Written Answers Nos. 410-429
410. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to enact legislation to implement mandatory data sharing between the NTA and all app-based service providers to increase transparency around supply and demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12342/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
411. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to enact legislation to mandate full transparency concerning the fixed-fare algorithm. [12343/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
412. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the establishment of a permanent NTA monitoring mechanism for driver and passenger commission calculations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12344/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
As the Deputy will be aware, the structure of the SPSV market has undoubtedly changed over the last number of years, particularly in relation to the role of dispatch operators. I have requested that the NTA conducts a regulatory assessment of dispatch operator licensing in Ireland, in the context of ensuring that the regulatory framework for this element of the overall sector is sufficiently up to date and robust to respond to developments in the SPSV market, since the enactment of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
413. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered introducing an independent, not-for-profit-based app for the taxi service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12346/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
414. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to outline the 13 high collision locations recently identified for County Galway in TII’s national collision analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12348/26]
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 this.
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland.
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.
415. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 324 of 10 February 2026, the details of the sections relating to MIBI and fixed charge notices that have yet to be commenced from the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023; and the proposed date for commencement [12393/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been 10 Commencement Orders made to date under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 with 48 sections of the Act now fully commenced and 11 sections either partially commenced or awaiting commencement.
The remaining provision relating to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) that is yet to be commenced is section 5(o) insofar as it relates to section 78A(9)(c) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended. This subsection provides that MIBI shall make available data to the National Transport Authority for the purposes of its functions under the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016 and the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicles) Regulations 2015.
Sections 7 to 10, and section 13(k)-(p) of the Act are also yet to be commenced. Sections 7 to 10 relate to fixed charge notices issued by traffic wardens while section 13 (k)-(p) will allow the Revenue Commissioners to issue fixed charge notices in certain circumstances.
My Department is continuing to liaise with the relevant stakeholders on the remaining sections to be commenced and work is ongoing to bring these provisions into effect.
416. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport when he will reply to the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s correspondence regarding speed signage in Gaeltacht areas that continue to display speed limits in English only; if he will take steps to overturn the rules laid out by the Department of Transport on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12425/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I can confirm that I have conducted a full search of all correspondence received in my private office and can confirm that no correspondence in relation to signage in Gaeltacht areas has been received from the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, so therefore I am unable to issue a reply.
417. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to amend a bus service to provide an earlier first departure on the 40D travelling from Tyrrelstown to Broombridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12443/26]
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 planning and 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 query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
418. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport in relation to the PSO flights contract signed in February 2026 from Donegal to Dublin, to outlined the details of any review clause contained within the contract including stipulating the exact text of the review clause; to specify the powers that are afforded in the contract to the Minister to make changes to the schedule; to clarify whether changes to the schedule can be made without the consent of the operator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12445/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo ensure continuity of services on this route when the current Donegal Dublin Air Service PSO contract ends on 25 February, my Department conducted a public procurement process, in line with the requirements of European Union Regulation 1008/2008. This Regulation allows Member State Governments to provide PSO air services to airports serving peripheral or less-developed regions.
The Request for Tenders (RfT) which was published by my Department set out the terms and conditions of the new contract. In line with the Office of Government Procurement standards, the contract includes clauses for Termination as well as Change Control Procedures. The full text of the contract, as set out under the RfT which was determined by my Department in consultation with Donegal Airport, is available via the following Official Journal of the European Union notice.
https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:547637-2025:TEXT:EN:HTML
In summary, under the contract, a "Change Control Notice" is required for all change requests, including to changes to the schedule provided for under the contract. This Notice is required to include inter alia, an outline description of the change requested, the rationale for the change, the effect that the change will have on the Services (where known) and an estimate of the effort and cost required to prepare an impact assessment. All Change Control Notices proposing changes to the contract must be submitted for review to the other Party and both parties must indicate their acceptance or rejection of the change request. In other words, a change must be agreed to by both parties to the contract.
While the new contract provides twice daily two way air services, as well as same day return service from both Donegal and Dublin, having listened to the concerns raised by those who are disappointed at the loss of the afternoon service from Donegal Airport, in particular, I am considering what more might be possible to meet the needs of the users of this air service while ensuring the continuity of this vital air service between Donegal and Dublin Airports. In this regard, my Department is engaging with Emerald Airlines and I will be meeting with the Donegal Cancer Flights & Services Group next week.
419. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if the NTA will consider extending route 139 Naas to Blanchardstown to Tyrrelstown further up the Corduff Road to the roundabout that meets L3080 Ratoath Road [12448/26]
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 planning and 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 query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
420. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the number of applications received in the latest round of the wheelchair accessible vehicle grant scheme; if he is aware that only a small number of applicants were successful in receiving a provisional grant offer due to constraints on available funding; his plans to increase funding for wheelchair accessible vehicle grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12479/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day to day operations of the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
421. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport his plans to change the qualifying criteria for the wheelchair accessible vehicle grant to ensure those who regularly provide their services to wheelchair users are prioritised over those who do not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12480/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
422. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if preparatory work on a project (details supplied) can be progressed without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12542/26]
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 on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you on the preparation of the Preliminary Business Case for the Virginia Bypass. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
423. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in developing a strategy in relation to the provision of new facilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12543/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is leading the development and rollout of strategic park and ride sites nation-wide through the Park and Ride Development Office (PRDO).
The Programme for Government commits to working with local authorities and relevant agencies to develop affordable Park and Ride facilities on the outskirts of major towns and cities.
The NTA established the PRDO in February 2020. The function of the PRDO is to enable and advance the delivery of strategic Park & Ride sites, in collaboration with Local Authorities and transport agencies across all regions of the State, by providing full time specialist resources on these projects.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive within 10 days.
424. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport to explain why there has been no confirmed notification of any bus route diversions by the National Transport Authority as a result of the construction works associated with the north city arterial main project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12562/26]
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 planning and 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 query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
425. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide a salary range that the new CEO of the Shannon Airport Group will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12566/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 18 agencies, (12 commercial and 5 non-commercial) under the aegis of my Department. As the Deputy may be aware, the Government commissioned an independent review of CEO salaries, which was the first such review in Commercial State Bodies since 2011. The Senior Post Remuneration Committee (SPRC) review was published in March 2025 and recommended salary bands for all Commercial State Bodies. The CEO salary band assigned to each agency is commercially sensitive and therefore confidential.
The Shannon Airport Group is currently recruiting for a new CEO. As part of that process, I have approved the salary, which is within the SPRC recommended parameters and this has been sanctioned by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. For commercial reasons, information on the salary of the new CEO will not be released while the recruitment process is ongoing.
426. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the number of no-shows for driving tests for Category B permits, broken down per test centre, per month, from January 2025 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12578/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. As such, the detailed information requested by the Deputy is held by the Authority. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
The Deputy may wish to note that the RSA publish detailed information on the driver testing service on the CSO website each month. This includes information on the number of test 'no shows' broken down by month, driving test centre and by driving test category.
This information is available at the following link: https://data.cso.ie/table/ROA30.
428. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport to provide a centre-by-centre breakdown of the average driving test waiting list times, a centre-by-centre breakdown of the number of applicants waiting to sit their driving test, a centre-by-centre breakdown of the number of driving testers employed; and a breakdown of the number of testers on part-time versus full-time contracts in each driving test centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12636/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. As such, the information requested is held by the RSA.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this more detailed response, the Deputy may wish to note that the RSA publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service on the CSO website. This information is available at the following link: https://data.cso.ie/product/RSADTS.
429. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the expected timelines of delivery of electric battery carriages and associated infrastructure for Wicklow Town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12637/26]
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 NDP Transport Sectoral Investment Plan provides funding to enable the extension of the DART to Wicklow around 2029, using new battery-electric DART trains. This represents a significant acceleration compared to the plans set out in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, which would have seen the DART extension to Wicklow progressed no earlier than 2037.
Three train fleet orders have been placed, comprising both battery-electric and electric carriages, bringing the total number of new DART carriages ordered to 285, made up of 57 five-carriage trains.
The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages (65 battery-electric and 30 electric) 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.
It is planned to deploy at least some of the second order of 90 battery-electric DART carriages to allow commencement of the Wicklow DART extension around 2029. This will provide for a major boost in train service frequency between Wicklow and Dublin.
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.
