Written Answers Nos. 101-120
109. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progress to date in relation to the N/M20 Limerick to Cork motorway project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31291/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for his question.
The project consists of a replacement of 80km of the current N20 between Cork and Limerick. It aims at improving connectivity between Cork and Limerick, and increasing journey time reliability for passenger and freight traffic along the route. It will also relieve congestion in towns along the route such as Mallow, Buttevant, and Charleville, improving the quality of life for residents in those towns. Reduction of traffic in the towns and villages along the N20 corridor will also promote active travel, with up to 100km of new active travel infrastructure proposed.
The Deputy will also be aware of the safety deficiencies along the existing N20, which it is intended that this project will address. This Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads.
A preferred route has been selected and the project team are currently engaged in the Design and Evaluation phase. A project update was published in June 2024, in which the project team recommended that the scheme should be progressed as a motorway. A further update in June 2025 provided further details, including in relation to the refined requirements relating to land take as well as details of the transport hubs and active travel infrastructure to be delivered as part of the project. It is anticipated that once the Design and Evaluation phase deliverables are completed, the project will then be submitted to the Department of Transport by the end of this year. Subject to Government approval, the submission of statutory documents for the project to An Coimisiún Pleanála will follow thereafter. I look forward to seeing the progression of this critically important project.
I hope this information is of assistance to you.
111. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers currently employed under PSO routes in Cork city, and the number considered a full cohort. [31073/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI believe Bus Éireann, alongside other PSO operators, remain in close discussions with the NTA regarding staffing requirements regionally, as the NTA hold statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
I understand that there are currently 558 drivers assigned to PSO routes in Cork City, which is approximately 15 drivers above the level required to operate the existing network. This indicates that a full cohort for current services is in the region of 540 to 545 drivers.
While this means the present network is being adequately resourced, that position must be viewed in the context of what the bus network in Cork now requires and what it is planned to become, for example, in preparation for BusConnects Cork and Cork Network Redesign. A surplus in drivers is necessary to ensure resilience in the system, including covering leave, retirements and normal turnover, and does not represent spare capacity for expansion.
Bus Éireann has indicated that it is continuing to recruit drivers through targeted campaigns and open days, and this sustained pipeline of new entrants will be essential if the staffing base is to match the ambition and capacity of the redesigned Cork network.
Delivering a network of the scale planned for the area will require a significantly larger driver workforce than is currently in place. In that context, the key issue is not simply maintaining current numbers, but ensuring that recruitment, training and retention are aligned with the needs of an expanded and more intensive public transport network. To support this effort and Programme for Government commitment, my Department will shortly be publishing the Public Transport Workforce Taskforce Action Plan, which contains a number of cross-Departmental and agency actions to address the systemic opportunities and challenges to ensure a fully resourced public transport workforce.
112. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will abolish fares for public transport as is being done in other countries in response to the fuel crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31434/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully recognise the considerable pressures currently affecting the public transport sector, arising from recent global developments and increased fuel costs. My Department will continue to monitor these impacts to determine whether they are temporary in nature or indicative of longer-term trends. In this context, Government has already stepped in with a significant package of supports, including approximately €120m specifically for the transport sector covering haulage, coach, TFI Local Link and school transport services.
Sustained and increasing investment in the PSO programme over the last few years has led to record public transport usage in 2025, with passenger numbers more than 23% above pre-Covid levels, alongside expanded network coverage connecting over 240 towns and villages.
Public transport fares in Ireland remain comparatively low due to a range of targeted measures, including the Young Adult Card, the 90-minute fare and free travel for those aged above 66 or those under in receipt of qualifying payments, plus for children under the age of nine. While these initiatives have improved affordability and accessibility, they also increase reliance on subsidy, and fare revenue remains a vital part of maintaining a financially sustainable PSO model.
In line with international best practice and to bolster the State’s capacity to invest in service expansion, network improvements, and operational resilience, it is essential we prioritise a reinvestment of fare revenue, ensures that we can maintain a well-funded reliable system and deliver greater long term benefit rather than reducing fares to unsustainable levels.
For this reason, the PSO Programme is kept under continuous review by my Department's PSO Oversight Group to ensure the network remains financially sustainable, resilient, and responsive to passenger needs amid rising costs and ongoing fuel price volatility. Therefore, maintaining a stable funding base is essential to protect service levels, support future expansion, and to ensure public transport continues to meet the needs of passengers.
113. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if a bus from Dublin 15 to Dublin Airport (N8 Route) has now been put back further to 2027. [18384/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware that BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in our bus network and system that will provide much better services across our cities, covering Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway. It is the largest investment in our bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the NTA. The city programmes cover the construction of new bus corridors, new network services, bus electrification and the development of enhanced ticketing in an integrated manner to help maximise the benefits to the public, the customers.
The new route N8 will connect Blanchardstown with Dublin Airport and the NTA continues planning for its introduction, subject to available resources and operational readiness. I fully understand the importance of getting this route up and running, however the NTA need to ensure a prioritisation of resources and maintenance of the network on hand.
