Written Answers Nos. 294-316
294. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Defence the steps being taken to ensure that the Defence Forces are adequately staffed and resourced to meet current and emerging security challenges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29257/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra295. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Defence the current status of recruitment and retention initiatives within the Defence Forces; the measures being considered to address ongoing personnel shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29258/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 295 together.
Increasing recruitment and retention of personnel in the Defence Forces is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence. As a government, we are committed to putting the resources in place to achieve Level of Ambition 2 and a crucial element of this is personnel expansion. A range of measures have been undertaken to tackle recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces over the last number of years. As a result, we have seen a stabilisation in the strength of the Permanent Defence Force in 2024 and an increase of almost 200 personnel in 2025.
Recruitment to the Defence Forces remains open and ongoing via a wide range of pathways including general service recruitment, re-entry schemes and multiple direct entry competitions for specialist roles. A range of new recruitment competition streams have successfully launched over the past number of years and include new competitions for Air Traffic Controller Cadetships, Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, Grooms in the Equitation School and Dental Nurses. Additional new competitions for Chefs, CIS/Cyber roles and Medical Officers have all launched in recent weeks while the 2026 Cadetship competitions closed in March with over 2,800 applications received.
Indeed, overall application numbers for careers in the Defence Forces continue to grow, with a total of 16,510 applications received in 2025 and more than 7,000 received to end of March of this year. Increases in application numbers and in the overall strength of the PDF demonstrate that the key enabling measures which the Government has introduced to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment and retention are yielding results. These measures include: -
• Increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement respectively.
• The extension of private secondary healthcare to all personnel.
• The application of the provisions of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces subject to certain exemptions.
• Increases to the Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea which has been doubled after ten days at sea in a calendar year.
• Extension of the Naval Service tax credit for a further five years.
• Extension of the Service Commitment Scheme for pilots in the Air Corps to Air Traffic Control personnel.
• Engagement of external expertise to support recruitment in the Naval Service.
• Introduction of a Professional Instructor Payment for Officers.
To support this and the implementation of related measures, Budget 2026 has provided a record allocation of €1.49 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €145 million on 2025. These funds include, among other things, a provision for the recruitment of a net 400 additional PDF members per annum.
Significant strides continue to be made on a number of recruitment and retention fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure is illustrative of my commitment the Defence sector.
296. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Defence the level of investment being allocated to the modernisation of Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure; the timeline for the delivery of key capability upgrades; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29259/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Defence, strengthening capital investment in equipment and infrastructure is a core priority of mine. Under the revised National Development Plan, a total capital allocation of €1.7 billion was secured for the Defence Vote to 2030. This represented an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1.1 billion. For 2026, the Defence capital allocation increased by €66 million (28%) to €300 million.
This level of investment supports the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, as set out in detail within the Updated Detailed Implementation Plan and Strategic Framework (2026). These documents identify the key priorities required to modernise and transform the Defence Forces, including the delivery of major equipment and infrastructure projects over the coming years.
Given the critically important need for robust radar capabilities to safeguard national security and ensure comprehensive awareness of activity across Ireland’s air and maritime domains, the progression of the Military Radar Programme remains an absolute priority for me in 2026.
Full delivery of the Military Radar Programme, comprising Land based Long Range Primary Radar, Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems - to include a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capability, and Maritime (Ship-Borne) Radar, has been prioritised with a target date of 2028 outlined in the updated CODF Detailed Implementation Plan. Elements of this capability will be rolled out in phases, starting this year with a particular focus on the development of C-UAS capabilities.
Other vitally important Defence projects set to advance in 2026 include Subsea Awareness, Software Defined Radio, and the acquisition of Light Utility Helicopters along with a wide range of other essential Force Protection equipment procurements.
Ongoing Defence Forces Infrastructural delivery enhances capability, personnel and organisational outcomes and has delivered positive benefits to military installations throughout the country. A number of important ongoing infrastructural projects set to progress significantly in 2026 include the development of the Cadet School HQ at DFTC, and the delivery of a new Medical Facility at Casement Aerodrome.
Further detail including expected delivery timelines related to the enhancement of key Defence Forces equipment and infrastructural capabilities are available on the updated Detailed Implementation Plan and Strategic Framework on the Government’s website [www.gov.ie].
297. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Defence the extent of Ireland's participation in international peacekeeping missions; the plans to expand or reduce such commitments in the coming period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29260/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a long-standing and proud tradition of participation in international peacekeeping operations spanning more than six decades. This reflects our strong commitment to international peace and security, to multilateralism, and to the principles and primary role of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security.
Ireland continues to be a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN peacekeeping. This commitment is reflected through our consistent participation in UN-mandated operations, as well as through our engagement in EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)-led missions operating under UN mandates.
As of 31 March 2026, Ireland is contributing 429 Defence Forces personnel to peacekeeping missions worldwide, as well as to a range of international organisations and national representations. Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed on a number of UN, EU and other international missions, including the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 361 personnel, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) with 12 personnel, and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 3 personnel. In support of UN-mandated EU-led missions, Ireland contributes 5 personnel to EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 4 personnel to EU Naval Mission Operation Irini, and 13 personnel to the UN-mandated NATO-led KFOR mission in Kosovo. Ireland also contributes personnel to observer and staff roles in various United Nations and OSCE missions, as well as to staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.
Ireland’s participation in UNIFIL has been a central element of this engagement for many years and has played an important role in supporting peace and security in Lebanon and the wider region. The current mandate for UNIFIL runs until the end of 2026, with a managed wind-down and drawdown expected to conclude during 2027. Both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are actively assessing the operational implications of this timeline. The transition phase of any mission presents particular challenges, and careful planning is required to ensure it is managed safely and effectively.
Decisions regarding the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas are made on the basis of policy advice and are informed by developments in the international security environment, the mandates authorised by the United Nations, Ireland’s foreign policy priorities, and the operational demands, assets and capabilities of the Defence Forces, having regard to existing commitments both at home and overseas. These factors are kept under continuous review, particularly in the context of an increasingly challenging security environment.
In the context of UNIFIL, it is anticipated that Ireland will withdraw from the mission during the planned drawdown phase in 2027, bringing to a close a significant and highly valued chapter in Ireland’s peacekeeping history. Planning for this transition is being undertaken in close coordination with the United Nations and partner countries, with a strong emphasis on the safety, welfare and wellbeing of Defence Forces personnel.
The Government remains open to considering future contributions where they align with Ireland’s values, international obligations and the capabilities of the Defence Forces.
Ireland’s participation in peacekeeping continues to be a core element of our international engagement, and I wish to take the opportunity to acknowledge the professionalism, dedication and service of the men and women of the Defence Forces who continue to serve the State with distinction on overseas missions.
298. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Defence the measures in place to enhance cybersecurity and protect critical national infrastructure from emerging threats, including any role envisaged for the Defence Forces in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29261/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCybersecurity and the protection of critical national infrastructure from emerging cyber threats is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Justice, Migration, and Home Affair with practical cybersecurity delivered through the National Cyber Security Centre and An Garda Síochána as the lead agencies. The National Cyber Security Centre is responsible for advising and informing Government, IT and Critical National Infrastructure providers of current threats and vulnerabilities associated with network information security.
While the primary role of the Defence Forces with regard to Cyber Defence relates to the protection and security of its own networks and systems, on request, the Defence Forces can provide support to both the National Cyber Security Centre and An Garda Síochána , in accordance with the Defence Forces Cyber Defence Strategy and under its aid to the civil power mandate.
Additionally, operators of essential services have roles and responsibilities to ensure the resilience of the services they provide. In March, my Department published the National Strategy for the Resilience of Critical Entities 2026-2029. The Strategy aims to ensure that the providers of essential services, identified as Critical Entities, implement measures that enable them to mitigate, respond to, and recover from incidents that could cause significant disruption.
299. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department maintains aggregated, non-operationally sensitive performance metrics relating to aircraft availability rates within the Air Corps fleet; and if so, the average annual availability rate across the fleet for each of the past five years. [29311/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraComprehensive data regarding Air Corps activities is publicly available in the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report www.gov.ie/en/department-of-defence/collections/annual-reports.
300. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the specific performance indicators, reports, or datasets reviewed by the High Level Planning and Procurement Group (HLPPG) in monitoring Air Corps capability; and whether any formal minutes, summaries, or performance dashboards are produced as part of this process. [29312/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe High Level Planning and Procurement Group (HLPPG) is a joint civil/military group whose role is to develop and implement multi annual rolling plans for the Defence Forces for equipment procurement and disposal and infrastructural development (including property acquisition), in accordance with the priorities set out in the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces, the Strategic Framework, the Defence Policy Review and in accordance with the prevailing strategic policy priorities and initiatives approved by the Minister and Government. The HLPPG is a key element of the governance structure in Defence.
One of the key recommendations from the Commission on the Defence Forces was to implement a top down capability development planning process (CDPP) to bring planning for Defence Forces capabilities in line with best practice. In early 2023 a Capability Development Unit was established in the Department. It is civil/military in terms of staffing, with military staff from across the three services of the Defence Forces, providing an overarching joint perspective to capability planning.
The Unit is in the final stages of producing a 12-year Capability Development Programme, that will identify, at a high level, the capability requirements for the Defence Forces, including Air Corps capabilities out to 2040. This ongoing piece of work, once complete, will inform the prioritisation of capabilities the Defence Forces will progress in moving towards the strategic level of ambition set out in the Defence Policy Review, and the objectives as set out in the recently published Strategic Framework and Update to the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces. HLPPG will have a role in agreeing updates to the Capability Development Programme.
I expect the Capability Development Programme will be finalised in 2026.
301. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the policy framework governing maintenance planning and performance monitoring within the Air Corps; including whether target turnaround times, serviceability thresholds, or maintenance performance benchmarks are set at Departmental level. [29313/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that the Air Corps operate a maintenance plan which endeavours to ensure that the maximum number of operational flying hours is available from the current aircraft fleet
All Air Corps aircraft and equipment are maintained in accordance with the Air Corps' maintenance regulations, the Air Regulation Manual Part E (ARM E), which establishes the regulatory standards for the continuing airworthiness of all aircraft and equipment.
Defence Forces operational plans and response capabilities are subject to normal operational security reporting restrictions and are not disclosed for operational security reasons. In this context, the Department of Defence receives operational and readiness reports for situational awareness purposes only. Direct command and control of assets, as well as specific tactical deployment decisions, remain the remit of the military authorities. Comprehensive data regarding Air Corps activities is publicly available in the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-defence/collections/annual-reports).
302. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any high-level, non-operational summaries of capability gap assessments relating to Air Corps platforms have been produced since 2020; and if so, whether such summaries can be provided in aggregate form [29314/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Defence, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
The Commission on the Defence Forces identified capability gaps in the Irish Defence Forces through a review process carried out between December 2020 and February 2022. The Commission combined policy analysis, consultations, site visits and comparative benchmarking to reach its conclusions. The Commission made a wide range of recommendations to fill capability gaps, which was accepted by the Government in the approved move to “Level of Ambition 2” as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission.
One of the key recommendations from the Commission on the Defence Forces was to implement a top down capability development planning process (CDPP) to bring planning for Defence Forces capabilities in line with best practice. This is a three phase process. The first phase, called the upstream phase, identifies capability needs. The second phase, the midstream phase, develops the capability requirements in detail. The third and final phase, the downstream phase, is where the capabilities are acquired and sustained.
In early 2023 a Capability Development Unit was established in the Department. It is civil/military in terms of staffing, with military staff from across the three services of the Defence Forces, providing an overarching joint perspective to capability planning. The Unit is now well established and in the final stages of the upstream phase, the key output of which is a 12 year Capability Development Programme, that will identify, at a high level, the capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040. This ongoing piece of work, once complete, will inform the prioritisation of capabilities the Defence Forces will progress in moving towards the strategic level of ambition set out in the Defence Policy Review, and the objectives as set out in the recently published Strategic Framework and Update to the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces. The Capability Development Programme will be finalised and published in 2026, however as the Deputy will appreciate, the assessment of capabilities and summarised capability gaps are highly sensitive and are not releasable in the interests of national security.
303. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the approved establishment level for Air Corps pilots, aircrew, and technical personnel; the current staffing levels; and the variance between approved and actual strength. [29315/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities advise me that as of the 21st April 2026, there were 99 qualified pilots serving in the Air Corps which is 93% of establishment. The current air crew strength stood at 49 personnel or 68% of establishment while the total number of aircraft technicians numbered 161 or 50% of establishment. These figures include qualified personnel only and do not include a significant number of personnel in various stages of training.
