Written Answers Nos. 123-143
123. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider the introduction of a fare cap for Young Adult Card holders travelling within commuter zones, similar to the daily and weekly fare caps currently available within the Dublin City Zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15477/26]
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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
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.
124. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that funding is made available to introduce an earlier train from Boyle to Sligo, something Irish Rail wish to do to support students and people with hospital appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14232/26]
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. As Minister for Transport I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
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.
125. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to expand capacity, reliability and accessibility on the DART network; and the way planned investment will address overcrowding, station accessibility and connectivity for communities, including those across north Dublin. [15479/26]
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 DART+ programme which comprises five different projects in and around the GDA will triple the length of the electrified rail network from circa 50km to 150km and double city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours. This will significantly enhance access to high capacity public transport across the GDA.
Funding secured under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, published by the Department in November 2025, 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.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ Coastal North will provide an extension of DART services from Malahide to Drogheda. The Railway Order for DART+ Coastal North was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in August 2025.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan published by my Department in November 2025 notes that there is also the potential to commence works on elements of DART+ Coastal North, including supporting infrastructure such as track passing loops and a new platform at Drogheda station, prior to 2030, in advance of works on Overhead Line Equipment (OHLE).
Three fleet orders have been placed comprising 285 battery-electric and electric carriages. The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started to arrive 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, which will provide additional capacity on the line.
It is also 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.
The new fleet offers enhanced accessibility with each of the low-height doorway thresholds being equipped with an automatic retractable step and offering the potential for unassisted level access from station platforms.
The new carriages also includes improved facilities for families and for cyclists, with dedicated family and bicycle storage areas.
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.
126. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to make our transport infrastructure resilient to extreme weather events. [15486/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Ireland, climate change impacts that are currently being experienced, and that are expected to increase in coming decades include severe weather events, such as winter storms and flooding and summer drought, together with associated increased flooding and sea level rise.
Given the vital role played by transport as a derived demand that supports all other economic and social functions, building resilience to these impacts across Ireland’s transport infrastructure networks and services now and into the future is an increasingly critical part of national climate action.
Implementation of climate change adaptation actions for Transport is undertaken through the statutory Transport Sectoral Adaptation Plan, which is mandated by the National Adaptation Framework (NAF) under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015 to 2021.
Transport Sectoral Adaptation Plan II (T-SAP II)
In recent years, Ireland has experienced record-breaking storms, floods and other extreme weather events which have damaged infrastructure, disrupted services and created new safety risks.
The Department of Transport, working with key stakeholders, has developed the second Transport Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation plan that aims to build long-term resilience of the transport sector to climate change and support adaptation efforts.
This Plan brings together climate science, risk assessments, and expert insights to guide adaptation action across the transport sector. It builds on lessons learned since 2019, when Ireland's first Transport SAP (T-SAP I) was published, reflects Ireland’s current and future infrastructure needs and climate priorities and is a more ambitious plan than its predecessor.
The plan proposes 40 priority actions to:
• Reduce disruption caused by climate change and extreme weather events,
• Safeguard transport infrastructure, and
• Keep Ireland’s transport system moving safely and efficiently.
From local footpaths and cycleways to ports, airports, rail lines, roads, and public transport, our transport system underpins daily life. Making transport more climate-resilient is essential for public safety, continuity of service, and long-term sustainability.
T-SAP II contains comprehensive risk assessment for climate impacts extending to all transport modes, with corresponding adaptation actions over the five-years of the Plan toward building longer-term resilience of transport infrastructure and services against climate change impacts. ?
An overarching objective of the Plan is to enable transport agencies and operators to act on organisational adaptation priorities and embed climate resilience into their asset management process.
