Written Answers Nos. 348-367
348. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport to report on the work of his Department in trying to address traffic congestion levels in Dublin while awaiting the delivery of public transport projects, following the publication of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report which highlights the significant effects traffic congestion has on Dublin. [6505/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra350. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has data on traffic congestion in Dublin; and if car journeys in Dublin are taking longer when compared to the past five years. [6508/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra351. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport the way in which his Department is working to account for traffic congestion that has been displaced by active travel and road narrowing works. [6509/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 348, 350 and 351 together.
As Minister for Transport, I acknowledge that Dublin is facing congestion challenges. I also recognise the impact of congestion on socio-economic factors as well as personal health and well-being.
Encouraging a shift from private cars to public transport is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The funding provided in the NDP Sectoral Implementation Plan will see significant advancements in public transport projects in Dublin as well as across Ireland, which will help tackle congestion by making public transport more accessible, reliable, and affordable.
The Review of the National Development Plan (NDP) published in July 2025 allocated €22.3 billion in Exchequer resources to the transport sector from 2026 to 2030, with an additional allocation of €2 billion from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to support the development of MetroLink. This is an unprecedented level of investment in the transport sector and represents an almost 87% increase as compared to the last five-year period under the previous National Development Plan.
The Sectoral Plan provides for the further implementation of the BusConnects Dublin Programme. The major infrastructure element of BusConnects Dublin is the construction of Core Bus Corridors. An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for all 12 Core Bus Corridor Schemes.
The first of these, the Liffey Valley to City Centre scheme, entered construction in 2025 and is due to be completed in 2028. The second scheme, Ballymun-Finglas to City Centre, was approved by Government in late 2025 and will enter construction in the coming months. The Sectoral Investment Plan will support the construction of these and at least two additional schemes between 2026 and 2030.
In addition, funding provided in the Sectoral Investment Plan will support the ongoing electrification of bus depots and the purchase of further zero emissions electric buses.
In relation to MetroLink, An Coimisiún Pleanála published its decision to grant the MetroLink Railway Order in October 2025. This decision was subsequently subject to legal challenge, which has now been withdrawn. I warmly welcome the decision to withdraw the legal challenge, as we now have full planning permission and funding in place to move MetroLink forward towards procurement and construction.
An Coimisiún Pleanála also granted the Railway Order for the Luas Finglas extension, with conditions, in October 2025. Regarding the current status, I can advise that three separate judicial review applications have been submitted on the project and this is under examination.
Similarly, funding secured under the new 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.
Funding in the Sectoral Plan will also allow the CPO processes for South-West to commence this year and aspects of the procurement framework 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.
The Department of Transport will continue to explore opportunities for additional funding, including through funding streams such as the European Union Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), to complement national Exchequer funding which may allow some projects to proceed to construction earlier than currently anticipated.
In terms of public transport services, the 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940 million represents a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from 2025. This reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that public transport services can continue to operate reliably and sustainably in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) plays a central role in achieving this, as they have 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, in conjunction with transport operators, continuously monitors key performance indicators, including punctuality, reliability, demand, and passenger feedback. Where necessary and feasible, routes and timetables are adjusted to help address issues like congestion and improve service performance. Recent announcements for changes to routes introduced under Phase 7 of BusConnects demonstrates the NTA’s commitment to ongoing monitoring and responsive service adjustments.
Crucially the PSO funding allocation for 2026 will also allow for the continued delivery of targeted fare initiatives, including the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9, and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA’s National Fares Strategy. These measures help ensure effective and high-quality public transport service provision.
Passenger numbers on public transport services have shown strong growth in recent years, with numbers trending at plus 9% in 2024 versus 2023. A significant milestone was reached in October 2024 when PSO services recorded one million journeys in a single day. It is too early in 2026 to provide a full report on 2025 usage; however, interim data indicates significant additional passenger growth. For example, Dublin Bus recorded 164 million journeys in 2025, an increase of 5 million on 2024 and the highest annual total on record. We remain fully committed to building on these positive changes and delivering a public transport system that is reliable, accessible, and affordable for everyone.
As well as significant investment in public transport and other sustainable options, my Department is finalising a new national transport strategy, ‘Moving Together’. One of the aims of this draft Strategy is to make our transport system more efficient and to facilitate greater network optimisation over time, thus helping to reduce the impacts of congestion on the economy, the environment, and public health.
