Ciarán Ahern
Ceist:403. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the number of vehicles licenced in Ireland, by category in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28469/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraVehicle Registration
Ceisteanna (403)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to state that the number of licenced vehicles by category on the 31 December 2021 – 2025 are provided in the table below.
For your convenience, my Department publish monthly snapshot of licensed vehicles as open data on the CSO website at the following link https://data.cso.ie/table/TTM03.
|
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Agricultural tractor |
77,399 |
73,467 |
72,234 |
74,417 |
75,617 |
|
All Exempt Vehicles |
31,851 |
32,271 |
33,107 |
34,168 |
34,799 |
|
Combine harvester |
728 |
682 |
719 |
712 |
698 |
|
Cycle |
45,924 |
46,528 |
47,786 |
49,685 |
51,407 |
|
Cycle & sidecar |
343 |
310 |
294 |
290 |
291 |
|
Dumper |
646 |
658 |
764 |
854 |
878 |
|
Emergency rescue vehicle |
182 |
194 |
199 |
200 |
200 |
|
Excavator/digger |
4,845 |
4,648 |
4,644 |
4,701 |
4,799 |
|
Forklift |
2,511 |
2,441 |
2,514 |
2,717 |
2,983 |
|
General haulage tractor |
691 |
689 |
654 |
685 |
674 |
|
Goods |
385,099 |
389,184 |
400,229 |
418,507 |
432,460 |
|
Hackney |
1,197 |
1,155 |
1,098 |
1,028 |
926 |
|
Hearse |
970 |
977 |
945 |
951 |
963 |
|
Island vehicle |
667 |
644 |
619 |
640 |
624 |
|
Large public service vehicle |
11,090 |
11,688 |
12,163 |
13,077 |
13,967 |
|
Limousine |
1,619 |
1,762 |
1,920 |
2,159 |
2,371 |
|
Mobile machine |
4,994 |
4,915 |
4,823 |
4,952 |
5,060 |
|
Motor caravan |
16,181 |
17,573 |
18,999 |
21,166 |
22,716 |
|
Private |
2,232,174 |
2,255,971 |
2,322,875 |
2,432,648 |
2,511,627 |
|
Schoolbus |
779 |
886 |
1,177 |
1,522 |
1,810 |
|
Taxi |
15,267 |
15,089 |
15,081 |
15,335 |
15,314 |
|
Tricycle |
369 |
397 |
470 |
517 |
557 |
|
Vintage/veteran |
54,680 |
56,114 |
58,029 |
61,660 |
65,166 |
|
Youth community bus |
769 |
762 |
749 |
765 |
744 |
|
Total |
2,890,975 |
2,919,005 |
3,002,092 |
3,143,356 |
3,246,651 |
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (404)
Marie Sherlock
Ceist:404. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to urgently address the situation of increasing roads deaths in Ireland; the steps he is taking to increase enforcement; the number of individuals who have received serious injuries from all forms of traffic collisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28513/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The current national framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. The Strategy has the target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% this decade, and to achieving Vision Zero—as close as possible to no deaths or serious injuries on Irish roads—by 2050.
The Phase 2 Action Plan 2025–2027 was published in July 2025 comprising 12 primary transformative actions and 77 supporting actions. The Action Plan is being delivered through partnership and collaborative working by road safety stakeholders including An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, the Courts Service, Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Health and Safety Authority and the Local Authorities. Examples of key actions include expanding the use of safety cameras and reviewing and overhauling our learning to drive curriculum.
The detailed Action Plan can be reviewed here: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/20250716_RSS_Phase_2_Action_Plan.pdf
In addition, this year, the RSA has again ringfenced funding of €18 million for road safety awareness, education and promotional campaigns focused on making our roads safer for all road users, including and especially vulnerable road users.
As enforcement of road traffic offences is the primary responsibility of An Garda Síochána, I would refer the Deputy to my colleague the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, for enforcement related matters.
