Wednesday, 4 Mar 2026

Written Answers Nos. 40-60

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (40)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

40. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence to provide a breakdown of defence spending under the following headings for each of the years 2021 to 2025 inclusive: pay and allowances for uniformed personnel; pay and allowances for civilian Department staff; capital equipment procurement; maintenance and repair of existing equipment; fuel and operational costs; training costs; accommodation and barracks maintenance; overseas mission costs; and all other expenditure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17584/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

The information requested is already publicly available as part of annual Appropriation Account processes. As part of these processes, each department or office is required to prepare an annual account, known as the appropriation account, for each voted service administered by it.

These accounts are a cash-based record of the receipts and payments in the year compared with the amounts provided under the Appropriation Act.

These accounts necessarily include detailed information on administration and programme expenditure across the Defence and Army Pension Votes, all of which are subject, under Section 3 (11) of the Comptroller & Auditor General Act 1993, to audit and presentation to the Dail by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (41)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

41. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence what proportion of the overall defence Vote has been spent on barrack accommodation, maintenance, and infrastructure in each of the years 2021 to 2025 inclusive; the current estimated backlog of maintenance works required across Defence Forces installations; the estimated cost of bringing all Defence Forces accommodation up to an acceptable standard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17585/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

The details sought by the Deputy could not be provided in the time allowed. I have asked my officials to compile this information and provide it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (42)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

42. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the total amount spent on the development, production, and publication of strategy documents, policy papers, public consultation processes, and related communications by her Department in each of the years 2022 to 2025 inclusive; whether this expenditure was subject to value for money assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17586/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence (Deputy Helen McEntee)

The information requested by the Deputy is being complied and will be provided as soon as possible.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.

I refer to Parliamentary Question 17586/26 to which I provided a preliminary reply on 4 March, in which I indicated that the material requested in your Question was being complied.

That material has now been compiled and is attached in tabular form.

To ask the Minister for Defence the total amount spent on the development, production, and publication of strategy documents, policy papers, public consultation processes, and related communications by her Department in each of the years 2022 to 2025 inclusive; whether this expenditure was subject to value for money assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Year	Total Amount Spent
Year	Total Amount Spent
2022	€8,764
2023	€102,499
2024	€318,874
2025	€289,095

All spending by the Department of Defence is done in full accordance with the Public Spending Code, which obliges all Public Bodies to treat public funds with care and to ensure that the best possible value-for-money is obtained whenever public money is being spent or invested.

The Department also adheres to all national and EU rules concerning public procurement, including the need for tendering where required.

In certain cases, the Department has availed of framework contracts put in place by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).

The costs shown in the table reflect the costs associated with services provided by external contractors and do not include the time contributed by officials of my Department in the drafting, preparation or production of any such documents, policy papers, consultation processes or related communications.

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (43)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

43. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will urgently review the criteria and cost of a five year driving licence where a person is aged between 65 and 71 years-of-age given this five year renewal costs the same as a full ten year renewal. [17283/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I wish to advise that a driving licence is granted for 5 years where an applicant is 65 or older, but under 72. A fee of €65 is applicable to all driving licences issued for a period greater than 3 years. This fee includes the cost of producing a physical licence to the necessary security standards.

Where a licence is issued for three years, the fee is €35 and there is no fee for a one year licence, which is usually issued on medical grounds. The fees are set out in the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Fees) Regulations (SI 673 /2024).

Please note that individuals aged 70 years or over are exempt from paying a fee to renew their driving licence.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (44)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

44. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the continued issues with bus services in Dublin south-west, particularly the S8 and 15b (details supplied) and if he will instruct his Department to address this issue. [17258/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As 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 this case GoAhead and Dublin Bus

I can assure you that my Department is committed to providing investment in our public transport network and that I am supportive of the Governments goals in delivering an accessible, affordable and reliable public transport network throughout the country.

In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA and Dublin Bus for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (45)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

45. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the total amount spent by local authorities in 2025 on the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme, broken down by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17280/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (46)

Cathy Bennett

Ceist:

46. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the current cycling and pedestrian infrastructures in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17346/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.

The Government is committed to the provision of improved and expanded walking and cycling infrastructure both in our urban centres and in towns and villages across Ireland. In 2021, the Active Travel Infrastructure Programme was expanded to include the 19 local authority areas outside the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and the regional cities. Since then, over €1 billion has been invested in walking and cycling projects across the country.

