Written Answers Nos. 261-283
264. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether any review has been initiated by his Department into the proportionality of mandatory disqualification periods under roadside drug testing legislation where no observable impairment is recorded; and whether amendments to incorporate impairment-based assessment or judicial discretion are under consideration. [16046/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State with responsibility for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Road Traffic Act 2010 already provides for two distinct drug driving offences, depending on whether the driver is demonstrably under the influence of an intoxicant to the point that they are incapable of maintaining control of their vehicle.
A driver convicted under Section 5 of that Act, where they are found to have exceeded the legal threshold for heroin, cocaine or cannabis but where no evidence of impairment has been presented to the Court, will receive a substantially shorter disqualification (one year), as compared to the four year minimum disqualification faced by a driver convicted under Section 4, where drug-induced impairment has been established. My Department considers the distinction between these respective penalties to be proportionate to the gravity of the offences, and has no immediate plans to carry out a review.
In response to the second part of the Deputy's question, I can confirm that regulations providing a full statutory basis for roadside impairment testing were introduced in 2014, and 2017, and that members of An Garda Síochána have been trained in the use of this test.
266. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department requires the National Transport Authority to collect and report vandalism data for public transport infrastructure on a county-by-county or local authority basis; if not, the policy rationale for permitting exclusively national-level reporting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16048/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra267. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the total annual expenditure incurred by the National Transport Authority in each of the past five years in respect of vandalism-related repair and replacement costs for bus shelters; whether this expenditure is reported to his Department in aggregated or disaggregated form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16049/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra270. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether local authorities are provided with incident-level or location-specific data in respect of vandalism to bus shelters within their administrative areas; and if not, whether the Minister considers the absence of such local reporting consistent with transparency and value-for-money principles. [16052/26]
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 the development and maintenance of public transport infrastructure, and services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
The NTA is required to submit annual reports, strategy statements, financial accounts, and other documentation that enable the Department to assess its performance. Anti-social behaviour of any kind is a serious matter, and the NTA present the data and statistics on anti-social behaviour incidences as part of the Public Transport Safety Working Group, which was most recently held by my Department on 11th February.
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. This engagement includes their attendance at the Public Transport Safety Working Group,
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.
For further detail on vandalism data, including reporting categorisation and expenditure incurred by graffiti remediation works, the NTA are best placed to respond.
In light of this, 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.
268. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether key performance indicators or contractual provisions within the national bus shelter contract include targets relating to vandalism frequency, asset durability, or cost containment; and if he will provide details of any such oversight mechanisms. [16050/26]
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 provisions of bus shelters.
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.
269. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has undertaken or commissioned any cost-benefit analysis comparing standard laminated glass panels with alternative vandal-resistant materials for bus shelters; and if he will outline the conclusions of any such analysis. [16051/26]
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.
271. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the entire funding drawn down and spent by Galway City Council from the NTA for the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme in 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16058/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra272. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the entire funding drawn down and spent by Galway County Council from the NTA for the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme in 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16059/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.
As 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.
273. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if Bus Éireann plans to increase the fleet serving Galway city routes for which Bus Éireann hold the route licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16062/26]
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.
274. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the number of booked driving tests cancelled by the RSA in the years 2023 to 2026, in tabular form; the reasoning for the cancellation of these tests; the wait time for rebooking a test for applicants who have had their test cancelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16095/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including all testing and scheduling matters. 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 more detailed response, I understand that from time to time, the RSA may need to cancel tests at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a tester falling ill, or inclement weather.
Where tests are not going ahead in a test centre the customer is contacted by phone as soon as possible.
I am informed by the RSA that where a test is cancelled, the applicant is placed on a priority list and should typically receive a new booking invitation within a few days. Where an applicant does not receive an invitation in a timely manner I would advise the candidate to contact the RSA directly.
275. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the first meeting of the National Working Group on Geographical Zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16096/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra276. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport whether local authorities will be involved in the National Working Group on Geographical Zones, specifically Fingal County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16097/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 275 and 276 together.