Regarding road traffic collision and serious injury data, under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 the RSA has a statutory remit to report on fatal, serious and minor injury collisions on public roads. Given the RSA's role in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct response. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
My focus as Minister, the focus of my Department and of all the road safety partners with who we work, is on the delivery of the Phase 2 Action Plan. This Action Plan was developed by road safety experts, based on Irish experience and looking at best practice in other countries and our focus must be on the delivery of these agreed actions.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (405)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:405. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting time for driving tests as the Killester test centre; the reason some applicants have been waiting significantly longer for a test date than the publicly listed waiting time of ten weeks; the efforts being made to reduce waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28524/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all testing and scheduling matters. Therefore, the information requested by the Deputy is held by the Authority. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days. The Deputy may also wish to note that the statistics for waiting times for individual test centres are made available on the CSO website on a monthly basis and can be accessed via the following link: https://data.cso.ie/table/ROA36 .
Pending this response, the latest information provided to me by the RSA indicates that as of 4 April, the average driver test wait time at the Killester test centre was 17-weeks. I am assured by the RSA that it is continuing to work to bring the wait time in Killester down in line with the 10 week average target as soon as possible.
The long-term solution to driver test waiting times lies in the recruitment of additional driver testers. In September 2024, my Department conveyed sanction for 70 additional driver testing posts on a permanent basis, bringing the permanent sanction for driver testers to 200. This represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022. As of 4 April, 193 testers were in place, which marks a significant increase on the 151 available at the beginning of 2025. The RSA is working to reach its full complement of 200 testers later this year subject to the next successful training and onboarding of new recruits, which is continuing.
In addition, the driver testing booking system now makes available cancelled test slots for candidates to take up at short notice. I would encourage learner drivers awaiting a test to monitor this channel, which may provide an opportunity to book an earlier testing date.
It should be noted that, while the current national average wait time of 11.9 weeks as at 4 April is above the target level of 10 weeks the RSA has indicated that the service continues to see higher demand, with 20% more applications received at end March when compared to the same period in 2025. A factor in the current higher demand for testing is the tightening of the restrictions on multiple learner permits, as drivers seek tests before the new restrictions come into effect later this year. Driver test service improvements allowed me to sign regulations to end the practice of learner drivers continually rolling over learner permits without ever sitting a driving test and these regulations will take effect from 1 November 2026. As the Deputy will be aware from a road safety perspective, it is vital that learners complete the learning to drive process and become fully qualified drivers, and that people do not hold learner permits without ever taking a driving test.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (406)
Barry Heneghan
Ceist:406. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the absence of a direct public bus service to Dublin Airport for residents of Fairview, Clontarf, Marino, Raheny and the surrounding north Dublin coastal areas; that many residents currently must travel into Dublin city centre to get a bus service or rely on costly taxi services in order to access the airport; if the National Transport Authority has assessed the transport needs of these communities in this regard; whether consideration has been given to introducing a direct airport bus service serving these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28548/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (407)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:407. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the mechanism that exist to ensure dangerous roads are reviewed and redesigned after crashes or public reports of danger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28550/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State grants.
Where a fatal road traffic collision occurs, the relevant local authority engineer and investigating member of An Garda Síochána consult at the site of the collision and jointly complete a collision report form named LA16. This is an action of the Road Safety Strategy 2021 - 2030.
The completed LA16 form, outlines the details of the collision, weather conditions and road conditions including signage, road markings, speed limit, roadside environment and classification of the road.
My Department also funds a Network Safety Analysis of the Regional and Local Road Network across the country. Using available collision datasets high collision locations are identified and Locations of Interest (LoI) reports are produced.
These LoI reports are then issued to the relevant local authority and form the basis for application for funding under the Safety Improvement Schemes Grant. In 2026 my Department allocated €14 million in Safety Improvement Schemes Grant to the sector which is funding over 330 safety schemes nationally which is an 8% increase over the 2025 allocation.
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 road traffic accident black spots on National Roads.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (408)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:408. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport in light of the 190 road fatalities in 2025, and the continued surge in deaths recorded in early 2026, if he will provide a definitive update on his Department's assessment of establishing a statutory road safety commissioner; if this officeholder would be granted the specific legal authority and budget required to unify the currently diffused responsibilities between the RSA, local authorities and An Garda Síochána to meet the 2030 target of halving road deaths; his views on the reasons the current governance model is failing to meet these trajectories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28552/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Road safety is a core priority for me and the Government and the current national framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. The Strategy has the target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% this decade, and to achieving Vision Zero—as close as possible to no deaths or serious injuries on Irish roads—by 2050.
