Written Answers Nos. 45-64
45. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide funding as a matter of priority for the N70 Ring of Kerry road, from Cahersiveen to Oghermong; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10896/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra46. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide emergency funding to address the road and footpaths in Cahersiveen town on the N70 Ring of Kerry road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10897/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra47. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide a significant increase in funding for the N70 Ring of Kerry that is 70% substandard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10898/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra51. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide funding to commence the long overdue road realignment and footpath project from Laune Bridge in Killorglin, County Kerry to (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10902/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 46, 47 and 51 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the N70.
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.
48. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide funding for the N71 Kenmare to Bonane road in County Kerry as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10899/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 the N71 Kenmare to Bonane road in County Kerry.
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.
49. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide funding to upgrade the N71 Muckross road in County Kerry as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10900/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 the N71.
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.
50. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide urgent funding to upgrade the N86 Tralee to Camp to Dingle road in County Kerry, and take into consideration that this road is substandard for a very busy tourist route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10901/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 planning, design and construction 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 the N86.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding works on this road. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
53. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Transport to reform the application system under the electric small public service vehicle (eSPSV25) grant scheme; and to prioritise applications based on the age of the vehicle being replaced. [10912/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting the transition to zero-emission transport and the ambitious target to have 30% of private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
The Electric Small Public Service Vehicle Scheme (eSPSV) supports the uptake of electric vehicles in the SPSVs sector (taxis, hackneys, and limousines). The scheme, funded by the Department of Transport and administered by the National Transport Authority of Ireland (NTA), will continue in 2026 and will be launched shortly.
The EV grant system is continually reviewed to optimise EV purchasing with a view to replacing older, polluting vehicles. It should be noted that decisions on financial incentives, including EV grants, must be taken in the context of overall financial sustainability.
Government’s aim is to create an optimum environment for EVs and to make it possible for anyone who wants an EV to have one. We will continue to take a balanced approach, ensuring that our incentives and policy measures are both ambitious and deliverable within our current environment.
54. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport if he will address concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the proposed second river Liffey bridge for Newbridge, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10921/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
Kildare County Council submitted a preliminary appraisal application in late 2023 to the Department of Transport. It was noted to the Council that the project would require a business case to be developed in order for the Council to substantiate the need for the scheme that addresses the transport issues or opportunities and provides value for money. The Department made an allocation to the Council in 2025 in support of the preparation of a business case for the remaining section of the Newbridge Southern Outer Orbital Route.
The updated business case was submitted by the Council to the Department for review in mid-2025. Following the review, the business case was approved by the Department. The Department understands that Kildare County Council obtained planning approval for the remaining section of the scheme in 2023 and the Council are currently in advanced discussions with landowners regarding land acquisition.
It is expected that the Regional and Local Road 2026 Allocations will be announced in the near future.
55. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport to detail the efforts his Department are taking to develop bus priority measures in Galway City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10930/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing bus services across five of our cities, including Galway. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The major infrastructure component of the BusConnects Galway programme is the construction of Sustainable Transport Corridors. The NTA is advancing work on the Sustainable Transport Corridors, the Cross-City Link scheme and the Dublin Road scheme, which will improve travel times on the bus network and improve connections for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Cross-City Link is a 6.7km scheme that aims to create a sustainable transport corridor from the northeast of Galway to the northwest, crossing Droichead an Dóchais (formerly known as the Salmon Weir Bridge). It includes the creation of a dedicated bus gate over Droichead an Dóchais, reallocation of road space away from private vehicles, the provision of segregated cycling infrastructure and upgraded pedestrian facilities. Once complete, bus routes will be modified to use the high-quality corridor and create an interchange hub at Eyre Square.
Galway City Council submitted a planning application in September 2022 to An Coimisiún Pleanála for the project. An Oral Hearing for the project was held in February 2024. An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission in 2024; however, it is subject to judicial review, which is still ongoing.
An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission to Galway City Council for the Dublin Road scheme in 2025. The Dublin Road scheme which, when constructed, will provide 3.9km of bus priority and active travel infrastructure, alongside upgraded pedestrian infrastructure. An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission for Dublin Road scheme in 2025.
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 with 10 days.
56. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport when the Dublin Transport Authority (Amendment) Bill 2025 will be published; when he expects it to come to the Dail for second stage; if it requires pre-legislative scrutiny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10940/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe General Scheme of the Dublin Transport Authority (Amendment) Bill was originally given approval by Government on 17 September 2025. Following a private briefing by officials with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on 22 October 2025, the Joint Oireachtas Committee agreed not to conduct pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill.
The Bill was on the priority drafting list in the Government Legislative Programme for Autumn Legislation and has been included as a priority bill for publication in the Spring Session. Drafting with the Office of the Parliament Counsel is well advanced. It is anticipated that the Bill will go to government shortly for Publication.
57. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the number of new buses added to the Dublin Bus fleet during 2025; the number of buses that were withdrawn from the Dublin Bus fleet during 2025; the number of new buses expected to be added to the Dublin Bus fleet this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10946/26]
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.
59. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the specific measures currently in place, and those planned, to eliminate the incidence of unaccompanied driving among learner permit holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11038/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra60. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the research carried out by his Department to identify the reasons learner drivers continue to drive unaccompanied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11039/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra61. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the supports being provided by the RSA to assist learner drivers in accessing adequate accompanied driving practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11040/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra62. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any engagement he has had with the RSA that sought to address the issue of learner drivers that drive unaccompanied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11041/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 59, 60, 61 and 62 together.
