Written Answers Nos. 328-347
328. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to urgently convene a meeting between Iarnród Eireann, Bus Éireann, the new owners of a centre (details supplied) and Kerry County Council to explore the possibility of bus and train passengers going through the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6110/26]
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 and Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
329. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the MetroLink project including procurement and contracting stages; the revised delivery timeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6377/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.
The Railway Order for MetroLink was published by An Coimisiún Pleanála on October 2, 2025, representing a major milestone for the programme.
In November 2025, Government approved a policy proposal to establish a dedicated MetroLink delivery body and the preparation of legislation to give effect to this proposal.
As stated in the National Development Plan Review 2025, the Government will support MetroLink’s construction through €2 billion funding from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund.
A Detailed Project Brief and Procurement Strategy will be prepared for consideration at Approval Gate 2, in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation in the 2030s.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
330. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether he is aware of ongoing reliability and capacity issues on bus route 130; the steps being taken with the National Transport Authority to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6381/26]
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 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.
331. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the current stage of progression of the DART Northern Line project; the next milestones for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6384/26]
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 to arrive 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 the 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.
332. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether additional peak hour services are planned for bus route 130; the factors considered in service planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6388/26]
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 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.
333. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether he is aware of reports of cancelled or so called ghost bus services across the Dublin network; the steps being taken to improve real time information accuracy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6389/26]
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.
As the Deputy will be aware, the NTA is a non-commercial State body operating under the aegis of my Department. As with other State bodies under my Department I engage as appropriate with the Chair and the executive in relation to relevant issues, including those raised by the Deputy.
My officials have a structured engagement process with the NTA, including monthly meetings with senior management, quarterly governance meetings, and receive regular updates on policy and programme delivery.
I can assure the Deputy that the performance of all public transport operators is closely monitored by the NTA under their contractual arrangements. These contracts allow for not just the monitoring of performance and the publication of annual performance reports, but importantly, allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard. For example, if a bus service doesn’t operate due to circumstances within the operator’s control, a deduction is applied equivalent to the cost of the cancelled service.
On reliability, the NTA acknowledge there have been challenges - often due to traffic congestion, driver or mechanic shortages, or unforeseen incidents. My Department is working closely with the NTA to try to address these issues through initiatives such as the Public Transport Workforce Taskforce which aims to address recruitment challenges for drivers and mechanics; and planned improvements to the vehicle location system under Next Generation AVL, which will enhance the accuracy of real-time passenger information.
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.
334. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport the second phase of the proposed speed limit changes, that will see the introduction of a 30km/h speed limit in urban areas, will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6407/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing my direction, the Department of Transport issued a Circular to local authorities on 16 October 2025 requesting that they implement built-up and urban area speed limits no later than 31 March 2027, and in accordance with updated ‘Speed Limit Guidelines’.
The proposed speed limit changes in urban areas will be implemented by way of ‘special speed limit bye-laws’. Accordingly, in respect of those roads in urban areas where local authorities propose to change existing speed limits, the local authority will undertake a statutory public consultation process and consider all representations, in accordance with the requirements of the ‘Road Traffic Act 2004’, as amended. As the making of ‘special speed limit bye-laws’ is a reserved function, the speed limits on roads in built-up and urban areas will only be changed where a majority of the elected members vote to do so.
This approach recognises and respects the positive and important role local authorities, and the elected members, fulfil in setting speed limits in urban areas. It will allow local authority engineers, familiar with the roads and the local traffic conditions in their respective administrative areas, to review the existing speed limits, and to recommend changes to these speed limits, if appropriate, and with due regard to the procedures and the criteria set out in the ‘Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland’. Furthermore, the period of statutory public consultation will provide an opportunity for members of the public and all stakeholders to engage with the process and to make representations to the local authorities and the elected members on the proposed speed limit changes.
335. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if his Department recognises that members of the Irish Coast Guard, including volunteers in coastal units, may now join a union (details supplied) and seek representation through that union; when this was formally acknowledged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6421/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Coastal Unit Advisory Group (CUAG) consists of serving Coast Guard Volunteers elected by their peers to advocate on their behalf and is the sole body recognised by the Irish Coast Guard as providing a representative role in matters relating to serving Coast Guard Volunteers.
336. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if officials in his Department have engaged, or plan to engage, with a union (details supplied) regarding matters raised by Irish Coast Guard members who have recently joined the union; if so, the timeline for such engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6422/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoast Guard Volunteers play a vital and invaluable role in the Irish Coast Guard’s national response capacity. More than 900 volunteers, serving across 44 units along the length of the coast, are highly trained and equipped to respond to those in need or distress. The recognised advocacy body for these volunteers is the Coastal Unit Advisory Group (CUAG), which is composed of serving Coast Guard Volunteers elected by their peers to represent their interests. CUAG is the sole organisation formally recognised by the Irish Coast Guard as representing Coast Guard Volunteers.
The Irish Coast Guard remains in active and constructive dialogue with CUAG regarding a range of matters, with a shared commitment to improving the volunteering environment and the services delivered to the public.
337. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport the way his Department plans to ensure that Irish Coast Guard volunteers who have joined a recognised trade union can avail of independent representation in HR, welfare and disciplinary processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6423/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Coastal Unit Advisory Group (CUAG) consists of serving Coast Guard Volunteers elected by their peers to advocate on their behalf and provide a representative role in matters relating to serving volunteers. In addition, through robust policies and procedures, volunteers are provided with access to independent external HR advice in relation to grievances, complaints, and disciplinary matters, as well as welfare supports, including access to counselling services.
338. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he acknowledges the long standing HR difficulties reported by volunteers within Irish Coast Guard coastal units; the steps being taken to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6424/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoast Guard Volunteers play a vital and invaluable role in the Irish Coast Guard’s national response capacity. HR-related issues within Coast Guard Units are rare, with minimal numbers engaged in a process. Where such matters do arise, the Irish Coast Guard is committed to addressing them fairly, consistently and in a timely manner. A range of supports are employed to facilitate effective resolution, including mediation where interpersonal issues are identified.
The Irish Coast Guard places a strong emphasis on developing people management capability within Coast Guard Units. Robust HR training is recognised as a core component of leadership development, and dedicated people management training is therefore provided to support effective leadership and communication.
339. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if his Department recognises that Irish Coast Guard volunteers are considered workers under health and safety and workplace policy frameworks while on duty, training, or active service; the way in which this status will interact with their access to union representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6425/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe health and safety of volunteers is a fundamental priority of the Irish Coast Guard operations. Coast Guard Unit volunteers operate within a safety management system that is certified to the ISO 45001 standard, an internationally recognised framework for the effective management of occupational health and safety. The Irish Coast Guard maintains strong and ongoing engagement with the Coastal Unit Advisory Group (CUAG) in its representative role on matters affecting serving Coast Guard volunteers, including the development and continuous improvement of the safety management system.
340. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if his Department plans to establish a formal framework for engagement with representative bodies and recognised unions representing members of Irish Coast Guard coastal units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6426/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Coastal Unit Advisory Group (CUAG) terms of reference is the existing framework for engagement between the Irish Coast Guard and CUAG. CUAG, consisting of serving Coast Guard Volunteers elected by their peers to advocate on their behalf, is the sole body recognised by the Irish Coast Guard as representing Coast Guard Volunteers. The CUAG terms of reference set out the platform of engagement between the Irish Coast Guard and CUAG on matters impacting on the performance of search and rescue activities in which volunteers are engaged, as well as providing CUAG members with a representative role in matters relating to serving members.
341. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has assessed the potential positive impact of union representation on retention, morale, and operational stability within Irish Coast Guard units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6427/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Coastal Unit Advisory Group (CUAG) consists of serving Coast Guard Volunteers elected by their peers to advocate on their behalf and is the sole body recognised by the Irish Coast Guard as representing Coast Guard Volunteers. The Irish Coast Guard remains in active and constructive dialogue with CUAG regarding a range of matters, with a shared commitment to improving the volunteering environment and the services delivered to the public.
342. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he has received requests from organisations (details supplied) for meetings regarding the representation of Coast Guard volunteers; if so, the status of these requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6428/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coast Guard remains in active and constructive dialogue with the Coastal Unit Advisory Group (CUAG), the Coast Guard volunteer representative body, through a regular cadence of meetings regarding a range of matters, with a shared commitment to improving the volunteering environment and the services delivered to the public.
