Written Answers Nos. 120-140
120. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport to outline every price change on the number 40 Expressway bus route from Tralee to Cork in the past ten years from 2016 to 2026, including each stop along the route and including student, child and adult fares, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31812/26]
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.
Further, Bus Éireann's Expressway services, including route 40, is a commercial bus service and responsibility for the operation of the service is a matter for the company. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
121. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) Bill 2026; when this Bill will progress to the next stage; the purposes of the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31829/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe General Scheme of the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2026 has been approved by Government and is with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for drafting. It is expected that the Bill will be published in the coming weeks, with progression through the Houses thereafter subject to Oireachtas scheduling.
The provisions included in the General Scheme improve the legislative basis underpinning the National Vehicle and Driver File, remove the requirement to display a paper motor tax disc, allow for open-ended declarations of non-use of a motor vehicle, amend the Road Traffic Act 2004 to allow for a speed limit of 60km/h on local roads within built-up areas, and amend the Roads Act 1993 to provide a basis for the direct sharing of road traffic collision data with local authorities.
On 16 December 2025, Cabinet approved the inclusion of additional Heads for drafting. Two of the additional provisions were agreed with the Minister for Justice at the time of approving the General Scheme in April and will allow a jury to consider a charge of careless driving when a driver is acquitted of dangerous driving and allow safety camera van operators to provide certificate evidence in court.
Two additional provisions relate to the Road Traffic Act 2024. One is a technical amendment to local authority speed limit bye-law setting powers on national secondary roads and the other provides additional legislative clarity around how multiple penalty points from a single incident are to be applied to serve as a stronger deterrent to dangerous driving.
A further provision relates to the new CheckMyVehicle website, which will facilitate parties who might need to be assured of compliance, such as driver testers, driving instructors or car buyers, once the requirement to display a motor tax disc is removed.
The additional provisions were intended to be introduced at Committee Stage but, having now received Government approval, the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel is drafting the provisions alongside the existing General Scheme in order to expedite its enactment.
122. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport to establish with the NTA if there has been a pause in funding for key planned cycle lane/active travel projects in Drogheda, County Louth; if so, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31833/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
123. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to consider extending the 238 bus to the Hollystown swing roundabout and then into Hollystown once the new bus terminus is completed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31850/26]
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 this case Go Ahead.
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.
124. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if any assessment has been carried out into the number of the 190 people killed on Irish roads in 2025 that were driving for work; whether he considers the current reporting framework adequate, given that not all such deaths are reported to the Health and Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31875/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the issue that not all road collisions involving a person in the course of work are reported to the Health and Safety Authority; his views on whether this is a deficit in existing reporting requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31876/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a statutory remit to report on fatal, serious and minor injury collisions on public roads. The RSA receives collision data from An Garda Síochána for this purpose and produces official statistics to help develop evidence-based road safety interventions.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
126. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the continued closure of the footbridge at Dalkey DART Station; the timeline for when it will be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31883/26]
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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
127. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to amend the Road Traffic Act 1961 to introduce graduated penalties for driving under the influence of drugs based on the level of units detected in an individual’s blood as is the case with penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31920/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended by the Road Traffic Act 2010, already provides for two distinct drug driving offences, depending on whether the driver is demonstrably under the influence of an intoxicant to the point that they are incapable of maintaining control of their vehicle.
A driver convicted under Section 5 of that Act, where they are found to have exceeded the legal threshold for heroin, cocaine or cannabis but where no evidence of impairment has been presented to the Court, will receive a shorter disqualification (one year), compared to the four year minimum disqualification faced by a driver convicted under Section 4, where drug-induced impairment has been established. My Department considers the distinction between these respective penalties to be proportionate to the gravity of the offences, and accordingly, there are no plans at present to further amend the Road Traffic Act 1961 to introduce graduated penalties for driving under the influence of drugs.
