Written Answers Nos. 317-329
317. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to request the National Transport Authority to urgently provide the necessary funding to Local Link Kerry to provide a new service to allow commuters to travel from Beaufort Village via the St Mary of the Angels facilities at Whitefield, Beaufort and on to Killorglin town and vice versa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29426/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
Ireland’s public transport system is at a pivotal point. Growing passenger demand, worsening urban congestion, and increasing reliance on public transport for commuting and essential travel highlight the need for reliable and sustainable services. At the same time, the public transport sector is currently experiencing a significant workforce shortage, particularly among drivers, mechanics, and craftworkers.
This challenge is already affecting service performance across the network. Bus operators are actively engaging with the NTA to identify and implement solutions to address these resource constraints. In this context, maintaining and strengthening the existing network is essential to safeguard the delivery of high-demand services to ensure they can operate effectively, while supporting longer-term reforms to enhance capacity, accessibility, and efficiency across the system.
The PSO funding allows the NTA to operate the Network on a sustainable basis and to prioritise any necessary changes in line with operational capacity and passenger needs.
The focus for 2026 is on stabilising the PSO position, ensuring services already in place can operate reliably and sustainably, and progressing improvements that are already in train. We are therefore focused on consolidating and strengthening the current network, while progressing improvements already underway, including Phase 7 BusConnects route adjustments and the new Mullingar town service. Within its allocated resources, the NTA will continue to prioritise operational improvements, where possible within its €940 million current allocation. Decisions on service changes or enhancements are a matter for the NTA, taking account of available funding, operational readiness, and driver availability.
318. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to urgently provide the necessary funding to Local Link Kerry to provide additional bus routes across County Kerry, as funding has not been provided for additional routes in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29427/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
Ireland’s public transport system is at a pivotal point. Growing passenger demand, worsening urban congestion, and increasing reliance on public transport for commuting and essential travel highlight the need for reliable and sustainable services. At the same time, the public transport sector is currently experiencing a significant workforce shortage, particularly among drivers, mechanics, and craftworkers.
This challenge is already affecting service performance across the network. Bus operators are actively engaging with the NTA to identify and implement solutions to address these resource constraints. In this context, maintaining and strengthening the existing network is essential to safeguard the delivery of high-demand services to ensure they can operate effectively, while supporting longer-term reforms to enhance capacity, accessibility, and efficiency across the system.
The PSO funding allows the NTA to operate the Network on a sustainable basis and to prioritise any necessary changes in line with operational capacity and passenger needs.
The focus for 2026 is on stabilising the PSO position, ensuring services already in place can operate reliably and sustainably, and progressing improvements that are already in train. We are therefore focused on consolidating and strengthening the current network, while progressing improvements already underway, including Phase 7 BusConnects route adjustments and the new Mullingar town service. Within its allocated resources, the NTA will continue to prioritise operational improvements, where possible within its €940 million current allocation. Decisions on service changes or enhancements are a matter for the NTA, taking account of available funding, operational readiness, and driver availability.
319. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the concerns of commuters regarding the lack of car parking at a train station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29432/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport infrastructure and services within the Greater Dublin Area, including Kildare. In the case of the rail network, the NTA fulfils this statutory remit in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific queries raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
320. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the actions being taken to reduce driving test waiting times across the State; his views that current waiting times of over 15 weeks in order to sit a test in Killester and Raheny driving test centres are far too long; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29457/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. 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: data.cso.ie/table/ROA36.
Pending this response, the latest information provided to me by the RSA indicates that as of 18 April, the national average waiting time for a driving test is 12 weeks with the Raheny and Killester test centres at 16 and 17-weeks respectively. I am assured by the RSA that work is continuing to reduce the waiting times in line with the 10 week target.
The long-term solution to driver testing waiting times is increasing capacity with 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 sanctioned complement of 200 testers later this year subject to training and onboarding of new recruits.
The Deputy might wish to note that 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 the service continues to see increased demand, with 20% more applications for a driving test received at end March when compared to the same period last year. I am told that a contributing factor to this higher demand is the tightening of restrictions on multiple learner permits, as drivers seek tests before the new regulations come into effect from 1 November this year.
As the Deputy will be aware, from a road safety perspective, it is vital that drivers complete the learning to drive process and become fully qualified, safety aware drivers, and that drivers do not hold learner permits without ever taking a driving test.
321. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has reached its agreed complement of 200 permanent driver testers under its Service Level Agreement Plan in May 2025; the current number of testers in each driving test centre; the average waiting time in each driving test centre for a driver to receive an invitation from the RSA to apply to sit a driving test. [29462/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. 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 question 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 detailed statistics on the National Driver Testing Service are made available on the CSO website on a monthly basis and can be accessed via the following link: data.cso.ie/product/rsadts.
Pending this response, I am informed by the RSA that as of 18 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 training and onboarding of new recruits, which is continuing.
322. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to confirm that learner permit holders who are on their second permit on 1 November 2026 must sit a driver test before they can obtain a third learner permit according to new regulations SI. No. 527/2025 being introduced on 1 November 2026. [29463/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that SI 527/2025 defines the amount of time a learner permit holder has to pass a driving test in years, rather than by the number of permits held. This ensures that those with one-year permits on medical grounds have the same time to pass a driving test as those granted 2 year permits ie 7 years for all learners regardless of circumstances.
Learner permit holders must, after holding a permit for 4 years, take a practical driving test before renewing their permit. If they do not do so, they must begin the learner permit process again to continue learning to drive.
Any renewal application after seven years of holding a learner permit will be treated as a first application and the learner will have to begin the learning to drive process again. For category B (cars), this entails a theory test, learner permit, 12 Essential Driver Training lessons and practical test.
323. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department is taking to facilitate multimodal travel during peak times, including bike-train journeys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29496/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s overall framework for expanding provision of sustainable transport options is set out in the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, published in 2022. The second Action Plan under this Policy was published in March and sets out 95 actions designed to further advance sustainable mobility across areas such as infrastructure, services, spatial planning, behaviour change, accessibility, and data. It reaffirms the Government’s commitment to investment in transformative public transport and active travel initiatives, which will serve to facilitate improved multi-modal transport over the five-year lifetime of the Plan. In addition, the Plan includes several actions to support the development of shared mobility services, building on the Policy Statement on Shared Mobility and the Provision of Hubs published in 2025.These include two projects – the Regional Cities Shared Micromobility Schemes and the National Mobility Hubs Pilot Programme – which will involve substantial investment to support the provision of shared e-bikes, EVs and e-scooters in key locations including at public transport interchanges.
Increased funding for Active Travel measures in recent years has seen a significant improvement in the number of footpaths, cycle lanes, urban greenways and connected active travel networks being delivered across the country. This investment has been made with a view to increasing modal shift away from private car use, which should result in a reduction in transport emissions as well as decreased congestion levels. Over €290 million has been allocated nationally to Active Travel measures in 2026 alone. This significant level of funding aims to provide an alternative sustainable transport option to all transport users, including commuters, either for whole journey or last-mile trips alongside public transport journeys.
Given the National Transport Authority's (NTA) 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 - I have also 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.
324. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to having CCTV installed in taxis in the interest of passenger and driver safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29498/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the provision of CCTV in taxis, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
The Programme for Government 2025 contains a commitment on passenger safety to “expand the list of offences leading to permanent disqualification for transport drivers and enhance safety by supporting the provision of CCTV in taxis.” The current position regarding CCTV cameras in taxis is that they are not mandatory and it is at the discretion of the individual driver as to whether they wish to install such equipment in their cabs.
If they wish, SPSV licence holders can choose to install CCTV in their vehicle. Any licence holder considering the installation of CCTV equipment that records video and/or audio of passengers, should familiarise themselves with the Data Protection Commission’s “Guidance on the use of CCTV”. Where a driver decides to install CCTV, the driver is likely to be considered a “data controller” and therefore required to inform passengers of the CCTV system being in use and to store and protect the data appropriately. Controllers have a range of obligations under data protection law and the Data Protection Commission’s website provides further details on the principles and responsibilities involved.
The focus of Ireland’s SPSV regulatory framework is on consumer protection and personal safety. The objective is to ensure that passengers have a safe vehicle for their journey, with appropriate insurance in place, driven by a driver who has been vetted by An Garda Síochána (AGS) and has successfully completed their SPSV Driver Entry Skills Test.
Other existing SPSV safeguards include:
• The Transport for Ireland (TfI) Driver Check App which enables passengers to compare their actual driver to the photograph of the registered driver on the App.
• NTA vehicle standards that require clear glass to be adjacent to every seat to enable passengers to see who is in the vehicle, front and rear, and this enables enforcement agencies and the public to see what is happening inside the vehicle which protects both passengers and drivers.
• Joint enforcement operations undertaken by the NTA and AGS.
325. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether existing legislation is sufficient to address specific concerns related to sulky racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29517/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra326. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with An Garda Síochána in relation to specific concerns related to sulky racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29521/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 326 together.
All road users, including drivers of horse-drawn vehicles, are subject to road traffic legislation which is enforced by An Garda Síochána.
Under section 74 of the Roads Act 1993, it is possible to prescribe classes of road races for which relevant local authority approval, as the road authority, must be sought in advance, and for which there can then be road closures. A race which falls within prescribed classes and is not licensed is illegal, with penalties for the organiser. I understand that no classes of race have ever been prescribed under this section. I am aware, though, that the offence applies only to the organiser, and I understand that in many cases of sulky races there is no identifiable organiser.
In a situation where there is an illegal race, with no notice given, it is a matter for An Garda Síochána to enforce under section 74(4) of the Roads Act 1993.
Participants in sulky racing are liable for any road traffic offences they may commit during the races. In many cases of sulky racing there is also considerable danger caused by vehicles following the race and in some cases driving alongside on the other side of the road. In these cases too the drivers can be held liable under the Road Traffic Acts. There are presently no plans to legislate for sulky racing specifically.
Animal welfare issues in relation to sulky racing are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
327. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of learner permit holders who failed to show up for their scheduled driving test appointment in February and March 2026, by driving test centre. [29554/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 question 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 no shows for driving tests are made available on the CSO website on a monthly basis and can be accessed via the following link: [data.cso.ie/table/ROA30].
328. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport to provide details on the administrative error by the National Transport Authority in relation to a scheme (details supplied); the total number of applications received; the number of grant offers issued; the number of applicants subsequently placed on the cancellation list; the number of applicants who received an incorrect email indicating a grant offer that was later rescinded; the number of complaints received by the NTA in respect of this error; the total budget allocated to the scheme; the timeframe within which that budget was fully subscribed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29597/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra329. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken by his Department and the National Transport Authority to address the position of SPSV licence holders who were adversely affected by the administrative error in the electric SPSV grant scheme 2026 (details supplied), including those who incurred financial loss having entered into vehicle purchase commitments on the basis of correspondence subsequently rescinded by the NTA; whether consideration is being given to additional funding, a reopening of the scheme, or an extension of SPSV licence validity for affected applicants pending the issue of further grant offers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29598/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 328 and 329 together.
I have forwarded the Deputy’s questions to the National Transport Authority for response as the NTA have responsibility for the administration of this scheme. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within 10 working days.