Over 1,000 km of walking and cycling projects has been delivered around the country to date, through various interventions such as cycle lanes, footpaths, junction improvements and bridges. In line with the Government's commitment of investing €360 million per annum across Active Travel and Greenway programmes to the end of the decade, €290 million has been allocated to the NTA's Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme in 2026, in addition to €67 million for TII's Greenway Programme and National Roads Active Travel infrastructure.

As part of the allocations determination, the NTA and TII liaises with each local authority to fully understand the projects being proposed by the local authority and its considerations in terms of priorities. In general, the main focus of active travel investment delivered by the NTA will be to support high quality walking and cycling infrastructure, for everyday trips, in villages, towns and cities, particularly in designated growth settlements, with a view to promoting the greatest potential modal shift to active travel.

Delivery of improved active travel networks continues apace across the country, supported by active travel teams now established in every local authority. The roll-out of improved and continuous active travel networks brings benefits to all users of such networks and the I look forward to seeing continued delivery in the years ahead.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (47, 48)

Johnny Guirke

Ceist:

47. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide additional finance to Meath County Council to re-surface the roads in exceptionally poor condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17359/26]

Johnny Guirke

Ceist:

48. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of his Department funding allocated to, but not spent by Meath County Council, on road projects, for the years 2020 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17360/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 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. 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.

Within the budget available for the regional and local road grant programme, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.

In 2026, Meath County Council has been allocated a total of €26,862,000. Of this, €25,637,000 has been allocated for the protection and renewal of Meath's regional and local roads. This is an increase from the initial 2025 allocation of €25,367,800 for protection and renewal grants.

As regards the total funding allocated to and drawn down by Meath County Council 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.

It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is also open to local authorities to prioritise investment on 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.

National roads allocations for years 2020 -2026 are available at: www.tii.ie/en/tii-library/reports-accounts/.

I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply regarding funding allocated to Meath County Council. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 47.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (49)

Johnny Guirke

Ceist:

49. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport if he has any plans to increase public transport availability and frequency between Athboy, County Meath and Delvin, County Westmeath, to compensate for the current lack of reliable services linking these two towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17361/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (50, 51)

Johnny Guirke

Ceist:

50. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the Navan rail project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17362/26]

Johnny Guirke

Ceist:

51. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport the engagement his Department has had to date with landowners along the potential routes of the Navan rail project in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17363/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area sets out a framework for transport investment across the region from 2022 to 2042. The Strategy includes delivery of the Navan Rail line between 2031 and 2036, subject to planning and funding approvals, and this plan is currently on target.

It is anticipated that a public consultation on the route options for the Navan rail project will take place in the middle of this year.

That public consultation process will ultimately result in a defined route for the Navan train line, and it will support the development of a Preliminary Business Case which will need to be approved by Government in line with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines, before any planning application.

Subject to securing Government approval, it is anticipated that a planning application, or Railway Order, for the Navan rail project will be lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála in 2028, and I would hope for a planning decision by 2029.

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 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 50.

Bus Éireann

Ceisteanna (52, 53)

John Connolly

Ceist:

52. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with the National Transport Authority and Bus Éireann regarding the ongoing capacity pressures on the Route 419 Galway–Clifden service, particularly the recently updated 07:36 departure from Moycullen which is frequently full and unable to accommodate passengers; the measures being considered to alleviate these persistent capacity constraints; the anticipated timeline for the introduction of any such improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17373/26]

John Connolly

Ceist:

53. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the National Transport Authority’s and Bus Éireann review of the Route 424 Galway–Lettermullen service in light of ongoing capacity pressures; particularly by the Barna stop where the service is frequently full and unable to accommodate passengers; whether additional services, increased frequency, or other interventions are being considered; the expected timeline for any decisions or implementation of improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17374/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together.

As 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 this case Bus Éireann.

I can assure you that my Department is committed to providing investment in our public transport network and that I am supportive of the Governments goals in delivering an accessible, affordable and reliable public transport network throughout the country.

In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Question No. 53 answered with Question No. 52.