Officials from my Department meet regularly with An Garda Síochána and the Medical Bureau of Road Safety to discuss matters related to drug-driving. As with any legislation, I consider feedback on its operation from An Garda Siochana and other stakeholders and I will act if it is clear that improvements can be made.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind all drivers that driving under the influence of drugs is an extremely serious offence that poses a direct threat to the lives of other road users. It is the personal responsibility of every driver to refrain from driving if there is the slightest risk he or she might be impaired owing to intoxicants.
128. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration is being given to extending eligibility for the student Leap card to include part-time students; whether work is planned to review the current criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31921/26]
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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts, including the student leap card.
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.
129. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) specifically in relation to the provision of EV charging spaces in non-residential buildings (details supplied); if he can confirm whether this regulation refers specifically to electric charging points for cars and not for scooters or bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31935/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the publicly accessible EV charging network over the coming years. The infrastructure for EV charging in public spaces is crucial for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, there is a vital need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.
The Draft National EV Infrastructure Strategy 2026-2028 sets out the Government's ambitions and plans for EV infrastructure delivery. Alongside the National Strategy, the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan provides a pathway for the accelerated delivery of public destination and neighbourhood charging and will be led by Local Authorities who are developing local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation plans.
In addition to these plans which will provide publicly accessible charging in locations across the country, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) includes for the provision of recharging points for electric vehicles and bicycle parking spaces.
The requirements under Article 14 of the Directive for EV recharging points at non-residential buildings refers to EV charging points for cars.
It should be noted that responsibility for the transposition of this Directive is held by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
130. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport whether the vehicle adaptation scheme currently under development will be limited to supports for adapting a vehicle only; whether the tax relief and toll road exemptions that currently apply under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme be phased out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31943/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme by developed by my Department is to improve functional mobility by assisting with the cost of vehicle adaptations. The Department’s priority in introducing the new Scheme 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. The Scheme will not assist with the cost of vehicle purchase and there will be no secondary benefits associated with the Scheme i.e. motor tax and toll road exemptions.
It is important to note that the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme 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.
131. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport for a detailed list of the ports, State-owned or private, that he is aware of that are either currently undergoing or are likely to submit planning and funding requests in the near future for expanding or upgrading port capacity for commercial activity or renewable energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31946/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Transport is aware of several ports, both Commercial State and privately-owned, with plans and ongoing developments to upscale infrastructure to facilitate the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Industry or commercial activity.
In 2021, the Department published a policy statement on the facilitation of ORE by Commercial State ports in recognition of the need for additional port capacity to service the ORE industry. The policy statement endorses a multiport approach as the most optimal policy, facilitating a strong response from the ports sector and private entities within ports.
The Department has actively encouraged the Commercial State ports to consider the commercial opportunities associated with ORE. To this end, the ports have made significant progress developing ORE-based port projects to a mature stage.
In this regard, the Port of Cork are progressing the construction of the multi-modal berth CORE 1 at Ringaskiddy East. The berth represents Phase One of a multi-phase development planned at Ringaskiddy. The development consists of a single berth with depth of 13m, quay length of 200m, laydown/quayside area and a new storage yard.
Having received renewed planning permission in December 2025, the Port of Cork is exploring plans to progress the construction of the second berth.
The Ringaskiddy development will be the first port in Ireland with a workable facility for ORE deployment and will allow the port to facilitate Marshalling and Assembly (M&A) in time for the phase 1 ORE projects in Irish waters. The facility will also be well placed to service future development projects which will come from the South Coast Designated Marine Area Plan (DMAP).
In 2025, Rosslare Europort and the Port of Waterford both received Maritime Area Consents (MACs) for their planned projects and both have taken the critical step of submitting planning applications to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP). Each of these are also well placed to support Phase One projects as well as the South Coast DMAP projects.
Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) has submitted its MAC application for its large-scale development at Foynes Island in 2025. The port is planning to service the development of the future floating ORE industry on Ireland’s West Coast.
