Written Answers Nos. 289-310
289. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that funding will be provided in 2026 for an overdue road safety improvement project to upgrade a road at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14116/26]
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.
In 2026, funding of €330,000 has been allocated to Waterford City and County Council for the R671 Ballymacarbry School Traffic Calming scheme.
290. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay in setting a date for the review of the code of best practice for national and regional greenways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14147/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual National and Regional Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). They are tasked with maintaining the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways.
The Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways was published in late 2021 following its development and finalisation by a sub-group made up of a range of representatives from the rural recreation, tourism, sport, farming, local business development and transport sectors. The intention of the Code is to ensure a transparent and pragmatic approach in relation to the delivery of Greenways and ensuring that landowners are engaged with throughout the development process. On finalisation, TII committed to a review of the Code after 5 years which will fall in November 2026. This review has been brought forward following on from discussion of the Code at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport in November 2025.
A review of the Code will be carried out in parallel with a review of the Strategy for National and Regional Greenways (which was published in 2018) – the Strategy is a matter for the Department of Transport. TII have advised my officials that the terms of reference for the review of the Code and Strategy have been drafted as well as proposed work streams and timelines and work is underway to finalise these arrangements. It is expected that the review of both the Code and the Strategy will conclude in 2026. Arrangements in relation to this review are going ongoing – I have been advised that the draft terms of reference and other relevant arrangements need to be carefully considered at the outset to ensure a consistent, transparent and pragmatic approach.
291. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the serious road safety concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14163/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 74 of the Roads Act 1993, it is possible to prescribe classes of road races for which relevant local authority approval, as the road authority, must be sought in advance, and for which there can then be road closures. A race which falls within prescribed classes and is not licensed is illegal, with penalties for the organiser. I understand that no classes of race have ever been prescribed under this section. I am aware, though, that the offence applies only to the organiser, and I understand that in many cases of sulky races there is no identifiable organiser.
Enforcing the Roads Act in matters where a road race takes place unlawfully without the permission of the roads authority is a matter of enforcement for An Garda Síochána. In a situation where there is an illegal race, with no notice given, it is a matter for Gardaí to enforce under section 74(4) of the Roads Act 1993.
All road users are subject to road traffic legislation which is enforced by An Garda Síochána and participants in such races are liable for any road traffic offences they may commit during the races. As the Deputy will know, in many cases of sulky racing there is also considerable danger caused by vehicles following the race and in some cases driving alongside on the other side of the road. In these cases too the drivers can be held liable under the Road Traffic Acts.
Animal welfare issues in relation to sulky racing are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
292. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport the current average waiting time for a driving test at the Naas test centre; the steps being taken to reduce delays for applicants in Kildare North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14174/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra293. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider establishing an additional driving test centre in Kildare North, in light of ongoing demand and waiting times at existing centres serving the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14175/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 292 and 293 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, this includes testing and scheduling matters as well as the provision of test centres. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, the latest information provided to me by the RSA indicates that, as of 7 February 2026, the average waiting time for a driving test in Naas was 7 weeks. This marks a significant improvement on the 30-week average wait time in April 2025, and is below the national average service level agreement target of 10 weeks.
The Deputy may wish to note that the RSA publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service on the CSO website, including the breakdown of waiting times and distribution of testing capacity by test centre. This information is available at the following link: data.cso.ie/product/RSADTS
294. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport the action which is being taken to address the lack of wheelchair-accessible and adapted vehicles for learner drivers; the supports which are available to assist wheelchair users in accessing suitable driving lessons; if this issue will be raised to ensure equal access to driving instruction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14295/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra301. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the lack of an appropriately equipped drive-from-wheelchair vehicle for driving lessons (details supplied); if he will examine the possibility of installing such controls or providing a properly equipped vehicle; his plans to expand the availability of drive-from-wheelchair vehicles nationally in order that learners who require this adaptation can access suitable training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14438/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 301 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. Driving instruction in Ireland is delivered by Approved Driving Instructors registered with the RSA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct reply with further information on the supports available for wheelchair-using learner drivers. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
295. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the waiting times in each NCT centre serving the Dublin region, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14308/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing Service and the information requested is held by the Authority.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
296. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the current target waiting time for an NCT; the actual waiting time as of 17 February 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14309/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing (NCT) service under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006.
The RSA has contracted a third-party service provider to run the NCT service on its behalf with the contract managed and overseen by the RSA's customer operations directorate. The contract includes a service level agreement wait time target of 12 days for an NCT.
As of the week ending 22 February 2026, the current national average wait time for an NCT is at 16.28 days. This increase is in line with normal seasonal trends, resulting from the high number of vehicles registered at the beginning of each year.
297. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the number of bus shelters which were installed by the National Transport Authority in each county nationwide in each of the years since 2018, including the latest figures for year to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14315/26]
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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to ensure that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers and a commitment to work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public transport options and infrastructure.
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 a reply within 10 days.
298. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether he will engage with Dublin Bus regarding ongoing capacity and reliability issues on the 32X Malahide to Belfield service, particularly during peak school commuting hours; whether additional morning services will be provided to prevent buses passing stops at full capacity resulting in students being unable to board and arriving late to school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14330/26]
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.
299. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of all State agencies within his Department that allocate programme and project funding to section 39, section 56 and section 10 organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14400/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraConfirming participation of organisations in programmes and projects managed by State Agencies is best answered by those agencies.