The Phase 2 Action Plan 2025–2027 under the Strategy was published in July 2025. In total, the Phase 2 Plan contains 12 primary and 77 support actions, with the potential to deliver truly transformative change. Actions are being delivered through partnership and collaborative working by road safety stakeholders.
My Department is responsible for the central co-ordination of the Road Safety Strategy and implementation of the Phase 2 Action Plan is overseen at Ministerial level by the Road Safety Leadership Group (RSLG). I chair this Group which is attended by the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs. This Group also comprises senior officials from all key road safety partners including An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, the Courts Service, Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Health and Safety Authority and the Local Authorities
The Group oversees implementation of the Strategy. Action owners are required to report quarterly on actions in their areas and the RSLG meets quarterly to review these updates and to discuss progress on the delivery of the 12 Primary Actions. Additional updates as required are provided on the 77 support actions.
A Road User Safety Forum is also in place and gives a range of road user and road safety advocates an opportunity to contribute to the Phase 2 Action Plan.
I believe the current structures are the most appropriate for delivery of road safety improvements under the Government's Road Safety Strategy. My focus as Minister, the focus of my Department and of all the road partners with who we work with, is on the delivery of the Phase 2 Action Plan. This Action Plan was developed by road experts, based on Irish experience and looking at best practice in other countries. I will always consider suggestions for additional actions that may lead to road safety improvements, but our focus must be on the delivery of agreed actions. rather than changes to oversight structures.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (409)
John Connolly
Ceist:409. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of difficulties faced by morning commuters using Bus Éireann Route 419 (Galway-Clifden), particularly those boarding in Moycullen (details supplied); whether consideration has been given by the National Transport Authority, as part of its review of the PSO service, to aligning the first weekday departure serving Moycullen with the Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays timetable for the same service by moving the stop forward by approximately 10 minutes in order that the service will arrive in Moycullen at approximately 07:26 and allow workers to make it to work in the city for 8am; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28564/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (410)
Paula Butterly
Ceist:410. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on Louth County Council's application for €3.6 million in emergency storm damage funding submitted in February 2026, in light of the fact that the council has already carried out substantial resurfacing and repair works without any additional allocation to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28568/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has liaised with those local authorities affected by Storm Chandra on damage caused and remediation needed and is now looking at means to address it.
In accordance with Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, as amended, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority. Work on such roads is funded from Councils' own resources, supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of work to be funded is a matter for local authorities.
For 2026, €718 million has been allocated, through State road grants, for the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, with approximately 90% of this funding allocated to road maintenance and renewal.
All funding available through the 2026 Regional and Local Road Grant Programme was allocated to local authorities in February this year. Such allocations should supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources.
This year, Louth County Council has been allocated €10,810,650, with €10,040,650 allocated for the protection and renewal of its regional and local roads.
Local authorities are advised to set aside a contingency, from Department allocations and its own resources, for severe weather events.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (411)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:411. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 181 of 26 March 2026, when the RSA is due to report in respect of the assessment process for a licence exchange agreement; and if that report will be laid before the House. [28597/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The RSA's evaluation of another jurisdiction's licensing and testing standards for a possible licence exchange agreement is independent and technical in nature and is necessarily independent of political involvement.
The guiding principle for the RSA when reaching an agreement with another jurisdiction is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users. As licence exchange agreements protect public safety by ensuring that people licensed to drive on our roads have reached recognised standards, the most important element is whether the other jurisdiction's licensing regime applies standards for obtaining a licence which are comparable with our own. Where these standards are not met, no agreement is possible, no matter how desirable an agreement with that jurisdiction may be.
The time frames for completing a review vary considerably and depend on a range of factors, in particular the response of the other jurisdiction. There are processes ongoing at present for a number of jurisdictions and once any are completed, the RSA will make a recommendation to my Department.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (412)
John Connolly
Ceist:412. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the rationale for requiring repeated medical certification under the NDLS driver licencing process for individuals with clearly documented permanent physical disabilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28599/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The minimum standards of physical and mental fitness required to drive are determined by European Union legislation, with which Irish driver licencing laws must comply. The EU minimum standards of physical and mental fitness to drive are set out in national legislation, in schedule 6 of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 (SI 537 of 2006). This is amended as EU Directives update medical fitness rules in line with developments in healthcare and technology.