Bus Éireann

Ceisteanna (54)

John Connolly

Ceist:

54. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority has undertaken an assessment on the reinstatement of the route 414 Barna bus service; whether discussions on feasibility and demand levels have advanced; the indicative timeline for a decision on the potential revival of the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17375/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As 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 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Road Traffic Offences

Ceisteanna (55)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

55. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 80 of 25 February 2026, to list the 81 intoxicants that the Medical Bureau for Road Safety test for; to outline the process of expanding this list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17378/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I am happy to refer the Deputy to the full list of analytes screened by the Medical Bureau for Road Safety (MBRS), on pages 34/35 of the MBRS Annual Report 2024 (www.ucd.ie/mbrs/t4media/MBRS%20Annual%20Report%202024.pdf)

With regard to the second part of the Deputy's query, I understand that the Bureau may consider adding additional analytes to the screening list on foot of feedback from An Garda Síochána and in response to trends identified by international scientific research networks. Where there is evidence that use of a substance is becoming more prevalent, the Bureau may then move to consider reporting that substance, a process that requires establishing that there is evidence that it causes impairment, developing and validating a confirmatory method and then adding it and the relevant testing method to the Bureau's accreditation.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (56)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

56. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the installation of EV charging points across Cavan and Monaghan; the locations of same; if there are any plans to increase the amount provided; the locations of the new sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17398/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

My Department is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.

While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, there is a vital need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.

The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging, will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.

Local authorities will be funded by ZEVI to develop local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation plans. This process will identify the number of charge points required in each area, including on-street chargers to serve residents without access to private off-street parking. Cavan (Regional Lead) and Monaghan have been identified under Region 1, along with County Leitrim. Following completion of the strategies later this year, the network plans will go to delivery phase.

ZEVI has also developed an EV charging infrastructure Pilot Programme with Local Authorities, aiming to deliver 26 pilot projects across 15 Local Authorities, including Cavan and Monaghan.

Lastly, the draft National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2026-2028 has been launched for public consultation. The draft Strategy builds on the strong progress made under the previous strategy and sets out clear pathways for expanding neighbourhood, destination and enroute charging across the country. It also also recognises the critical role of local authorities, industry partners and public bodies in delivering a coordinated and future proofed charging network.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (57)

Ciarán Ahern

Ceist:

57. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he will carry out a feasibility study on a proposed new express bus route from Oranmore to Galway city centre. [17399/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities, including Galway. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The NTA published its final bus network for Galway in December 2023. The redesign of the bus network is one of the key elements of BusConnects Galway, which aims to transform the city's bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.

In 2023, the NTA carried out an extensive review of the bus network in Galway, in collaboration with Galway City Council, Galway County Council, local bus operators, and with the specialised expertise of transport designers Jarret Walker and Associates. In April 2023, a draft new network was published, and the feedback and submissions received informed the final new bus network published in December 2023.

The new bus network will enable more people to avail of public transport, resulting in increased access to greater number of schools and workplaces across Galway City, Bearna, and Oranmore. Once the network is implemented, circa 67% of residents will live within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route (running every 15 minutes or better).

The NTA plans to commence the implementation of the new Galway bus network in the coming years, subject to funding and operational readiness.

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 with 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (58)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

58. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding bereavement days in the event of deaths of immediate family members for employees of a semi state bus company (details supplied); if any consideration has been afforded to extending the number of days allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17422/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The queries raised by the Deputy are operational matters for individual operators themselves.

Efforts were made to determine which company the Deputy is referring to, as no details were supplied, however in the absence of response, I have referred the Deputy's question to the two semi-State bus companies, Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (59)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

59. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he has investigated the possibility of extending free travel to all children aged 18 years-of-age or under; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17423/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As 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.

The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy. The 2026 PSO allocation continues to support targeted fare initiatives but does not provide for any broadening of existing fare measures that are subject to Government decision.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

National Car Test

Ceisteanna (60)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

60. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he plans on reviewing the fee for the NCT test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17445/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

In 2024, my Department commissioned Indecon Economic Consultants to carry out an independent, external review of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). This review was presented to Government and published in November 2024.

In total, the report made 34 recommendations. The report recommended that fees for RSA customer service should be set to ensure customer-focused activities are self-sustainable and are cost-reflective. The report noted that this was likely to require an increase in fees in 2025 and modest increases in subsequent years.

The RSA has been largely self-funded in respect of its operations since 2014 and the vast majority of the Authority’s funding comes directly from income for customer services such as driver testing, driver licencing and the National Car Testing (NCT) service.

Arising from the recommendation of the Indecon report, the fees for certain RSA services increased on 1 January 2025 to raise additional revenue and improve the RSA’s financial position. This included the fees for an NCT full test and re-test and were the first fee increases since 2012.

• Written Answers Nos. 21-39
• Written Answers Nos. 61-81