Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2026
20. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if there is a plan to reduce the number of daily journeys on the M50; the target for daily journeys at the achievement of that plan; the means by which this will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6760/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Encouraging a shift from private cars to public transport is a core priority under the Programme for Government.
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.
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.
Crucially, this allocation 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.
As well as investment, there is also a need for considering options to reduce overall transport ‘demand’ and to encourage an incremental behavioural shift towards more sustainable modes in circumstances where feasible alternatives are already available or are being delivered.
Transport Infrastructure
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, which includes DART+ Southwest, the Luas Finglas extension and MetroLink.
The Review of the National Development Plan 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, will help to address issues of congestion, and represents an almost 87% increase as compared to the last five-year period under the previous National Development Plan.
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 working days.
Roads
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 managing traffic on the M50.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