It is an offence for a learner driver to drive without appropriate supervision. An unaccompanied learner driver who is stopped by An Garda Siochána is liable to up to four penalty points, seizure of the vehicle and possible prosecution. The penalty for learners driving unaccompanied is a fine up to a maximum of €1,000 for a first offence, a maximum of €2,000 for a second or subsequent offence, and a maximum of €2,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 months for a third or subsequent offence within a 12 month period. Furthermore, any person who permits a learner driver to use their vehicle without appropriate supervision may be subject to a fine of up to €1,000.
This is a vital life-saving law, and there can be no justification for breaching it. The driving test sets out the minimum level of knowledge, skill, and competency that a learner must demonstrate to become a fully licensed driver. Driver testing in Ireland is carried out directly by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to a standard that complies with the EU Directive on Driving Licences. Until a learner can meet this standard and pass this test, they are not safe to take to our roads without appropriate supervision. There are no plans to amend this law or the current position.
In addition to this, a long-standing issue in relation to multiple learner permits is being addressed. Under current rules, individuals can repeatedly renew a permit without sitting a driving test. In November 2025 regulations were signed to end this practice, with the changes coming into effect in November 2026.
It is important that learner drivers have the opportunity to sit a driving test. In that regard reducing waiting times for driving tests has been a key priority for me since taking office and I directed the RSA to produce and publish a service recovery plan to meet the 10-week average national waiting time target by September, which had been achieved.
The latest information available to me from the RSA indicates that the average national waiting time for a driving test was 10.7 weeks at the end of January. This marks a significant reduction on the 27-week average wait time at the end of April last year.
Additionally, under the Government's Road Safety Strategy, the RSA has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the driver testing curriculum. The objective of this work is to ensure the service is fit for purpose, future-proofed, and capable of adapting to advancements in vehicle technology. Work on this review is underway, which will look to international best practices to develop recommendations for enhancing driver education in Ireland.
Finally, road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all. Enforcement is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána.
63. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the work ongoing to remove an access barrier to driving, for people without the required support networks to assist with unaccompanied driving requirement; his views on whether that acts as a barrier to obtaining a full driving license; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11042/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the purpose of the driver training and testing system is to set the minimum level of knowledge, skill and competency that a learner must demonstrate in order to become a fully licenced driver.
The learner permit is not a driving licence - it gives permission to drive on our roads while learning the skills required to become a qualified driver. Until a learner has shown that they have met this standard and has passed the driving test, they are not safe to drive on our roads without appropriate supervision.
Learner drivers are legally required to be accompanied at all times by a qualified driver and have been since 2007. An unaccompanied learner driver is liable for up to four penalty points, seizure of the vehicle and possible prosecution. The penalty for learners driving unaccompanied is a fine of up to €1,000 for a first offence, up to €2,000 for a second offence and up to €2,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 months for a third or subsequent offence within a 12 month period.
Research has repeatedly shown that unaccompanied learner drivers are markedly more likely to be involved in fatal collisions. For reasons of road safety, the Department has no plans to change the current laws in force around learner drivers driving unaccompanied.
64. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the date on which the drug-detector dog previously assigned to customs operations at Ireland West Airport retired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10637/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra65. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the date on which the cash and tobacco detector dog commenced duty at Ireland West Airport, Knock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10638/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra66. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the date on which the cash and tobacco detector dog was replaced by the drug-detector dog at Ireland West Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10639/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 64, 65 and 66 together.
I propose to take questions 10637/26, 10638/26 and 10639/26 together.
I am advised that Revenue currently has 22 detector dogs in its canine programme, which is an integral element of their work in challenging all forms of shadow economy activity where they target fraud, illicit trade, smuggling and organised crime. Over the years the detector dog teams have assisted in the detection of significant quantities of drugs, cigarettes and cash derived from criminal activity, and their detections have led to successful convictions and disruption to the activities of the criminals involved in shadow economy activity.
Although Revenue’s detector dogs are stationed at strategic locations, they can be deployed anywhere they are needed and work in tandem with Revenue anti-smuggling teams who routinely operate at all main ports, airports and mail centres, and in freight forwarding premises. Revenue’s detector dogs assist in screening passengers or postal packages, searching warehouses, commercial and private premises, all manner of vehicles, freight consignments, and air or sea passenger baggage. They also provide regular support for nationally coordinated operations, many of which are carried out on a joint multi-agency basis.
Operational requirements regarding the deployment and use of detector dog teams, are kept under regular review having regard to ongoing risk assessment of smuggling and criminal activities and evolving operational needs.
Revenue does not publicly disclose specific methodologies or actions taken or proposed, including resource deployments in relation to specific locations. Disclosure of this information could reasonably be expected to reveal how these operations are carried out and the resources deployed in managing compliance in specific geographical locations. This would have a significant, adverse effect on these compliance operations as non-compliant taxpayers could use this information to circumvent customs controls.
Revenue has confirmed that Ireland West Airport, Knock, has the necessary resources deployed in this geographical location to address any ongoing risks with regards to smuggling activities and that these risks and allocated resources are kept under regular review.
I am strongly supportive of Revenue having the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate in respect of its responsibilities, which are critical for its effective functioning as a tax and customs administration and for the effective functioning of the State generally. I am open to considering any proposals from Revenue for additional resources that will support its work.