The network redesign as part of BusConnects Dublin will improve the existing bus network by providing high frequency spines and new local, orbital and radial routes. Orbital routes are a really important part of the new design as they offer an efficient way for passengers to travel without needing to pass through the city centre.
New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered as part of BusConnects. Since 2021, we have rolled out the first seven phases of the network redesign in Dublin. This has included the northern orbital routes connecting Blanchardstown to the Point Village in 2022 and the western orbital routes connecting Blanchardstown to Tallaght in 2023.
Additionally, as mentioned earlier, DAA have submitted a planning application, which includes a new Ground Transportation Centre, which directly supports the introduction of additional routes such as the N8.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.
114. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a service (details supplied) will receive any support under the recently announced fuel cost package; if not, the reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31277/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for his question about the eligibility criteria to avail of support under the Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS). Rising fuel costs mean increased costs for everyone in the supply chain, in public transport and for services provided by TFI Local Link and for school transport. To minimise the impact of these costs on end consumers, temporary support will be provided.
The support package has been carefully considered following ongoing engagement between myself, Minister Canney, officials in my Department, and haulage and passenger representative bodies over a number of months. The scheme complements the reduction in excise rates, the NORA levy, and the increased payments under the Diesel Rebate Scheme already provided by Government. The overall supports provided by Government reflect the needs communicated by the sector over many engagements and demonstrate that we are listening to the needs of the sector.
The bus and coach sector is a key part of Ireland’s public transport system, providing essential connectivity across both urban and rural areas. Supports will be provided to the operators of TFI Local Link services under contract with the NTA, and school transport services through the Department of Education and Youth.
Passenger service operators that do not fall under the scope of supports provided by the NTA, or Department of Education and Youth, may be eligible for support under the RTSS. Applications for support will be considered on a case-by-case basis, this will be necessary given the complexity of most passenger service providers business models where the same operator may provide services under local link services, school transport services, and on a commercial basis.
Officials in my Department are developing an online application system to support the sector to avail of the scheme. The scheme will open for applications in the coming weeks and payments will be backdated to 01 March 2026.
115. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for when a dedicated transport security service will be in place; if it has been established; the way in which this will be put into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29987/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I can assure you that my Department is actively progressing the necessary steps to deliver on the commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. Considerable progress has been made in recent months, and this work remains a top priority for all parties involved.
This work centres on developing a well-considered and informed approach to identifying the most suitable model for the Transport Security Force. In this regard a proposed model is currently under detailed consideration, with all key stakeholders fully engaged – the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice.
Further meetings with stakeholders are scheduled for early May, at which a finalised proposal will be presented and discussed, with the objective of achieving alignment on the preferred way forward. Following this engagement, I intend to bring a Memorandum to Government to provide a comprehensive update on the agreed approach, associated decisions, and the proposed next steps.
In addition, my Department and the NTA are actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, and the introduction of this Force will require the development of primary legislation, which can have a significant lead time, but it will be expedited, with a view to making progress on its foundations during 2026.
In parallel with the work being carried out in the Department of Transport, the Government continues to invest heavily in public transport safety, with over €14 million spent by Operators on safety measures in 2025. All Operators continue to have strong relationships with An Garda Síochána, who ultimately assist in supporting these incidences.
I fully support all the ongoing positive work to progress towards creating a safer public transport network for staff and passengers. In the meantime, we are committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the Transport Security Force is in place.
116. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the increases that are due to the CIÉ pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27623/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to acknowledge CIÉ management and staff representatives in the Trade Union Group for their constructive and collaborative approach on the CIÉ Pensions Proposal, reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, and passed by ballot in August of last year, to bring CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active and retired scheme members.
I would like to reassure you, as well as both CIÉ staff and pensioners that there is ongoing, active, and nuanced engagement on the matter of CIÉ Group Pensions.
Officials in my Department are working to progress the Proposal alongside the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, supported by our financial and commercial advisors NewERA at the National Treasury Management Agency. Work is continuing at pace and is a priority in both Departments, but I would like to emphasise the importance of keeping in line with all applicable procedures.
There are several aspects to the Proposal which require dual Ministerial Consent from myself as Minister for Transport, and the Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. Adherence to the underpinning legislation and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies as amended by Circular 16/2021 is required. There are a number of stages to this process to give full effect to the Proposal, which includes an increase for pensioners.
Following on from the dual Ministerial review, under the Transport Act, 1950, a statutory public consultation process is required regarding amendments to CIÉ Pension Schemes, where representations from interested parties will be considered.
Every effort is being made to progress this matter as expeditiously and robustly as possible, keeping in line with the appropriate procedures, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals as part of the formal process, which is now well underway.
117. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the total allocations for local road maintenance and improvement to Monaghan and Cavan County Councils for the years 2020-2025 inclusive; and the proposed allocation for 2026. [30071/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe initial grant allocations from my Department for 2026 for Cavan and Monaghan County Councils respectively are €19,165,275 and €17,231,600. These 2025 amounts are €19,193,150 for Cavan and €18,008,350 for Monaghan.
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.