T-SAP II Actions relating to Extreme Weather Events
Among the actions in the Plan, which were co-developed with transport stakeholders, the following relate directly to readiness and recovery from extreme weather events:
• Streamline the request for financial resources to TII and Local Authorities in the aftermath of extreme weather events. A new framework would address the need for a clear process for requesting both financial and technical support, as there is currently no dedicated funding for emergency works caused by severe weather events, and Local Authorities are often forced to use maintenance grants, risking delays in recovery. (Action R4)
• The development of sectoral response guidelines for road infrastructure to ensure a coordinated and united response during severe climate events. The action is to establish a framework for mutual assistance across county boundaries, facilitating the rapid reopening of critical road networks during and after extreme weather events, with defined roles, responsibilities, and mobilisation requirements of each responding organisations during extreme weather events (especially red alerts). Within this workstream the Department is participating in the CARO-led Climate Change & Emergency Management - Severe Weather Response training development working group. (Action R5)
• Several actions relating to public transport, airport and port transport operations also focus on coordinated planning for extreme weather events arising from acute climate change impacts.
Adaptation and resilience are an important component of existing major transport networks and new investment, including rail, maritime, active travel and electrification of networks.
East Coast Rail Infrastructure Protection Projects
The East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects (ECRIPP) are a suite of five projects being delivered by Iarnród Éireann to provide improved coastal protection to the existing railway between Dublin and Wicklow.
These projects will protect against the hazards of coastal erosion and wave overtopping and will support the provision of existing services (DART, Commuter, Intercity) as well as the intended rail expansion in this area to be provided under DART+ Coastal South, the DART Extension to Wicklow.
The types of interventions being proposed include concrete wave walls, concrete footpaths and amenity areas and rock armour.
To date the projects have completed feasibility studies, option selection works and preliminary designs. Currently the projects are preparing planning permission to An Coimisiún Pleanála for submission in Autumn 2026. Subject to securing approvals it is expected that works will commence on site in 2029.
Actions by State-owned commercial port companies
All State-owned commercial port companies, namely Dublin Port Company, Port of Cork Company, Shannon Foynes Port Company and Port of Waterford Company are tasked with ensuring that they plan for and develop the infrastructure necessary to provide for the essential trade needs of the State and to contribute to Ireland’s energy security, for example by supporting the needs of the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) sector.
Increasingly, the ports are considering the impacts of weather events and climate impacts generally on their current infrastructure and in consideration of their masterplans for future developments. Given that ports are particularly susceptible to certain weather disruptions, our ports routinely maintain, update and exercise port contingency plans along with other relevant stakeholders. The ports are also taking the necessary steps to safeguard infrastructure in the normal course of maintenance of port facilities such as carrying out dredging to ensure navigational channels remain operational.
For example, Dublin Port Company have identified that the South Great Wall is in need of some urgent repairs and also more long-term interventions to safeguard this essential and historic piece of maritime infrastructure. Dublin Port has begun a €2.5million programme of essential remedial works to repair the Great South Wall rock armour which was damaged in December’s Storm Bram.
The ports have actively contributed to the recently published Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Transport (T-SAP) and will co-ordinate their future actions under this plan with the assistance of NewERA , to whom, they regularly report on climate and sustainability matters and with my Department through a dedicated climate adaptation forum for ports which will be convened in the first half of 2026.
Active Travel and Greenways
The National Transport Authority (NTA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and local authorities have ultimate responsibility for the design and construction of Active Travel and Greenway infrastructure projects. Climate adaptation is considered in this context, however making infrastructure safe and user-friendly is priority.
Climate resilience is considered at project concept and design stages. If the scheme presents a climate risk i.e. significant risk of flooding, it is unlikely to proceed unless cost effective mitigation measures can be established.
Zero Emission Vehicles Infrastructure
Universal Design Guidelines have been published by ZEVI for EV Charging Infrastructure - These reference the ADA Accessibility Standards which recommend installing weather protection, security and adequate lighting at parking spaces where EV charging may occur.
Adequate weather protection around the charging station and along access routes to nearby amenities or facilities would enhance user comfort. In terms of appropriate design, weather protection should cover the charging station up to the vehicle’s inlet, to ensure that adverse weather conditions have minimal impact on the user experience.
The guidelines also note that the charging station screen should be suitably positioned to ensure readability from both a seated or fully upright position, even under adverse weather conditions.
