Written Answers Nos. 144-164
144. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve bus route coverage, frequency and reliability in outer urban and suburban areas; and the way his Department is ensuring that route planning and service levels reflect population growth and commuting needs in communities in north Dublin. [15480/26]
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.
The NTA also closely monitors the performance of all public transport operators as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. The NTA's contracts with public transport operators have been strengthened in recent years, to incentivise operators to operate more reliable and punctual services, and they are also investing in a new vehicle location system for the fleet which will improve the reliability of the real time passenger information system.
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.
145. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the action he has taken regarding the changing of the PSO contract for flights between Donegal and Dublin which has resulted in a drastic reduction in the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15516/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to once again assure the Deputy that this Government is firmly committed to maintaining connectivity to the northwest by continuing to provide Exchequer funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services on this route.
While the new contract continues to provide twice daily two-way air services on this route, I am fully committed to ensuring that an effective service is provided at times that work for all those availing of it, including critical care patients. As you are aware, I had a constructive meeting with representatives from the Donegal Cancer Flights & Services Group on Tuesday (24 February) where I listened to the very real concerns raised and where we discussed efforts underway to move things forward.
In this regard, my officials are exploring what options may be legally available under the new PSO contract to meet the needs of all users, while ensuring the continuity of this vital service.
146. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be provided to commence construction on Dart+ South West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15548/26]
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 Dublin 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 the commencement of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) to be progressed for DART+ South West, starting 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.
147. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the upgrading of the line, facilities and car parking at stations in relation to the DART West project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15473/26]
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 and also the provision of car parking spaces at railway stations.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ West will provide an extension of DART services from the City Centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth, and the construction of a new depot and city centre enhancements.
Conditional planning approval was granted for DART+ West in July 2024. 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 has been provided in the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan published by my Department in November last year to advance DART+ West into construction next year.
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.
148. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the actions that can be taken immediately to increase capacity on rail services in the Clondalkin area, given demand is increasing with development, and further capacity is not currently due to be delivered until 2027. [15543/26]
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 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.
149. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Transport if he will give urgent consideration to the request of counties Wicklow and Wexford, for an emergency adverse weather fund for the non-national road network for 2026, taking into account the further deterioration in road surfaces due to the ongoing consistent and heavy rainfall which impacts severely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14598/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 193 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 those roads are funded from Councils' own resources, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads.
As regards the basis for allocating grants, within the budget available for the regional and local road grant programme, the Department's grant funding for the maintenance of regional and local roads is allocated on as fair and equitable a basis as possible to eligible local authorities. In this context, grants in the main grant categories are allocated based on the length of the road network within a local authority's area of responsibility with some account taken of traffic. It is envisaged that grants will continue to be made available on that basis.
Basing regional and local roads grant allocations on road conditions could result in an unequitable distribution of Exchequer funding. For example, local authorities that allocate higher levels of own resources funding to regional and local roads will have a larger proportion of roads with a higher condition rating than those with lower levels of own resources funding. Basing allocations on road condition could therefore disincentivise local authorities from allocating own resources funding to roads maintenance.
The Department appreciates that, within the overall parameters set for the grant programme, local authorities might need to target funding at particular problem areas and there is sufficient flexibility in the structure of the grant programme to allow for this. It is also open to each local authority to allocate its own resources to priority areas.
The 2026 regional and local road allocations were notified to local authorities on 17th February, and 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. In 2026, 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.
150. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the ongoing engagement he is having with Dublin Bus in relation to capacity issues, delays and ghost buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13795/26]
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. I continue to engage with all public transport operators on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards.
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.
151. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the deteriorating road conditions in Galway East, particularly where safety concerns have been raised (details supplied); if funding has been assigned to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15532/26]
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. 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.
In 2026, Galway County Council has been allocated a total of €46,039,778. Of this, €41,409,778 has been allocated for the protection and renewal of Galway's regional and local roads. This is an increase from the initial 2025 allocation of €40,345,160 for protection and renewal grants.
Galway County Council is responsible for deciding its annual programme for road maintenance and the Department has no role in that process.
152. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport when the funding to facilitate road safety measures on the N25 from Glenmore to Waterford will be released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13984/26]
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 any such measures.
The allocations for National Roads for 2026 were announced on 17 February. I can confirm that €700,000 has been allocated by TII for the N25 Waterford to Glenmore project for 2026. In addition, funding was provided for safety improvements on the existing N25.
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.
153. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will urgently increase funding allocations to local authorities for the community involvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9233/26]
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 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.
In 2018, the Department introduced ring-fenced funding for Community Involvement Schemes (CIS). The purpose of the CIS is to facilitate local community participation in the repair of local roads. The focus of the programme is on the repair of more lightly trafficked public roads which might not be high on the list of a local authority's annual roadwork programme. Under the scheme a local community can contribute in money or in kind, for example by making labour or machinery available.
While community contributions in the range 15% to 30% had been required up to 2021, depending on the mix between works and monies, the contribution rates were reduced to a minimum of 10% for monetary contributions and 20% for works contribution. This is more in line with Local Improvement Scheme contribution rates.
From 2026 the contribution rate for monetary contributions has been reduced to a minimum of 8%, with the contribution rate remaining at 20% for works contribution.
In order to allow for sufficient planning and applications for this scheme, local authorities are invited to apply for funding for CIS projects for a two-year programme, with the latest round of applications received in late 2025 for the 2026/2027 period.
€16.2 million has been allocated to local authorities for Community Involvement Schemes this year. This is an increase of €1.4 million in funding from last year, upholding the Programme for Government commitment to increase funding for the Community Involvement Scheme.
154. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the 4 North Project; and if his Government is prepared to fund such a much needed proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15202/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Transport, together with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, published the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy in December 2025. This Strategy outlines how to best sequence and optimise the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published in July 2024.
The Rail Strategy specifies short-term rail infrastructure investments, referred to as Early Interventions, to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity, which are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published by the Department of Transport in November last year.
The Rail Strategy also identifies Major Projects, including capacity/frequency enhancements and electrification of intercity rail lines, to be progressed.
These Major Projects include “FourNorth”, to add track capacity on the busy Northern line north of Connolly station; electrification and line speed improvements on the Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Belfast routes, and reinstatement of lines including the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris to Athenry.
Analysis on FourNorth is also being progressed by Iarnród Éireann, with funding provided by the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). This analysis will support the preparation of project appraisal documentation.
These developments will help progress the FourNorth project, which is also noted specifically in the Programme for Government.
It should also be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the?Rail?Review and the Strategy will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.?
155. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Transport for an update on when the promised increase in the 132 Bus Éireann regional /commuter service, which was scheduled for April 2025, will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15545/26]
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.
156. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the establishment of a transport security force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15613/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I can assure you that my Department is actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force and is working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) in this regard.
The Programme for Government sets out a clear commitment: that a Transport Security Force will operate under the NTA with powers similar to those held by Airport Police and Customs Officers.
The ongoing work to establish it involves careful and informed consideration of the most appropriate model for the Force, with all key stakeholders fully engaged – the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice. Since assuming office, I have met with these stakeholders as a collective twice and continue to meet them bilaterally on this important matter. In addition the stakeholders also have ongoing engagement through their attendance at the Public Transport Safety Working Group, which is chaired by my Department, with the most recent meeting held on the 11th of February 2026.
My Department and the NTA are actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, and the introduction of this Force will require the development of primary legislation, which can have a significant lead time, but it will be expedited, with a view to making progress on its foundations during 2026.
In parallel with the work being carried out in the Department of Transport, the Government continues to invest heavily in public transport safety, with over €14 million spent on safety measures in 2025. Twenty rapid response hubs have been established across the Iarnród Éireann intercity network, enhancing their ability to respond quickly to incidents and support frontline staff. In the Dublin region, the Dublin Bus Safer Journeys Team has dedicated units covering North, South, and Central Dublin. All buses are also now equipped CCTV cameras. On the Luas, Transdev has a full-time dedicated security staff patrolling both Red & Green lines from early morning to last tram.