To mitigate attrition and strengthen workforce stability, several measures are being implemented. In addition the Strategic Workforce Plan will provide a formal structured pathway to achieving and sustaining strength in numbers of Defence Force personnel.
Specific retention actions which have already been delivered, include:
• Significant progress on pay;
• The extension of the existing Service Commitment Scheme for Air Corps pilots, to Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel;
• An increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62;
• The extension of private healthcare to all ranks in the Defence Forces;
• Provision of fitness, training and sports facilities across its installations;
• Progress on the 2023-2027 Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) with the highest level of financial resources in the State’s history;
• The provision of excellent training and education opportunities;
• The implementation of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces, subject to certain exemptions.
In addition, Local Bargaining measures are being introduced to support initiatives for retention in key capability areas.
I want to reassure the Deputy that prioritising the recruitment and retention of talented individuals across the entire Defence Forces is a priority and in an ever buoyant employment market, I want to see the Defence Forces as an employer of choice.
304. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the annual attrition rate for Air Corps pilots and technical personnel for each of the past five years; and the policy measures introduced specifically to address retention in these cohorts. [29316/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to provide a response within the time frame available. I will respond to the Deputy when the information requested is to hand.
305. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the annual intake and completion numbers for Air Corps pilot and technical training programmes for each of the past five years; and whether current training capacity aligns with projected staffing requirements under the Equipment Development Plan. [29317/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to provide a response within the time frame available. I will respond to the Deputy when the information requested is to hand.
|
Year |
Number Inducted |
Numbers Qualified |
|
2021 |
8 |
1 |
|
2022 |
8 |
17 |
|
2023 |
11 |
0 |
|
2024 |
10 |
7 |
|
2025 |
7 |
4 |
|
Year |
Number Inducted |
Number who completed training |
|
2021 |
25 |
7 |
|
2022 |
20 |
17 |
|
2023 |
12 |
8 |
|
2024 |
12 |
14 |
|
2025 |
8 |
12 |
306. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Department maintains an internal assessment of required versus actual Air Corps operational output across key mission categories; and if so, whether any gap between required and delivered output has been identified. [29318/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to ensuring service delivery aligns with the specific requirements of our state partners, performance is formally governed by Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for crucial services including:
• Emergency Aeromedical Services (EAS) and inter-hospital transfers ( Department of Health)
• Maritime Patrol and fisheries protection ( Sea Fisheries Protection Agency)
• Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS)
• Garda Air Support Unit
Comprehensive data regarding Air Corps activities is publicly available in the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-defence/collections/annual-reports). In addition, performance is further evaluated through performance metrics published in the Revised Estimates on an annual basis. assets.gov.ie/static/documents/40d6f3cb/REV_2026_BOOK_06.03.26.pdf.
To bridge identified capability gaps, the Government approved the move to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) in July 2022. This move provided for a rise in the Defence budget to €1.5 billion (in 2022 prices) by 2028, ensuring the required output is supported by sustainable funding.
307. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any post-procurement value-for-money or performance evaluation has been conducted on Air Corps aircraft acquisitions since 2019; and if so, to provide details of the evaluation criteria and findings [29319/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a broad range of audit and assurance arrangements in place that provide financial regularity and probity and ensure ongoing adherence to core Value for Money (VFM) principles. These arrangements encompass strong internal controls such as financial delegation and accountability, clear segregation of duties, monthly Management Board scrutiny, an embedded risk management system and a Research and Evaluation unit.
These structures are further complemented and strengthened by ongoing reviews undertaken by an independent Internal Audit Unit and robust external scrutiny, both ongoing and periodic, from, inter alia, the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Public Accounts Committee and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitisation. Collectively, this comprehensive approach to governance enhances transparency, safeguards public funding, and ensures that all Defence spending is well-managed and compliant with applicable public financial and procurement procedures.
There have been no specific post-procurement value-for-money or performance evaluations conducted on Air Corps aircraft acquisitions since 2019.