Certain local authority-owned ports, which are not under the remit of this Department, also envisage a role in the ORE industry. The Department is aware of plans by:
• The Port of Galway, which received its planning permission recently for a full redevelopment of an outer port, to the existing inner docks.
• Drogheda Port Company, which recently applied for a Maritime Usage Licence for its proposed development near Bremore in County Meath.
The Department is also aware that the following privately-owned ports are developing port projects to enable ORE deployment:
• Greenore port based in County Louth.
• Cork Dockyard.
• Leahill Port in Bantry Bay.
• ESB Moneypoint in the Shannon Estuary
It is the Department’s understanding that, beside Greenore, none of the above privately-owned ports with an interest in ORE have submitted a planning application for their respective developments. Greenore currently has planning permission for an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) facility to service ORE developments in the Irish sea.
In July 2024, Dublin Port Company (DPC) submit its planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála for its '3FM' development. The Project is the third and final project to be brought forward from the Dublin Port Masterplan 2012 (reviewed 2018).
The 3FM Project includes the development of required additional port capacity in the South Port area on the Poolbeg Peninsula. It will deliver circa 12 million tonnes of the capacity required by 2040 by way of a new lift-on/lift-off (LoLo) terminal with deep water berthage capable of handling vessels of up to 240m in length, and a new role-on/roll-off (RoRo) terminal capable of handling the largest in class RoRo vessels. The 3FM Project will also contribute significantly to the provision of active travel facilities across the Liffey and into the Poolbeg Peninsula, linking with other active travel and greenway routes being developed by DPC along East Wall Road and the Tolka Estuary.
The construction of a Maritime Village at Pigeon House Road is included in the 3FM project. This will accommodate local rowing, sailing, and boat clubs and will provide a significantly enhanced public realm and facilities on the waterside. In addition, there will be a new Port Park and Wildflower Meadow, as well as an extension to Irishtown Nature Park. These measures were integral to the 3FM proposal for planning and will provide enduring community and environmental benefit alongside the Port capacity development.
132. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Transport when applications for the safe routes to school under the active travel scheme will open; the timelines expected for the project to be completed; the amount of funding expected to be awarded to each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31978/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 932 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. Schools are processed in tranches, with four rounds having been announced to date. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the initial rounds will be selected at a later date.
Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently.
It should however be noted that because a school is not currently in the SRTS Programme, it does not mean that it will not receive any new or improved Active Travel infrastructure. While there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the programme currently, funding for Active Travel infrastructure for schools is not confined to the Safe Routes to Schools Programme alone. In some cases, schools outside the SRTS Programme are included in wider Active Travel projects if they are in the vicinity of these works.
I would therefore recommend that any school not currently registered with the SRTS Programme to contact their local authority in relation to potential funding in this area.
133. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department is taking to support the NTA to increase efficiency throughout the life span of each individual Active Travel Project, to ensure that projects are delivered in a timely manner and without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31979/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
The Government is committed to the provision of improved and expanded walking and cycling infrastructure both in our urban centres and in towns and villages across Ireland. In 2021, the Active Travel Infrastructure Programme was expanded to include the 19 local authority areas outside the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and the regional cities. Since then, over €1 billion has been invested in walking and cycling projects across the country.
Over 1,000 km of walking and cycling projects has been delivered around the country to date, through various interventions such as cycle lanes, footpaths, junction improvements and bridges. In line with the Government's commitment of investing €360 million per annum across Active Travel and Greenway programmes to the end of the decade, €290 million has been allocated to the NTA's Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme in 2026 alone.
As part of the allocations determination, the NTA liaises with each local authority to fully understand the projects being proposed by the local authority and its considerations in terms of priorities. In general, the main focus of active travel investment delivered by the NTA will be to support high quality walking and cycling infrastructure, for everyday trips, in villages, towns and cities, particularly in designated growth settlements, with a view to promoting the greatest potential modal shift to active travel.