Emergency Planning
The Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage (DHLGH) are the Lead Government Department for responding to extreme weather events. The Department of Transport, through its dedicated emergency planning function, plays a critical support role when these events occur, coordinating information on response and impacts, including at National Emergency Coordination Group level.
All Transport operators and agencies have winter contingency weather plans in place, which are reviewed and updated each year, adjusting as required from the previous years’ experience. These plans are designed to ensure the safety of the travelling public and minimise disruption to public transport and supply chains.
The Department of Transport and its agencies also benefit from close liaison with DHLGH and Met Eireann to ensure information is shared in a timely and efficient way.
The Department's overall strategy accompanied by specific projects being delivered by the Department's agencies will ensure that adaptation and resilience to major weather events which impact transport will continue to improve in the coming years.
127. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport whether additional funding will be made available to local authorities, in 2026 specifically to repair potholes and other road damage caused by recent flooding and storms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15492/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads.
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.
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.
128. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport the efforts his Department is making to improve the country’s road network. [15558/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
As outlined in the 2026 Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme which I announced on the 17th of February this year, the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing regional and local road network. This network is fundamental in maintaining social and economic connectivity, linking people and places across the country.
Ireland's regional and local road network spans over 96,000kms. The network requires significant funding to ensure it remains fit for purpose, safe and resilient. As such, €718 million has been allocated to regional and local road grants in 2026, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works. This will facilitate an increase in funding allocation of €26 million this year for road protection and renewal works.
This funding will support local authorities in carrying out an extensive 2026 programme of maintenance and restoration works. Funding also supports various safety improvement works, bridge rehabilitation schemes, drainage works, climate adaptation measures and community involvement projects.
In addition to maintenance, targeted improvements are a priority. In 2026, €50 million is being invested in developing and upgrading this infrastructure through vital strategic projects which are continuing to be progressed. These include projects identified for development under the National Development Plan such as the Tralee Northern Relief Road, the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road and the R498 Nenagh/Thurles (Latteragh) Upgrade.
Furthermore, €20 million is also being provided for smaller-scale road improvements under the Specific Grant category.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
Full details of the 2026 regional and local grant allocations are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/press-releases/ministers-for-transport-announce-over-15-billion-for-national-regional-and-local-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 this.
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.
129. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the Abnormal Load Working Group, in particular consideration being given by the working group to the current regulations which set the maximum authorised weights and dimensions for mechanically propelled vehicles and trailers on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15495/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe transport of Abnormal Loads is an area of increasing complexity as the size and weight of loads being carried on our roads increases due to the need to meet housing demand, infrastructure development and increasing energy requirements.
In accordance with the provisions of S.I. No. 5/2003 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, each individual Local Authority (LA) has responsibility for the issuing of Abnormal Load Permits in their administrative area. S.I. No. 5/2003 sets the maximum authorised weights and dimensions for mechanically propelled vehicles and trailers on public roads, anything above these weights and dimensions requires an Abnormal Load Permit.
There are currently no proposed regulatory changes to these limits and restrictions are based on an assessment of each particular road networks ability to safely accommodate any proposed individual abnormal load in terms of weight (bridges, culverts, embankments, and road bearing capacity), height (bridge underpasses, tunnels, etc), and width (road width, bridge width, turning requirements at junctions).
An Abnormal Load Working Group has been established with the primary objective to move the current application processes, which is individual for each Local Authority to a single digital application and payment point for Road Hauliers. Membership of this group includes representatives from the Local Authority Sector, Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, An Garda Síochána, and the Road Management Office.
The single application and payment point is currently being developed through the MyCoCo digital solution platform which is a collaboration between Local Authorities and supported by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA). This initiative arose from the national “Connecting Government 2030” program, which aims for 90 per cent of public services to be delivered online by 2030, and has been noted as a building block of reform in the “Better Public Services - Public Service Transformation 2030 Strategy”.
The Working Group is developing the website and payment system based on data collected from Local Authorities regarding their existing processes and fee structures and if successful the group will then make recommendations for implementation to the City and County Managers Association (CCMA) through the relevant LGMA Committee.