By reducing congestion in our cities and towns, we will also reduce harmful emissions, and improve the air quality, safety and liveability of our urban spaces. This Strategy, which I hope to bring to Government for consideration shortly, will help to reinforce the full potential of ongoing investment in sustainable mobility alternatives, and support local effort in addressing the challenges caused by high traffic areas in our cities, such as Dublin City Council’s strides to reduce congestion as part of the Dublin City Transport Plan.
Concerning road network data, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to traffic congestion levels in Dublin.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply on congestion levels. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Concerning Active Travel, the Department of Transport will allocate €360 million in 2026 alone to the development and delivery of high-quality active travel and greenway schemes across the country. The four local authorities in Dublin will collectively receive €97.65 million for walking and cycling projects to encourage a move away from private car use for journeys in the local authority area.
This funding will support projects such as new cycling and walking infrastructure along North Circular Rd, the Firhouse Road Active Travel Improvement Scheme, the Broadmeadow Estuary Cycle & Pedestrian Bridge, as well as Dun Laoghaire Rathdown’s Central Active Travel Scheme, alongside many others. Nationwide approximately 1,200 active travel and greenway schemes will be supported this year.
The delivery of all these planned schemes should encourage people to leave the car behind, where possible, therefore decreasing congestion levels and improving journey times for commuters and visitors to the city centre.
Additionally, projects implemented as part of the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan, such as the pedestrianisation of Parliament Street and Capel Street have successfully demonstrated the benefit of providing safe, segregated and aesthetically pleasing areas for people to walk and spend time in car free areas.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) are responsible for the oversight of active travel projects delivered by local authorities. A key part of the planning of these projects is the implementation of traffic management measures, where possible, to minimise the disruption caused by construction works.
For more information on the NTA’s action to reduce disruption caused by construction works, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for a more detailed response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response after 10 working days.
349. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff employed in active travel teams or working on active travel projects in each local authority, in tabular form. [6506/26]
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.
There has been a significant increase in recent years in the number of filled positions across Local Authorities for technical roles in the delivery of Active Travel infrastructure, reflecting the substantial increase in funding and project delivery since 2020. Currently around 240 staff are in place across the 31 local authorities who are dedicated to the delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure projects around the country.
Since 2022, full allocation spend has been achieved under the NTA's Active Travel Programme and it is therefore considered that the current level of recruitment within the Active Travel teams is sufficient; however the NTA continue to monitor the staffing levels with a view to maintaining this optimum level going forward, ensuring a continuous high level of project delivery in the coming years.
Separately, the 2009 National Cycling Policy Network set out the requirement for Local Authorities to assign an officer at an appropriate senior level to act as an Active Travel Officer (ATO), also known as Walking and Cycling Officers; many Local Authorities employ an ATO from before the commencement of the current NTA Active Travel resourcing programme in 2021.
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.
352. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has data for the number of people cycling and walking rather than taking a car or public transport for each of the years 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [6510/26]
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.
In terms of Active Travel, there are several sources of data for the number of people cycling and walking rather than taking a car or public transport; however these data sources mainly measure transport mode share rather than changing transport habits which would demonstrate modal shift from car or public transport use to active travel modes.
The primary source of national data available is through the National Household Travel Survey which was previously carried out by the NTA every four years, but moved to an annual basis since 2022. This Survey provides a comprehensive picture of daily travel habits of Irish residents. This Survey shows that mode share has remained largely static since 2018, per table below.
|
|
2018 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Walking |
18% |
19% |
18% |
18% |
|
Cycling |
3% |
2% |
2% |
2% |
|
Public Transport |
5% |
5% |
5% |
5% |
|
Driving |
73% |
73% |
74% |
74% |
Other data sources look at more specific areas, such as the Walking and Cycling Index (WACI). This is an independent survey based on local walking and cycling data and modelling and is the largest assessment of walking and cycling in Ireland's five cities. The WACI is produced every 2 years by Sustrans in partnership with the NTA. The first report was carried out in Dublin only in 2021, and was widened to include Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford in 2023.
The 2025 reports are due for publication towards the end of Q1 2026. This means that comparative data is only available for Dublin. This shows that the percentage of people who cycle at least once a week has remained static at 25% in both 2021 and 2023, while there has been an increase in the number of people walking or wheeling at least once a week from 64% in 2021 to 71% in 2023. Interestingly, this survey also measures people's attitudes to transport, and the 2023 report showed that 49% of respondents wanted to walk or cycle more while 23% wanted to drive less.