I have therefore referred this question to those agencies for direct reply to the Deputy.
If you do not receive a response, please contact my private office.
300. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the State agencies within his Department that have made provision for the pension auto enrolment payment as part of their allocation to funded organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14418/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to agencies under the remit of the Department of Transport, I have referred the question to these agencies to reply to the Deputy directly. If the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days, please contact my Private Office.
302. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the number of exemptions refused under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973 in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14454/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department regularly publishes statistics on exemptions granted for the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft, refusals are also recorded. These statistics are presented by month, are published on the gov.ie website, and they can be accessed here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/15da60-the-carriage-of-munitions-of-war-on-civil-aircraft/#statistics
The final figures for 2025 are currently being compiled, however I can confirm that there was a single refusal in 2025.
303. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport when the 47 electric buses for Galway and 65 electric buses for the Dublin area were received; the measures being taken to maintain the battery health of electric buses; the battery maintenance protocols applied by Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and the National Transport Authority to prevent degradation if these buses are not in regular operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14493/26]
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 queries raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, and the NTA. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's questions to the agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
304. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the maintenance arrangements and associated costs for the electric buses delivered for Galway and Dublin; whether maintenance and warranty management differs for buses in storage compared with those in active service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14494/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra305. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeline for completing the required charging infrastructure for the Galway buses; the reasons for the delay; and whether interim charging options were considered to avoid the continued idling of 47 buses in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14495/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 305 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision and upgrade of the public bus fleet, and the provision of bus depots.
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 a reply within 10 working days.
306. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Transport if the recent funding allocation of €2.5 million for the Drumeen East to Derragh section of the N68 in County Clare includes funding for traffic calming and other required measures to tackle the long-standing safety issues; if not, the measures that will be introduced and when funding will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14512/26]
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.
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 in relation to works on the N68. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
307. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if funding for non-national roads in Offaly will be increased to address weather-related damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14544/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority and Exchequer funding is intended to supplement local authorities’ own resources.
On 17th February I announced an Exchequer investment of €718 million in our regional and local roads across the State. This will facilitate an increase in funding allocation of €26 million this year for road protection and renewal works.
Within the budget available for the regional and local road grant programme, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
In 2026, Offaly County Council received an allocation of €15,565,275 which is an increase of 4.6% when compared to 2022.
Full details of the 2026 regional and local grant allocations are available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/press-releases/ministers-for-transport-announce-over-15-billion-for-national-regional-and-local-roads/
Government is committed to assisting affected local authorities in the aftermath of Storm Chandra. My Department is liaising with affected counties, who are continuing to compile and assess damage on the ground to enable proper estimation of the total damage caused and the estimated cost of remediation.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. Local authorities are also advised to set aside a contingency from Department allocations and own resources for severe weather events. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is also open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
308. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the plans to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure along major routes in Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14545/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to substantially increasing the number of publicly available EV charging points and to develop a new National EV Infrastructure Strategy.
In delivering on this commitment, a new National EV Infrastructure Strategy 2026-2028 has been developed by my Department. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that I have brought this new strategy to Cabinet today for its information and it will be going out for public consultation on Thursday, 26th February.
My Department has also launched a number of schemes to provide for increased high quality charging on the national network.
Phase 3 of the EV Recharging Infrastructure LDV En-Route Grant Schemes, which includes sites in Offaly and is administered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), will provide a total of 192 high-powered recharging points will be built across the 90 recharging pools along national secondary roads, providing an additional 22,000 kilowatts (20 Megawatts) of recharging capacity.
There is also a Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan. This plan, which focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging, was published in April 2025. The plan will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors. Offaly are the Regional Lead Local Authority for Region 2 under this plan.
A third initiative, the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme provides funding to install a network of publicly accessible chargers in communities nationwide through their local sports clubs. Included in the scope of the Scheme are 227 clubs of which 179 are in Ireland and 48 in Northern Ireland. There are 6 eligible clubs in Offaly: Edenderry Golf Club, Moneygall Football Club, Portarlington Golf Club, St Rynaghs Hurling Club, Tullamore Rugby Football Club and Tullamore Town FC.
Government will continue to facilitate the rollout of further high powered chargers as having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
309. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if Local Link services will be extended to cover more rural areas in Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14546/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural 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 the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and Local Link. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
310. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether he has undertaken any review of the adequacy of statutory seizure powers under the Road Traffic Acts and related legislation in addressing the misuse of scrambler bikes and quad bikes in urban areas; and whether legislative amendment is under consideration [14605/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra319. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to outline the proposed financial penalties to be applied to seized scramblers under the forthcoming regulations; whether a regulatory impact assessment has been conducted regarding deterrent effect. [14695/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 319 together.
Under powers introduced by section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, An Garda Síochána has the power to seize mechanically propelled vehicles, such as scrambler and quad bikes, being driven on public roads without tax or insurance. Once seized, An Garda Síochána has the power to dispose of a seized vehicle three weeks after the date of detention, provided two weeks' notice of the intention to dispose is given. Separate seizure powers, introduced by the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, exist with respect to dangerous driving.
The current fees in respect of a vehicle seized under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 are set out in Statutory Instrument 460/2011. For a scrambler, the fees are €125 on the day of detention and €35 for each day of storage. While I intend to increase the fees associated with release of scramblers in forthcoming regulations, the precise value is yet to be determined.