Delivery of improved active travel networks continues apace across the country, supported by active travel teams now established in every local authority.
There has been a significant increase in recent years in the number of filled positions across Local Authorities for technical roles in the delivery of Active Travel infrastructure, reflecting the substantial increase in funding and project delivery since 2020. Currently around 240 staff are in place across the 31 local authorities who are dedicated to the delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure projects around the country.
Since 2022, full allocation spend has been achieved under the NTA's Active Travel Programme and it is therefore considered that the current level of recruitment within the Active Travel teams is sufficient; however the NTA continue to monitor the staffing levels with a view to maintaining this optimum level going forward, ensuring a continuous high level of project delivery in the coming years.
134. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the absence of reciprocal driving licensing agreements between Ireland, America and Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31999/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra136. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any work ongoing that seeks to create a reciprocal driving licensing agreement between Ireland, America and Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32001/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra148. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to introduce a reciprocal driving licence exchange agreement between Ireland and the United States of America, Australia and Canada; the timeline for when such an agreement is expected to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32179/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 134, 136 and 148 together.
One of the commitments of the Programme for Government 2025 is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”.
Please note that Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law – the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply – and the standards for testing drivers are set at EU level. Driver licensing laws are intended to ensure drivers on our roads meet high safety standards.
Ireland may make bilateral licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. This is a technical, road safety-based process and reaching an exchange agreement is not a matter of political will. The technical assessment is an independent process that requires the agreement of the other jurisdiction and agreements are made only when both licencing authorities have compared the licencing regimes and are satisfied that they are compatible.
Ireland currently has driving licence exchange agreements with Australia and 7 of the 10 provinces of Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, Ontario and Saskatchewan). The RSA, the body responsible for examining the licensing and testing standards of other jurisdictions, is currently examining the licensing and testing regime of Nova Scotia. The RSA issued communication to the two remaining Canadian provinces; Prince Edward Island and Quebec to request engagement with a view to enter into a possible bilateral agreement but no details have been provided to the RSA to date to enable a technical assessment to proceed.
Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with the USA. US driver licensing operates at state rather than federal level, meaning there are 50 licensing systems with widely varying standards and road safety performance. Agreement with any one state would mean taking into account the licence exchange arrangements between that state and the other 49. Any potential agreements with individual US states would need to be considered in the context of both inter-state exchange arrangements and the safety of Irish road users.
In line with Programme for Government commitments regarding the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, I have directed the RSA to engage with the state licencing authorities for three US states - New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. The assessment process for a possible licence exchange agreement is technical in nature between the licencing authorities and this process is ongoing at present. Once the review process is complete, the RSA will make a recommendation to my Department.
It should also be noted that the new EU Driving Licence Directive 2025/2205 allows the European Commission to enter into EU-wide Licence Exchange Agreements on behalf of member states. This process is expected to commence by 2029 and will provide an alternative pathway to pursuing licence exchange agreements.
135. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the work of the Irish-US Driver's License Exchange Campaign Committee; if he will consider facilitating a meeting with them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32000/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra138. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the work of a committee (details supplied); if he will examine the issues raised, especially on the difficulty being experienced for US driver licence holders, who are Irish citizens and are returning home, where in some cases they had full Irish driver licences; if he will consider an exchange arrangement; if he will examine the system in place for Ireland and the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32033/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra172. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of a report (details supplied); if he is considering the recommendations of this report; the timeline for a decision and action on the issue of accessing an Irish Driver’s Licence for returning Irish citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32796/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 135, 138 and 172 together.
I note the recommendations of the Irish-US Driver's Licence Exchange Campaign Committee outlined in their report.
Someone who is resident in Ireland must hold an Irish or EU/EEA driving licence to drive here. While a visitor to Ireland can use a non-EU/EEA licence for up to one year, provided it is current and valid, on taking up normal residence here they must exchange their licence or apply for an Irish licence.