Lastly, the NTA's annual Canal Cordon report is an annual study tracking how people commute into Dublin city centre. The following table outlines the results of this study for the years 2018-2023 inclusive by active travel, bus and car; other modes including taxi, goods vehicles, motorbike are not included below:
|
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Walking |
23,858 |
24,691 |
9,235 |
13,103 |
16,951 |
17,820 |
|
Cycling |
12,227 |
13,131 |
4,756 |
7,597 |
9,486 |
9,406 |
|
Bus |
1,837 |
1,852 |
1,683 |
1,663 |
1,642 |
1,669 |
|
Car |
48,820 |
46,388 |
35,041 |
39,088 |
40,207 |
39,698 |
353. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will produce guidelines for non-statutory consultations for local transport projects that do not fall within Part 8 consultation requirements. [6511/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraConsultation is a critical component of project delivery, providing a mechanism to gather input from stakeholders to improve the quality of decisions. As such, effective public and stakeholder engagement is a Strategic Objective in the Department’s Statement of Strategy. Nevertheless, the depth of engagement should align with the scope and complexity of the project in order that the process remains effective, legitimate, and trusted.
Consultation is a fundamental element of the 'Part 8' planning application process under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) for developments undertaken by Local Authorities. It is mandatory that notice of the proposed development is given in the public press and that a Site Notice is erected. A period must also be given to allow for submissions or observations which are captured in a report presented to the Elected Members of the Council.
For projects that do not fall under Part 8, I am given to understand that many local authorities typically undertake consultative exercises that align or indeed surpass Part 8 requirements. These include, but are not limited to, information evenings, focus groups, letter drops, emails, presentations, videos and social media strategies. It is also important to highlight the wide scope of local transport projects that do not fall within Part 8 consultation requirements; these can range from minor works, such as a new pedestrian crossing, to multi-kilometre active travel schemes. It would be very challenging to devise guidelines that capture the breadth and complexity of projects that do not fall within consultation requirements.
Noting the above, as well as the fact that many local authorities are already in practice consulting beyond their legal requirements, it is not currently proposed that the Department of Transport would produce guidelines for non-statutory consultations for local transport projects that do not fall within Part 8 consultation requirements beyond what has already been published.
The Department is committed to public consultation and cultivating community buy-in when it comes to the implementation of transport projects. As such, we will continue to work with our agencies to ensure appropriate levels of public consultation are conducted with transparency, diligence, and professionalism.
354. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if road design guidelines have taken into account the larger size of cars, given the discontinuation of a number of small sized car lines. [6512/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe design of roads in Ireland is governed by a suite of TII standards, along with other guidance documents such as the Design Manual for Urban Roads (DMURS). All standards and guidelines are kept under regular review and updated as required to reflect national policy, legislation, technical developments, international best practice and objectives related to safety, sustainability and climate. The National Guidelines and Standards Oversight Group comprises of members from the Department of Transport, TII, NTA, CCMA and local authorities. This group works together to ensure greater collaboration and alignment between the different bodies working in the roads and transport area, including the management of standards and guidelines which underpin infrastructure design, construction and maintenance. The group have a number of objectives, which includes the identification of possible gaps in standards, or where new standards may be required.
While some manufacturers may have discontinued certain small car models, Government transport and climate policy continues to prioritise reduced emissions, improved road safety, and sustainable mobility. These policies emphasise vehicle efficiency, reduced car dependency, and street designs that primarily support pedestrians, cyclists and public transport rather than increased accommodation for larger private vehicles. Vehicle trends will continue to be monitored by the Department of Transport and TII to ensure that national road design standards and guidelines remain appropriate while also aligning with policy objectives.
355. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has ensured that best practice procedures are currently in place across local authorities in implementing active travel projects. [6513/26]
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.
The NTA work with local authorities to allocate funding at project level under the Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme, ensuring that projects are delivered in line with agreed technical guidance including, but not limited to, the Cycle Design Manual and the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, by monitoring and overseeing their development.
In addition, the NTA have developed Cost Management Guidelines for projects of various sizes, to assist local authorities with the development of appropriate budgets in line with the requirements of the NTA Project Approval Guidelines. These Guidelines are updated on a regular basis, and local authorities are encouraged to consult these during project development.