Applicants for a learner permit or driving licence must submit a medical report with their applications, as set out in regulation 41 of SI 537 of 2006. This ensures that people licensed to drive on our roads meet the high standards of safety, including driver fitness, set out at EU level.
Medical fitness to drive, including the appropriate duration of a driving licence, is determined by a person’s doctor. Where the doctor is satisfied that the condition is not progressive, there is no need to restrict the driver to a shorter licence term.
The Irish guidelines, Sláinte agus Tiomáint – Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines, are reviewed and updated regularly, most recently in 2025. The information in the Guidelines assists doctors and other healthcare professionals in advising their patients on fitness to drive and requirements for reporting to the NDLS and provide guidance on reviews of stability, progression or improvement in drivers' conditions.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (413)
Joanna Byrne
Ceist:413. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progress being made on the new vehicle adaptation scheme; the stakeholder consultation that has taken place to date regarding the scheme; the eligibility criteria that will apply to the scheme; and when the scheme will be open to drivers and passengers with a disability who are in urgent need of support. [28605/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise that my Department has been tasked with developing a Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS).
The purpose of the new Scheme is to improve functional mobility by assisting with the cost of vehicle adaptations. The scheme will be open to drivers and passengers who have a need for vehicle adaptations to enable them to enter or exit a vehicle or operate a vehicle.
My officials have had initial discussions with some stakeholders and will meet more over the coming period. The Department’s priority is to provide supports for both disabled drivers and passengers which are fit for purpose, and which are also equitable, effective, efficient, as well as proportionate and appropriate to needs.
It is important to note that the VAS is a standalone scheme and not intended to replace the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme. Responsibility for the future of the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme remains a function of the Department of Finance.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (414)
Ciarán Ahern
Ceist:414. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the number of vehicles supported under the electric small public service vehicle grant scheme in each of the years 2024, 2025 and 2026, respectively; the total funding allocated and drawn down in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28616/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Electric Small Public Service Vehicle Scheme (eSPSV) supports the uptake of EVs in the SPSVs sector (taxis, hackneys, and limousines).
This sector plays an important role in decarbonising the broader transport system and is funded by ZEVI in the Department of Transport and administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
|
eSPSV |
No. of Applications Received |
No. Approved |
Total Allocation |
Funding Drawn Down |
|
2024 |
2,699 |
752 |
€13.5m |
12,082,384.51 |
|
2025 |
3,721 |
805 |
€17m |
16,300,065.10 |
|
2026 (as of 17th April) |
1,642 |
155 |
€7m |
905,000 |
Reasons an applicant may be unsuccessful include withdrawal, lapsed timeframe for drawdown of funds, or incomplete applications.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (415)
Ciarán Ahern
Ceist:415. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport whether additional rounds of the electric small public service vehicle grant scheme are planned for 2026 or 2027; the timeline for same; the anticipated funding for future rounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28617/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Electric Small Public Service Vehicle Scheme (eSPSV) supports the uptake of electric vehicles in the SPSVs sector (taxis, hackneys, and limousines). The scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by the National Transport Authority of Ireland (NTA).
The 2026 Scheme has been allocated funding of €7 million, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting SPSV operators to transition to electric vehicles. This continued investment represents one of the largest targeted EV incentives for small public service vehicles.
Due to the record number of applications, the eSPSV26 Grant Scheme is now fully subscribed. The NTA has paused the scheme and will review and process the eligible applications received. Following assessment of the initial applications, the scheme may reopen later in the year.
The EV grant system is continually reviewed to optimise EV purchasing with a view to replacing older, polluting vehicles. It should be noted that decisions on financial incentives, including EV grants, must be taken in the context of overall financial sustainability.
Government’s aim is to create an optimum environment for EVs and to make it possible for anyone who wants an EV to have one. We will continue to take a balanced approach, ensuring that our incentives and policy measures are both ambitious and deliverable within our current environment.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (416)
John Connolly
Ceist:416. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the mechanisms currently in place to ensure that sections of the national road network identified as dangerous through collision data or reports from members of the public are subject to formal safety review and redesign (details supplied); the obligations that exist on local authorities to act on such reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28628/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 the mechanisms in place to improve safety on the National Road Network, and regarding the N83 at Rockwood/Rockmount, Co. Galway.