In order to ensure the safety of road users, it is vital that Ireland only exchange licences following a detailed examination of the relevant country's licensing and testing regime. Engagement with the relevant licensing authority is required in order to conduct such an examination, in addition, formal engagement is required with the other country during the licence exchange process itself in order to verify the licence. Bilateral agreements are utilised to ensure that both of these steps may be undertaken effectively.
Entering into a driving licence exchange agreement with a country outside of the EU is not a straightforward matter and reaching them is not a matter of political will. The core principle when reaching an agreement with another jurisdiction is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users.
In reaching a bilateral agreement the most important element is ensuring that the other jurisdiction applies standards for obtaining a licence which are compatible with our own. Where they do not meet these standards, no agreement is possible, no matter how desirable an agreement with that jurisdiction may be. From the Irish side, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has the task of conducting the independent technical assessment comparing the two licensing regimes.
Irish licences are normally issued for 10 years, but they may be issued for a shorter period in certain circumstances, such as on health grounds. Under the Road Traffic (Licencing of Drivers) Regulations 2006, as amended, someone who is resident in Ireland may apply to renew their Irish licence within 10 years of it expiring.
People with a non-exchangeable licence who come to reside in Ireland must obtain an Irish licence in order to drive here, However, a person with a full but non-exchangeable licence can avail of a shorter learning to drive process (6 Essential Driver Training lessons instead of 12 and no minimum period of 6 months before taking a driving test).
One of the commitments of the Programme for Government 2025 is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has a Licence Exchange Agreement with Australia and with 7 of the 10 Canadian provinces, with a proposed agreement under way at present with Nova Scotia. Following my direction under the Programme for Government, the RSA is currently engaging with New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey in order to undertake a technical review with a view to entering into a Licence Exchange Agreement.
Once the review process is complete, the RSA will make a recommendation to my Department.
It should also be noted that the new EU Driving Licence Directive 2025/2205 allows the European Commission to enter into EU-wide Licence Exchange Agreements on behalf of member states. This process is expected to commence by 2029 and will provide an alternative pathway to pursuing licence exchange agreements.
137. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting times for Dundalk driving test centre; to seek clarification for the ongoing delays and cancellations at this centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32015/26]
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: https://data.cso.ie/product/rsadts.
139. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport when he will provide funding to Irish Rail for their planned station customer services systems upgrades and enhancements (details supplied), which will include the rolling out of passenger information display boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32077/26]
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 the National Train Control Centre, or NTCC.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten days.
Pending this detailed response, I note that the NTCC, project aims to deliver a modern, safe and efficient rail traffic management system that can effectively meet the needs of a growing railway over the coming decades.
The NTCC building near Heuston Station was completed in November 2022, close to its initial target date and budget despite the significant disruption to the construction sector caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during its construction. Bringing the centre into full operation has been delayed by slower than projected progress in developing and rolling out the new traffic management system, or TMS, which is the software that integrates a range of complex railway systems, such as signalling and communications.
As a result of these delays, last August I met with the NTA and the contractor responsible for the Traffic Management System, Indra Sistemas, to express dissatisfaction at the rate of progress and emphasised the importance of project delivery. I again met with Indra in January at the opening of their office in Dublin, which marked an important positive development for the project in terms of Indra's permanent presence in the Irish market, and reiterated the importance of successfully progressing the project.
My Department and I will continue to keep the project under close review, including with reference to the revised target commissioning dates, with a view to it bringing its benefits to railways users as soon as possible.
Finally, it is important to note traffic management continues to operate out of Connolly Station currently and there is no impact on railway safety as a result of delays in the new TMS.
140. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for an update on a driving test (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32078/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service including all testing and scheduling matters. In that regard, the operation of the service does not fall under the direct control of the Minister, or the Department of Transport and it would not be appropriate for myself as Minister or the Department to intervene in individual cases.
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.