All Operators continue to have strong relationships with An Garda Síochána, who ultimately assist in supporting these incidences. The NTA organises an Anti-Social Behaviour Forum, which public transport operators and An Garda Síochána attend.
While these measures mark significant progress, antisocial behaviour on public transport remains a serious concern. It is those who use and work within the network who are most directly affected, and the establishment of the Transport Security Force will be key in addressing this issue, and is a Government priority.
I fully support all the ongoing positive work to progress towards creating a safer public transport network for staff and passengers. In the meantime, we are committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the Transport Security Force is in place.
157. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport given of evidence that zonal fares for Skerries and Balbriggan are disproportionately higher on a per kilometre basis than for nearby stations such as Rush and Lusk, whether he accepts that this creates an unfair burden on commuters in Skerries and Balbriggan; whether his Department or the National Transport Authority has examined the impact of this disparity on travel behaviour, including increased driving to neighbouring stations and pressure on parking and local roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14235/26]
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, for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of their 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.
158. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for the latest update on the progression of the Dart+ West Project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15143/26]
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.
As part of the DART+ programme, DART+ West will provide an extension of DART services from the City Centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth, and the construction of a new depot and city centre enhancements.
Conditional planning approval was granted for DART+ West in July 2024. 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 has been provided in the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, published by my Department in November last year, to advance DART+ West into construction next year.
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.
159. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport the way in which his Department is planning to ensure that the Luas Green Line and other public transport providers will have the necessary capacity to service new housing developments in Sandyford, Dundrum and the surrounding areas. [14879/26]
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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA, 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.
160. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport which Dublin BusConnects routes will commence in 2026; when these routes will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15562/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across five cities, including Dublin. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Following on from three rounds of public consultation which concluded in 2020, new bus services in Dublin are already being delivered, with the first seven phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years. The most recent phase, Phase 7, which commenced in October 2025, saw the introduction of the F Spine connecting Finglas to Tallaght.
In terms of services, we secured an unprecedented allocation of €940 million for PSO services in Budget 2026, a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from Budget 2025. This allocation will ensure that existing public transport services can operate reliably and sustainably throughout the year in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs. Matters relating to bus service delivery and planning fall under the remit of the NTA, in co-operation with the relevant transport operator, and are subject to resource availability.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days
161. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the measures in place to ensure that passengers receive clear, accurate and up-to-date information in real time across all public transport services, in particular, during service disruptions; how consistency of information is ensured across operators and the National Transport Authority; the standards that apply to customer communications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14234/26]
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.
The performance of all public transport operators is closely monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. The NTA's contracts with public transport operators have been strengthened in recent years, to incentivise operators to operate more reliable and punctual services, and they are also investing in a new vehicle location system for the fleet which will improve the reliability of the real time passenger information system.
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.
162. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport for an update regarding the provision of a reliable and frequent bus route from Hollystown, Dublin 15 to Dublin city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15476/26]
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.
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.
163. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the dangerous overcrowding on the Wexford-Dublin commuter train; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15540/26]
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.
164. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his plans to remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15200/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s National Aviation Policy supports the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, and the Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to work with stakeholders to achieve the objective of lifting the passenger cap at Dublin Airport as soon as possible.
In line with that commitment, on 10 February I secured Government approval for the legislative approach to be taken to address the Dublin Airport passenger cap planning condition and to proceed to the formal drafting of a Bill. The proposed legislative approach will allow me, as the Minister for Transport, to make an order amend or revoke the 32 million passenger cap planning condition subject to positive outcomes to environmental assessments required under EU law. The proposed legislation also precludes the imposition of future passenger caps.
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport has commenced the process for pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme for the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill, and my officials are working with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on the formal drafting of the Bill.
I hope to progress the Bill through to enactment as early as possible in 2026.
In parallel with the legislation I am progressing, daa has submitted its “Infrastructure Application” to Fingal County Council which is progressing through the planning process. This application seeks to increase the passenger cap to 40m passengers per annum and to build additional infrastructure, including new piers and aircraft stands required to facilitate future passenger growth. A decision on that planning application is expected early in 2027.