My Department has set up a Research and Evaluation Unit whose remit includes the ex-post evaluation of expenditure in my Department which will include the undertaking of post procurement evaluations of military acquisitions such as the Air Corps airframes.
308. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department has assessed the extent to which the €435 million investment in Air Corps platforms since 2019 has translated into increased operational capability; and the metrics used to determine such outcomes. [29320/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn terms of assessing the extent to which the investment in Air Corps platforms since 2019 has translated into increased operational capability; and the metrics used to determine such outcomes, I can confirm that my Department has a broad range of audit and assurance arrangements in place that provide financial regularity and probity and ensure ongoing adherence to core Value for Money (VFM) principles. These arrangements encompass strong internal controls such as financial delegation and accountability, clear segregation of duties, monthly Management Board scrutiny, an embedded risk management system and a Research and Evaluation unit.
These structures are further complemented and strengthened by ongoing reviews undertaken by an independent Internal Audit Unit and robust external scrutiny, both ongoing and periodic, from, inter alia, the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Public Accounts Committee and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitisation. Collectively, this comprehensive approach to governance enhances transparency, safeguards public funding, and ensures that all Defence spending is well-managed and compliant with applicable public financial and procurement procedures.
My Department has set up a Research and Evaluation Unit whose remit includes the ex-post evaluation of expenditure in my Department which will include the undertaking of post procurement evaluations of military acquisitions such as the Air Corps platforms.
309. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide a schedule of the number and summary of the Aid to the Civil Power requests her Department has received in the past ten years to date in 2026 to include requesters. [29405/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy for 2016 – 2024 is publicly available and can be found in the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Reports, Section 3: Defence Forces Operational Outputs. www.gov.ie/en/department-of-defence/collections/annual-reports.
The Annual Report 2025 has not yet been published and it will be made available in due course.
310. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Transport to audit the number of Dublin Bus passenger vehicles parked in Monaghan as back up to the electric fleet, instruct the National Transport Authority to re-deploy fleet to Bus Éireann in order to increase capacity on the 103 and 105 routes in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29224/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. As Minister for Transport I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
311. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Transport the actions he will take to improve road safety given the increase in road deaths in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29242/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The detailed Action Plan can be reviewed here: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/20250716_RSS_Phase_2_Action_Plan.pdf
Progress is being made across all of the actions. Key deliverables for this year include passing the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025 to allow Local Authorities to resume accepting and processing collision data, and we are addressing the long-standing issue relating to repeat renewal of learner permits with the regulations coming into effect in November. In addition I expect to publish the first National Safety Camera Strategy shortly which will provide the framework for the rollout of road safety cameras.
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.
My focus as Minister, the focus of my Department and of all the road safety stakeholders who we work with, is on the delivery of the Phase 2 Action Plan. This Action Plan was developed by experts, based on Irish experience while considering best practice in other countries and our focus must be on the delivery of these agreed actions.
312. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the methodology in how NCT waiting times are calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29280/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing Service.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
313. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport to consider the introduction of a direct route between Blanchardstown and Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29336/26]
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.
314. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport to consider the introduction of a DART for the Castleknock line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29337/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory 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.
In the light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
Pending a more detailed response, DART+ West will provide an extension of DART services from the City Centre to M3 Parkway and Kilcock, and the construction of a new depot and city centre enhancements. This project will extend DART services to Castleknock.
Conditional planning approval for DART+ West was secured in July 2024. As part of this decision, An Coimisiún Pleanála required that a new depot planning application be made due to flood risk. It is now proposed to construct the depot west of Kilcock, which would mean electrifying and double tracking the line beyond Maynooth as far as Kilcock also. A public consultation on the new depot has been underway since 16 March and will conclude on 27 April. A planning application is expected later this year to confirm this element of the project.
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.
315. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) must return to Canada with a valid visa to remove the 'on hold' status from their Canadian driving licence to convert it back to an Irish licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29398/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that all enquiries relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which is delegated under national legislation to the Road Safety Authority. Neither I nor my Department have any role in individual driving licence matters.
I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if a reply has not been received from the RSA in the next ten days.
316. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport for a detailed progress report in regard to the Killarney bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29425/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €2,000,000 has been allocated for the N22 Farranfore to Killarney Bypass scheme in 2026.
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.
