffey to Chapelizod as a means of public transport, similar to TFL operated river boats in London; if so, the estimated cost of establishing such a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5909/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of water taxis from Dublin Port along the River Liffey to Chapelizod would be a commercial decision for a private operator. Any such operator would be required to apply to the Marine Survey Office in my Department for a survey of any proposed vessel to ensure compliance with the applicable statutory requirements. In addition, relevant local authorities, Dublin Port Company, and other relevant bodies should also be consulted.
My Department is aware that a privately operated ferry service was in place in 2019, transporting passengers between three points along the River Liffey: the 3Arena, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, and the MV Cill Airne at North Wall Quay. The vessel was equipped to accept both Leap Card and cash fares. The service was supported by Dublin City Council and Dublin Port Company at that time; however, I have been advised that the service was not sustainable in that particular form and has since ceased operating.
321. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the total cost to the Exchequer in each of the years 2021 to 2025, inclusive, of bus replacement services provided on the Mallow to Cork rail line arising from engineering works, including works under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme; the funding subheads from which these costs were met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5954/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra322. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department receives routine or periodic cost reports from Iarnród Éireann in respect of bus replacement services funded through Infrastructure Manager allocations where rail lines are closed for engineering works; if not, the rationale for the absence of such reporting; and the oversight mechanisms in place to ensure value for money for Exchequer-funded service substitutions. [5955/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra323. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether he is satisfied that current governance arrangements allow adequate ministerial and departmental oversight of the frequency, duration, and cost of rail service suspensions replaced by bus services on the Cork to Mallow corridor; whether he intends to require enhanced reporting or approval thresholds for such substitutions; and if he will outline any changes planned in this regard. [5956/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 321, 322 and 323 together.
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 any bus replacement services provided on the Mallow to Cork rail line arising from engineering works, 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.
324. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport to clarify which authority is responsible for the monitoring and enforcement of disabled persons’ blue badge parking bays located in privately operated shopping centre car parks; if any statutory enforcement powers apply in such private settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5995/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the provision and physical location of disabled parking bays in private car parks, such as those attached to shopping centres and other commercial premises, is the responsibility of the car park's owner. These owners are entirely responsible for enforcing disabled spaces on their own property and for setting the requisite financial penalties.
325. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when the statutory fee for the release of a vehicle impounded by An Garda Síochána, currently €125, was last increased; the rationale for the current level of the fee; whether he has received representations from An Garda Síochána regarding concerns that the fee does not act as a sufficient deterrent, particularly in respect of repeat offending by learner drivers; and whether he will consider a review of the fee, including by reference to comparable charges in other jurisdictions. [6041/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic Act 1994 (Detention of Vehicles) Regulations 2011 (SI 460/2011) sets out An Garda Síochána's powers to detain mechanically propelled vehicles in use in a public place. These regulations were made following consultation with the Minister for Justice.
Under Regulation 3, a Garda may, for reasons set out in Section 41 of the 1994 Road Traffic Act, detain, remove and store a vehicle. Reasons for seizure under Section 41 include no valid driving licence, no valid insurance, no valid roadworthiness certificate and no motor tax.
Regulation 5 states the fees to be paid for release of a vehicle detained under Regulation 3. The fees are intended to cover the costs of detaining, moving and storing a seized vehicle, which are borne by An Garda Síochána.
The fees are specified in Department of Transport regulations as the reasons for seizure are offences under the Road Traffic Acts, which fall under the remit of the Minister for Transport. However, the fees are determined by An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice and are set on notification from the Minister for Justice to the Minister for Transport.
326. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the replacement for the disabled drivers and passengers scheme; the timeframe for the introduction of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6095/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports I wish to advise that the Department of Transport has been tasked with developing a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS). The VAS will be a reimbursement scheme, assisting with the additional cost of adapting a vehicle. The intention is that scheme will be open to drivers and passengers who have a clinically assessed need for vehicle adaptations to enable them to enter or exit a vehicle or to operate a vehicle.
Department of Transport officials are consulting with key stakeholders to develop the principles and parameters of the new scheme. As primary legislation will be required to underpin the scheme, it is not possible to provide a definitive timeline for its introduction.
The VAS is not intended to replace the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme, responsibility for which remains with my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
327. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend criteria of the disabled person's parking card scheme (blue badge) for people with autism, who despite being mobile, are in some cases at risk, rather than excluding them when they need this support, particularly parents with children with autism, who struggle in car parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6096/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that, at present, the disabled parking permit is available to people whose mobility is severely restricted, whether they are drivers or passengers.
The Deputy may wish to note however, that my Department is currently undertaking an extensive review of the Disabled Parking Scheme, with a particular focus on eligibility and need.