The majority of work being carried out in this area is looking to introduce efficiencies and clarity to the Abnormal Load application process and there are currently no proposals to amend existing Abnormal Load weight parameters set out in S.I. No. 5/2003 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003.
130. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the progress on the extension of the rail line from Athenry to Claremorris; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14880/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased last December to welcome the publication of the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy which provides a way forward for faster rail services, improved frequency, and greater accessibility and connectivity across this island, following on from the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in 2024.
This Strategy includes the construction of the Western Rail Corridor from Athenry to Claremorris, on which some preliminary clearing works have already commenced.
The publication of the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, by my Department in November last year, included funding to commence the reinstatement of the line.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's (IÉ) responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a direct reply on the specific matter raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
131. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on emergency, additional roads funding for Wicklow and Wexford local authorities following the significant damage caused by storm Chandra; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15290/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads.
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.
In 2026, Wexford County Council has been allocated a total of €23,317,100. Of this, €22,747,100 has been allocated for the protection and renewal of Wexford’s regional and local roads. This is an increase from the initial 2025 allocation of €21,958,850 for protection and renewal grants. Wicklow County Council has received an allocation of €14,908,200 for the protection and renewal of regional and local roads. This is an increase from the initial 2025 allocation of €14,602,800 for protection and renewal grants.
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.
132. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to provide an additional allocation to local authorities for the purpose of local road maintenance and improvement, beyond the allocations currently announced, considering the announced funding will be insufficient to carry out the works that have been deemed necessary by many local authorities. [14638/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 137 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on these roads are funded from Councils’ own resources and supplemented by State Road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
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.
As regards the basis for allocating grants, within the budget available to the Department for regional and local road grants, grant funding for maintenance purposes is allocated on the basis of grant programmes and not on the basis of the category of road. The allocation of funding across specific roads or across categories is a matter for each local authority, having regard to the funding available to it from local and central sources as well as its particular priorities.
The main regional and local road grant programmes are focussed on specific policy objectives i.e. surface sealing to protect the road surface from water damage, road strengthening based on pavement condition rating to lengthen the life of roads and a Discretionary Grant Scheme which allows for a specified range of activities including winter maintenance. These three grant programmes account for most of the grant funding and are allocated taking into account the length of the road network and traffic factors in a particular local authority area. Apart from a requirement that 15% of the road strengthening grant is spent on regional roads, the allocation of funding to different categories of road is entirely a matter for decision by each local authority.
As regards the total funding allocated to and drawn down by local authorities by grant type for the years 2020-2025, details of the regional and local road allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library. The 2026 allocations booklet will be lodged shortly.
Full details of the 2026 regional and local grant allocations are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/press-releases/ministers-for-transport-announce-over-15-billion-for-national-regional-and-local-roads/.
133. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Transport to provide a full update on Cork BusConnects, and the shorter term plans to improve the reliability of the bus service in Cork city and suburbs. [15514/26]
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 BusConnects Cork.
BusConnects is the NTA plan to greatly improve bus services in all our cities. It is a key part of the Government's policies to improve public transport and address climate change in our cities.
As Deputy may be aware, I secured Cabinet approval for BusConnects Cork in October 2025. With that decision, the Government issued Approval Gate 1 approval in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, allowing the three Sustainable Transport Corridor schemes to enter the planning system. These schemes will provide for a total of 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors.
Following public consultation, the new BusConnects Cork network was published in June 2022, and it aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented on a phased basis in the coming years. Implementation will be subject to funding and resources available.
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.
134. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to outline the 2026 grant allocations to local authorities for roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15162/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
As outlined in the 2026 Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme which I announced on the 17th of February this year, the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing regional and local road network. This network is fundamental in maintaining social and economic connectivity, linking people and places across the country.
Ireland's regional and local road network spans over 96,000kms. The network requires significant funding to ensure it remains fit for purpose, safe and resilient. As such, €718 million has been allocated to regional and local road grants in 2026, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works. This will facilitate an increase in funding allocation of €26 million this year for road protection and renewal works.