At a Department level, Department officials meet regularly with NTA to stay informed about progress under the Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme. Formal quarterly meetings are held to reflect on the progress made over the previous three months, as well as informal weekly meetings.
Lastly, under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding, the NTA have committed to informing the Department of any issues arising with specific projects or the Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme in general as a matter of urgency, to ensure that all parties are up to date on matters relating to the Programme.
Noting the role of the NTA in providing guidance to local authority in relation to active travel project delivery, 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.
356. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department have conducted any analysis as to if recent active travel improvements have made material improvements in pedestrian and cyclist safety and decreased the number of road traffic accidents. [6514/26]
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.
Since 2021, over €1 billion has been invested in walking and cycling projects across the country. €290 million was allocated to the NTA's Active Travel and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme in 2026, which will be invested in around 1,000 projects nationwide.
Over 1,000 km of walking and cycling infrastructure has been delivered by the NTA and local authorities since 2021. This investment has been mainly in our cities, towns and villages with a view to enhancing the safety and accessibility of active travel infrastructure and making walking or cycling a safe and viable transport mode for those who wish to choose them.
Additionally, in 2023, the NTA published the Cycle Design Manual (CDM). The CDM drew on the experience of delivering cycling infrastructure across Ireland over the previous decade, as well as learning from international best practice. The CDM was guided by the need to deliver safe cycle facilities, for people of all ages and abilities as research has consistently shown that safety, including road safety and personal safety, is the typically the biggest barrier when it comes to encouraging more people to cycle.
In terms of analysis, it is the intention of the NTA to allocate funding in 2026 towards a new Collision Investigation and Prevention programme, which will use newly acquired Road Safety Authority (RSA) collision data around pedestrian and cycle incidents to identify ‘locations of interest’. The NTA will analyse the data and engage with relevant local authorities to develop, design and install preventative measures to improve safety.
357. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will work with the Department of Education and Youth to encourage making the driver theory test a mandatory part of transition year educational curriculum. [6515/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service including all testing matters, and for the advancement of education specific to the safe use of roads. In that regard, the RSA transition year education programme 'Road Safety Matters' does not fall under the direct control of the Minister, or the Department of Transport.
I am, however, informed that the RSA is working on the development of a theory test portal for schools. This work supports a Department of Education-led action in the Phase 2 Action Plan of the Government's Road Safety Strategy, to explore the feasibility of providing transition year students with access to theory test educational materials. Following piloting of this portal and access to materials, it may in time be extended to all participants in the Road Safety Matters programme.
358. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the H-spine bus route, which was the first BusConnects spine route created, does not have a 24-hour service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6530/26]
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.
359. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will provide the National Transport Authority with the resources to provide rural communities and local authorities with a reasonable level of minimum service and allow local groups the autonomy to design their mobility options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6532/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing 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.
360. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the reason the commencement of the new L13 bus service between Kilternan, Stepaside and Sandyford has been delayed; when it will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6533/26]
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.
361. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the engagements he has had with the Stormont executive in relation to the A5 road scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6543/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have met the Stormont executive in relation to the A5 on two occasions.
The planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the authorities in Northern Ireland.
The funding arrangements in relation to the A5 were governed by the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start, and under this Agreement the Government had previously committed to provide funding of £75 million towards the cost of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland was concluded. It was announced on February 20th 2024 that as part of Government funding commitments for Shared Island projects, €600 million was being committed for the progression of the A5 project.
The planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the authorities in Northern Ireland. As such, the matter of the overall cost of the project is for the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It estimates that the total scheme cost for the A5 project is c. £1.6 billion. I can confirm that my Department regularly engages with colleagues in the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. These engagements consider a range of North/South transport proposals, including the A5.
The A5 project was approved by the Northern Ireland Executive on October 2nd 2024. On the 30th of June 2025, the High Court overturned the decision by the Department of Infrastructure to proceed with the first phase of the A5 dual carriageway project. I understand that the Department for Infrastructure has lodged an appeal against this judgement, which is currently underway.
362. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the lack of clear and audible public address announcements at DART stations particularly in relation to service delays and platform changes; the standards in place to ensure accessibility for passengers who are visually impaired; the steps being taken to improve the clarity and reliability of announcements across the DART network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6581/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra363. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of all DART stations indicating whether a fully functioning audible public address announcement system is in place at each station; whether any stations currently have partial or non-functioning systems; the timeline for remediation where deficiencies exist, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6582/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 363 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.
364. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to ongoing and seriously dangerous driving behaviour at a location (details supplied) particularly during school arrival and departure times; the measures currently in place, or planned by his Department in conjunction with the National Transport Authority and local authorities to improve road safety at this location; whether additional traffic calming enforcement pedestrian and cycling safety measures will be considered to protect students walking and cycling to the nearby national school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6583/26]
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.
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 932 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. Schools are processed in tranches, with 4 rounds having been announced to date.
Our Lady of Consolation National School was selected in Round 1 of the programme with works at the school having been completed in 2023.
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.
365. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department is taking to address dangerous driving behaviour in the vicinity of primary and post-primary schools nationwide; whether any targeted road safety or driver awareness campaigns are planned or underway focusing on school zones and student safety; the way in which these initiatives are being coordinated with local authorities and An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6584/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the promotion of road safety, including awareness campaigns and education. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed response in this respect. Please contact my office if a response is not received within ten days.
Pending this more detailed response, the Deputy may wish to note that the RSA has been directed to ringfence €18m for investment in road safety public interest work in 2026, maintaining the 2025 level of investment in this important area and ensuring that one-off expenditure increases in 2023 and 2024 are now embedded in budgeting and business planning.
There is close cooperation between my Department, An Garda Síochána and local authorities on road safety matters. Along with a range of other important stakeholders, both An Garda Síochána and the local authority sector, through the County and City Management Association, are represented on the Road Safety Leadership Group. I chair this Group, which meets quarterly to oversee implementation of the all-of-Government Road Safety Strategy. In addition, there is extensive official level engagement with both An Garda Síochána and local authorities in a range of areas, including the implementation of the 2023 Speed Limit Review. Changes to default speed limits on rural, local roads were implemented last February and the next phase, targeting urban roads, is now underway. In relation to road safety at schools in particular, a future phase will specifically seek to introduce safer periodic speed limits at schools.
The Safe Routes to School Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones. The programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA).
366. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport the role of the Marine Survey Office in investigating fatalities or serious incidents involving Irish-registered fishing vessels; the number of such investigations initiated in the past five years; whether all incidents involving loss of life have been fully investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6590/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a serious incident or fatality on board an Irish-registered fishing vessel, the Marine Survey Office (MSO), a division of my department, will investigate the incident to establish the safety of the vessel's crew and the safety of the vessel and whether it is fit to proceed to sea. The MSO will also investigate whether the incident was caused due to a breach of safety regulations. If, during the course of an investigation, breaches of the regulations are found to have taken place, appropriate enforcement action may be taken, including prosecution under the appropriate legislation. All incidents involving loss of life which occurred as a result of a breach of safety - whether navigational, mechanical or relating to crew training - are investigated fully by the MSO. Thankfully, the number of fatalities has dropped significantly in recent years and the MSO has only one current case involving a fatality before the courts at present.
367. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport the way in which his Department and the Marine Survey Office ensure that skippers and crew of fishing vessels operating from Irish ports have the necessary training and certification for safe operation, including radio communications and emergency procedures; whether language and communication barriers have been identified as a safety risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6591/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s training and certification system for fishing vessel personnel is set out in the Fishing Vessels (Certification of Deck officers and Engineer officers) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 313 of 2023) which applies to fishers serving aboard fishing vessels that are 15m in length overall and over. The Department of Transport issued Marine Notice No. 41 of 2023 that sets out the details and the effect of these regulations. Additionally, the Merchant Shipping (Musters) (Fishing Vessels) Regulations, 1993 (S.I. No. 48 of 1993) applies to fishing vessels of 16.5m and above in length and provides for the holding of regular musters, the preparation for emergencies, the regular inspection and maintenance of life-saving and fire-fighting equipment and the recording of particulars of each in vessels' logbook. The Department has published the Code of Practice for the Design, Construction, Equipment and Operation of Small Fishing Vessels of less than 15m Length Overall which sets out the manning, training and certification requirements including radio communications, musters, and drills for such vessels. Additionally, the European Union (International Labour Organisation Work in Fishing Convention) (Safe Manning) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 52 of 2024) sets out the language requirements on-board vessels including the use of a common language.
Irish flagged fishing vessels are subject to a regular survey and inspection regime and issued with certification documenting compliance. Additionally, they are also subject to inspections to ensure on-going compliance.