It should be noted that funding for local authorities, for new infrastructure and pilot schemes, fluctuates from year to year as projects and pilot schemes move through their life cycles. Funding will generally increase as a project or pilot moves from feasibility to construction and decrease as it moves towards completion.
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.
In the main, allocations are based primarily on the length of the road network in a particular local authority area. Apart from the requirement that 15% of the road strengthening grant is spent on regional roads, the allocation of funding to different categories of road is entirely a matter for decision by each local authority.
The Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme is targeted at specific policy objectives and, as such, provides for pavement sealing to protect the road surface from water damage and road strengthening based on pavement condition rating to lengthen the life of road pavements. The provision of a Discretionary Grant allows for a range of activities including pothole repairs, edge strengthening, renewal of signs and lines, and winter maintenance.
118. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; the new and enhanced services that have been added so far in 2026; and the additional services that are planned to be launched this year. [31439/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs mentioned previously, €940 million of funding for Public Service Obligation and TFI Local Link services was secured in Budget 2026, including €31 million for rural transport service provision. The focus for 2026 remains on stabilising the PSO position and ensuring services already in place can operate reliably and sustainably.
Since 2022 more than €84m has been invested in the Rural Transport Programme and more than €116m has been allocated to Regular Rural Services.
This investment has provided for a greatly expanded public transport network and increased service levels throughout the country which is leading to more balanced regional development and greater connectivity for all public transport users.
My Department supports the expansion of rural transport in line with the recent commitment in the Programme for Government to continue the roll-out of Connecting Ireland. As part of Connecting Ireland, we are exploring alternative options that complement our existing public transport offerings.
With funding under the Climate Action Fund, the NTA are currently piloting SMART Demand Responsive Transport services in three locations. The TFI Anseo App is now operating in Achill, Killarney Town, and northeast of Limerick City. This App is bringing the convenience of modern rideshare together with the reliability and affordability of public transport. For rural areas and communities, this has the potential to integrate ‘first and last mile’ connections.
Collectively, these measures are improving connectivity and providing viable alternatives to the private car for people in rural and regional areas of Ireland.
119. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the current shortfall in public transport capacity across bus and rail services, particularly during peak commuting hours; the number of scheduled services cancelled or significantly delayed in each of the past 12 months; the primary causes of these disruptions, including staffing shortages and fleet availability; and the specific measures being taken to address these issues in 2026, including timelines for recruitment, fleet expansion, and service restoration. [31301/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to acknowledge the pressures that many commuters are experiencing across our public transport system, particularly at peak times, and to assure the Deputy that my Department and relevant agencies are doing everything we can to address these issues as quickly and effectively as possible.
In relation to rail services, Iarnród Éireann is currently operating all available trains each day, outside of essential maintenance and repair works required to ensure safety and long-term reliability. While services are busy, trains are designed to safely accommodate full passenger loads. I fully accept, however, that this can be uncomfortable for passengers, and increasing capacity is a key priority.
That is why we are making very significant investments through the DART+ Fleet programme. This is a ten-year framework to expand and modernise our rail fleet. Orders have already been placed for 185 new carriages, and a further 100 electric units have been secured from Alstom. The first of these new carriages will begin entering service from 2027, with additional fleet coming on stream through 2028. This will deliver a substantial increase in capacity across the network.
Turning to bus services, the NTA has advised that capacity is generally sufficient when services operate as planned. However, I recognise that when services are cancelled or delayed, this can create gaps and lead to overcrowding on certain routes, particularly those operated by Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland.
There are a number of factors that can impact service delivery, including mechanical issues, staffing challenges, and traffic congestion, some of which are outside the direct control of operators. That said, we are taking clear and practical steps to improve reliability.
In particular, Dublin Bus has recently undertaken a successful international recruitment campaign in South Africa to address driver shortages. While there are necessary visa and administrative processes to complete, these drivers are expected to begin entering service by the fourth quarter of 2026. This is being supported by ongoing recruitment campaigns here at home, both full-time and part-time.
I am hopeful over the coming period, these measures will lead to real and noticeable improvements for passengers across the public transport network.
120. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the latest update on the progression of the Dart+ West Project and associated infrastructure (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31247/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the wider DART+ programme, DART+ West will provide an extension of DART services from the City Centre to M3 Parkway and, subject to planning, Kilcock, along with the construction of a new depot and city centre enhancements. The construction of the Ashtown underpass is an integral component of the project.
Procurement for DART+ West is advancing, with pre-qualification questionnaire notices for the Design and Build works issued in May 2025. All PQQ submissions have been received and evaluated across all packages, and the tender documentation is now in its final drafting stage.
Funding allocated under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, published by my Department in November 2025, will see construction of the DART+ programme begin with DART+ West, which is planned to enter construction late next year and is the crucial enabler of the rest of the programme.
The only significant element of the DART+ West which doesn't currently have planning permission is the DART+ depot. In March, I attended the launch of a public consultation on the new DART+ depot proposed for construction in Kilcock, and that consultation concluded earlier this week. A planning application is expected later this year to confirm this element of the project.
I look forward to progressing this important project as we strive to improve broaden access to a more frequent and reliable rail service.