This funding will support local authorities in carrying out an extensive 2026 programme of maintenance and restoration works. Funding also supports various safety improvement works, bridge rehabilitation schemes, drainage works, climate adaptation measures and community involvement projects.
In addition to maintenance, targeted improvements are a priority. In 2026, €50 million is being invested in developing and upgrading this infrastructure through vital strategic projects which are continuing to be progressed. These include projects identified for development under the National Development Plan such as the Tralee Northern Relief Road, the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road and the R498 Nenagh/Thurles (Latteragh) Upgrade.
Furthermore, €20 million is also being provided for smaller-scale road improvements under the Specific Grant category.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
Full details of the 2026 regional and local grant allocations are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/press-releases/ministers-for-transport-announce-over-15-billion-for-national-regional-and-local-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 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.
2026 TII Allocations can be located on the TII website in order to find the allocation for a particular project for inclusion above 2026-tii-la-national-roads-allocations-booklet.pdf.
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.
135. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting time for new bus stop/shelters infrastructure approvals in Cork; if additional capital funding will be made available in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14231/26]
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.
As the Deputy may be aware, the NTA administers Bus Stop Enhancement Programme, or BSEP. The BSEP is a multi-annual initiative which commenced in 2024 and will run to 2029. Through this programme, the NTA provides each local authority in the country with a grant of €500,000 to enhance bus stop facilities at locations within its administrative area.
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.
136. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if train services from Heuston Station to County Laois will be expanded so as to have additional late-night services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15530/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; 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.
138. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if progress has been made regarding further funding for DART+ Southwest in order to facilitate delivery of the project before 2030. [15544/26]
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.
DART+ South West will extend DART services from the City Centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge including four-tracking from Park West to Heuston. A Railway Order was approved for DART+ South West by An Coimisiún Pleanála in November 2024. In addition, procurement for DART+ South West and West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works advertised in May 2025.
Funding from the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, which was published by the Department of Transport in December last year, has allowed Compulsory Purchase Orders for DART+ South West to commence earlier this month. In addition, framework procurement contracts are being established for DART+ West, with the intention of also using them for DART+ South West.
The Department will also explore any EU funding which may become available to accelerate public transport projects.
The NDP will be reviewed around 2028 and updated at that point, and this will also provide an opportunity to examine the potential to provide additional funding to accelerate the delivery of projects such as DART+ South West.
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.
139. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the reason the 414 Barna-Galway service outlined in the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan as an 'existing route' never operated; whether plans exist to commence a service of this description; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15501/26]
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. 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.
140. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport the level of investment planned for the Local Link network in 2026; the estimated cost of establishing a Local Link service to connect towns and villages along the N17 to Sligo town; the specific measures proposed to strengthen rural transport provision in the south Sligo region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15288/26]
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 and monitoring the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. 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.
141. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an outline of his most recent engagements with the RSA in relation to the opening of the new driver test centre in Sandyford; if he will advise on any update in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15552/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including 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 working days.
Pending this more detailed response, I have met regularly with RSA senior management on their delivery of the driver testing service recovery plan in recent months and, in these discussions, emphasised the importance of opening new testing locations to relieve pressures in high-demand areas. I understand, however, that the RSA is just one party to the agreement of leases, and that private landlords must also go through their due diligence and assurance processes.
I am informed by the Authority that the new test centre in Sandyford is at the final stages of preparation and the assigned testers are presently deployed to a nearby centre in readiness for its opening while ensuring testing volumes continue to be managed effectively.
142. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with the NTA on measures to address overcrowding and missed journeys on the 115 service, particularly for Kilcock commuters who have limited alternative public transport options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15549/26]
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 Bus 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.
143. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the proposed N25 Midleton to Youghal (Castlemartyr and Killeagh Bypasses) project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15465/26]
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.
The allocations for National Roads for 2026 were announced on 17 February. I can confirm that €1,000,000 has been allocated by TII to the N25 Midleton to Youghal project for 2026.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