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. 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.
Bus Éireann
Ceisteanna (417)
Ciarán Ahern
Ceist:417. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport following the recent announcement by Bus Éireann of its cancellation of its Waterford–Dublin/Dublin Airport (Route 4), if he will put in place a public service obligation to ensure the continuance of the route, given it links Ireland’s capital city and main international airport with the only city in the south-east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28633/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Bus Éireann operates both Public Service Obligation services funded by the State subvention and Expressway intercity services which operate on a commercial basis and do not receive any State subvention.
I am aware that Bus Éireann recently announced the withdrawal of some services which operate under its Expressway service. This decision was taken following a financial and operational review carried out by Bus Éireann with regard Expressway performance over recent years, which sought to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the company as a whole.
As is the case with any such commercial route withdrawals, the withdrawal of these routes triggered the NTA’s PSO Determination process, the outcome of which has been published on the NTA's website.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (418)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:418. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the mechanism that exists to ensure dangerous roads are reviewed and redesigned after crashes or public reports of danger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28712/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State grants.
Where a fatal road traffic collision occurs, the relevant local authority engineer and investigating member of An Garda Síochána meet at the site of the collision and jointly complete a collision report form named LA16. This is an action of the Road Safety Strategy 2021 - 2030.
The completed LA16 form outlines the details of the collision, weather conditions and road conditions including signage, road markings, speed limit, roadside environment and classification of the road etc. These forms are submitted to the Roads Management Office who maintain the dataset.
My Department funds Network Safety Analysis of the Regional and Local Road Network across the country. Using available collision datasets high collision locations are identified and Locations of Interest (LoIs) reports are produced.
These LoI reports are then issued to the relevant local authority and form the basis for application for funding under the Safety Improvement Schemes Grant. In 2026 my Department allocated €14 million in Safety Improvement Schemes Grant to the sector which is funding over 330 low cost safety schemes nationally which is an 8% increase over the 2025 allocation.
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 road traffic accident black spots on National Roads.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Programme for Government
Ceisteanna (419)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:419. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on each of the individual Programme for Government commitments assigned to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28667/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy by my private office within ten working days.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (420)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:420. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the status of the proposed bus route 515 under the Connecting Ireland Programme, including the expected timeline for its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28677/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and TFI Local Link services. 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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (421)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:421. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the status of the proposed bus route 256 under the Connecting Ireland Programme, including the expected timeline for its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28678/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and TFI Local Link services. 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.
Air Services
Ceisteanna (422)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:422. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport whether the relevant action application by DAA PLC under section 34C of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (ABP ref. ABP-314485-22), if granted, would establish a new environmental baseline for departure routes from Dublin Airport's north runway; whether the relevant action process under section 34C has any legal effect on the departure routes assessed in the 2007 Environmental Impact Statement (ABP ref. PL06F.217429); whether the granting of a relevant action concerning night-time operating restrictions can operate as de facto retention of departure routes that were never the subject of the application and were never assessed under the EIA Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28679/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As you will be aware, on the 17th of July 2025, An Coimisiún Pleanála ("ACP"), in its role as the Appeals Body for Aircraft Noise Regulation (per Section 10 of the Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation Act 2019), published its Decision in relation to night-time air traffic operations at Dublin Airport, which included, amongst other conditions, a restriction on flights on the new north runway between midnight and 6am except in exceptional specified circumstances.
On the 8th of August 2025, ACP notified the EU Commission of the operating restrictions set out in its July 2025 decision, as required under Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 598/2014, and the EU Commission subsequently undertook an assessment of the process followed by ACP in its decision.
On the 10th of February 2026, following completion of its assessment, the EU Commission issued a notification advising that the process used by ACP for the proposed introduction of operating restrictions at Dublin Airport did not fully follow the Balanced Approach process, as set out in Regulation (EU) 598/2014.
The Balanced Approach involves consideration of a range of measures, such as reduction of noise at source, effective land-use planning and management, and noise abatement operational procedures, before implementing any noise-related operating restrictions at an airport.
In line with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 598/2014 and the Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation Act 2019, as the independent competent authority for this matter on appeal, ACP will now have to examine this Decision and to determine the most appropriate next steps.
Given that this is currently an open case with ACP, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.