The establishment of the National Working Group on Geographical Zones is one of the actions under the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The implementation of the Policy Framework is underway. The National UAS Policy Framework Monitoring Group met recently. The purpose of the Monitoring Group is to support and monitor the overall progress of the implementation of the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The Monitoring Group is in the process of agreeing the Implementation Action Plan for 2026 which will set out actions and corresponding timelines, including the establishment of working groups set out in the Policy Framework. I intend to publish the Implementation Action Plan in the coming weeks.
The National Working Group on Geographical Zones is due to be established by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), and work is underway by the IAA to review UAS Geographical Zones ahead of the establishment of the Working Group.
The Policy Framework recognises the important role local authorities have in the development and roll out of drone operations in their communities. While the membership for the National Working Group on Geographical Zones has yet to be determined, I anticipate that local authorities will be a significant stakeholder in the work of the Working Group.
277. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Transport the disciplinary procedures in place for senior management in State transport bodies (details supplied) in the event of failure of evidence-based forward planning of public transport infrastructure and services in settlements of population growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16105/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that daa’s statutory mandate does not include the provision of public transport infrastructure. However, for the National Transport Authority, Bus Éireann, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Irish Rail this is a HR matter for the companies involved. I have forwarded your question to the relevant for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
278. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport the input provided by his Department or ZEVI into the development of the private wires legislation on the subject of making it possible for residents who do not have a driveway to install home electric charging points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16109/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Governments ongoing commitment to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network including Home Charging to support the switch to zero emission vehicles.
In December 2025, I, as Minister for Transport and Climate, Energy and the Environment, secured government approval to commence drafting of the Private Wires Bill. The bill will amend the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 to enable private development of electricity wires in 4 specific circumstances.
ZEVI has met with DCEE to discuss the upcoming legislation and the potential inclusion of a flexibility on private wires to allow residents without a driveway to use home charging points for on-street charging.
ZEVI is also working with the SEAI and local authorities to develop a process to support residents to deploy such a solution at their home. This will be made available following the legislative change.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.
As per the approved Private Wires Policy Statement in July 2025, this bill will allow for private wires to be built in 4 limited circumstances:
• To permit a private wire linking a single user of electricity to a separate singular generation asset. This connection may also include storage technologies
• To facilitate hybrid grid connections
• To allow on-street charging solutions for Electric Vehicles
• To allow a customer that self-supplies electricity to provide electricity to a separate customer in a contiguous premises
279. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport the procurement process for bus shelters; the average cost of a bus shelter over the last ten years, broken down by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16126/26]
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.
280. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport the total roads funding allocated to each county over the last ten years, broken down by funding category, by year, by county, the total funding by year and over ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16127/26]
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.
National Roads allocations for years 2020 -2025 are available at: www.tii.ie/en/tii-library/reports-accounts/. Full details of national roads allocations for 2026 are available on the TII website: www.tii.ie/media/luma0wdk/2026-tii-la-national-roads-allocations-booklet.pdf
However, for National Roads allocations prior to 2020, TII is best placed to advise you on 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.
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 funding allocated to and drawn down by local authorities by grant type over the last 10 years, 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 www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/press-releases/ministers-for-transport-announce-over-15-billion-for-national-regional-and-local-roads/.
281. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 231 of 19 February 2026, if the information requested can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16133/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 231 of 19 February 2026, officials in my Department are currently collating this information and the information requested will be provided to the deputy as soon as possible.
Where it is determined that a policy or other development removes the need for commencement of a section, enacting a regulation or publishing guidance, it may be that this is delayed for some time or the provision may remain unused entirely.
My Department does not actively track all such provisions within the entire suite of transport legislation for commencing sections, making regulation or issuing guidance, but rather relies on policy determinations to assess both where such actions are necessary and, with legal advice on the availability of such suitable actions, for the identification of appropriate sections within existing legislation.
It is for the above reason that I provided a deferred response and am endeavouring to provide an evidenced reply addressing each of your queries, covering legislation put in place over the previous 10 years. I will issue this reply to you as soon as the information required is collated.
282. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the proposed rail link between Donegal and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16139/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra283. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any research carried out into the merits of creating a rail link between Dublin and Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16140/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra284. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any costings that have been done into creating a rail link between Dublin and Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16141/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 282, 283 and 284 together.
As 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 as well as a line between Portadown to Derry which includes a spur to Letterkenny in County Donegal - which provides a connection onwards to Dublin.
It should be noted that that individual programmes and projects referred to within the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