Representation for volunteers must be channelled through CUAG. Officials within my department are not aware of requests from other organisations
343. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the status of the delivery of the 35 Pathfinder Programme projects (details supplied) under the National Sustainable Mobility Policy 2022-2025, in tabular form. [6485/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) Pathfinder Programme (2022 - 2025) was established to showcase a diverse range of exemplar transport projects, and to demonstrate the enormous potential of sustainable mobility to local communities. A key feature of the Programme was a bottom-up approach, with local leadership being key to delivery, predominantly through local authorities in conjunction with local communities.
The objective of the Programme was to build capacity for change and to encourage project leads to demonstrate potential for innovation. The Programme did not have a specific budget so my Department does not monitor spend for each of the projects per se. From the outset, Pathfinder projects were obliged to have funding pathways in place. Some of the projects were funded through existing programmes such as the Active Travel Investment Programme which is managed by the National Transport Authority. The Department has however monitored progress at a Programme level with a view to identifying issues hindering progress and seeking to find solutions as well as highlighting successful delivery. As such, the specific information sought by the Deputy is not available in the requested format.
Nonetheless, I can advise the Deputy that substantial progress was made over the lifetime of this innovative Programme. Key behavioural change programmes were rolled out, including the Smart and Sustainable Mobility Accelerator Programme, which worked with Local Authority staff members, Councillors, academics and members of Public Participation Networks to develop capacity to support the implementation of smart and sustainable mobility projects. The Smarter Travel Mark, established by the NTA, was also a crucial Pathfinder project, supporting the promotion of sustainable travel among workplaces and campuses.
One of the most innovative Pathfinders was the establishment of the country’s first fully electrified town bus service in Athlone. This project provided clean and green public transport services for the town and paved the way for a similar transition in other services across Ireland – most notably in Limerick, which followed in 2024.
In terms of Active Travel, Longford County Council led by the way by delivering three new routes as part of a new town cycle network. High quality projects were also delivered by South Dublin County Council, including the D24 Neighbourhood Cycle Network; and by Dún-Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, who completed the Glenageary Road Upper Cycle Route. Several sections of the Cork to Waterford Intra-Urban Demonstrator project were also completed, as were the first sections of the Newtown Road route in Wexford and the Carlow to SETU Pedestrian and Cycle Scheme.
The Pathfinder Programme concluded at the end of 2025. My Department intends to review the outcomes from this initiative over the coming months and to capture any learnings in a final report, which I would be happy to share with the Deputy when complete.
344. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the dates he or his officials met with an organisation (details supplied) or bodies representing that organisation between 2020 and 2026, in tabular form. [6495/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra345. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide the dates he or his officials met with an organisation (details supplied) or bodies representing that organisation between 2020 and 2026, in tabular form. [6496/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra346. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide the dates he or his officials met with taxi drivers or bodies representing taxi drivers between 2020 and 2026, in tabular form. [6497/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 344, 345 and 346 together.
Dates Minister / His Officials met with Uber, Lyft & taxi drivers/bodies representing taxi drivers between 2020 and 2026.
|
Year |
Uber |
FREENOW by Lyft |
Taxi Drivers/Bodies representing Taxi Drivers |
|
2020 |
N/A |
N/A |
30 July 2020*
25 June 2020* |
|
2021 |
N/A |
N/A |
29 April 2021*
25 November 2021* |
|
2022 |
10 June 2022 |
N/A |
N/A
|
|
2023 |
28 February 2023
29 November 2023 |
11 October 2023 |
23 February 2023*
08 November 2023 |
|
2024 |
23 July 2024 |
12 June 2024 |
31 October 2024* |
|
2025 |
02 July 2025
09 October 2025 |
N/A |
29 May 2025* 18 June 2025 27 November 2025* 11 December 2025* |
|
2026 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
*Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles attended by Minister and/or representatives.
347. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for details on the termination of a bus service (details supplied); whether a similar service is envisaged in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6504/26]
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 Dublin Bus.
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.
