Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Aviation Industry

Ceisteanna (182)

Michael Murphy

Ceist:

182. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport whether concerns or threats of retaliatory measures by the United States Administration or US aviation regulators have been raised with his Department in relation to the passenger cap at Dublin Airport; the form in which such concerns have been communicated; and the actions being taken by Government to mitigate any risk to Ireland’s aviation connectivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33105/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to work with stakeholders to achieve the objective of lifting the passenger cap at Dublin airport as soon as possible.

In line with that commitment, in September 2025, I secured agreement from my Government colleagues to pursue a legislative course of action to address the passenger cap planning condition and on 10 February this year I secured further approval for the legislative approach to be taken, as set out in the General Scheme of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026. The General Scheme is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny and at the same time my officials are working with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on the drafting of the Bill.

The legislation will empower me, as the Minister for Transport to make an order to amend or revoke the Dublin Airport passenger cap planning condition taking account of the outcome of the environmental assessments required under EU law which will be undertaken by An Coimisiún Pleanála.

On January 5 this year, members of Airlines for America filed a complaint with the US Department of Transportation (US DoT) against Ireland and the European Union in relation to an alleged violation of the EU-US Air Transport Agreement as a result of the passenger cap. My Department provided a detailed response to this complaint to the US DoT on the 23rd of January 2026 refuting the claims made by Airlines for America.

I have corresponded with the Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to outline the steps being taken to address the passenger cap and I have met via video conference with the Deputy Secretary of Transportation. I have committed to updating Secretary Duffy as work on this priority legislation progresses. My officials have also engaged with their counterparts in the US DoT and State Department to update them on the actions being taken by Government to address the passenger cap.

Finally, I expect the report from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport to be published this week. Once I receive the report of the Committee, I will consider their recommendations before finalising the Bill. It is then my intention to seek government approval to publish the Bill and to commence the enactment process through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Road Safety Authority

Ceisteanna (183)

Michael Murphy

Ceist:

183. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport whether, in light of the recent increase in road fatalities, the Government intends to reconsider the recommendations of the Indecon report on the Road Safety Authority, particularly in relation to the structure, remit and effectiveness of the RSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33106/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The current national framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 and work is ongoing to deliver on the targets set out in this Strategy.

The Phase 2 Action Plan 2025–2027 under the Strategy was published in July 2025. It identifies 12 primary and 77 support actions that are transformative in nature, and which are themed across the overarching, internationally recognised safe systems approach. These actions are being delivered through partnership and collaborative working by road safety stakeholders including the Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, the Courts Service, Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Health and Safety Authority and the local authorities.

The RSA has the statutory remit for the promotion of public awareness of road safety and of measures, including the advancement of education, relating to the promotion of the safe use of roads. In 2024, my Department commissioned Indecon Economic Consultants to carry out an independent, external review of the RSA. This review was presented to Government and published in November 2024.

In total, the report made 34 recommendations. At the core of the recommendations was that the operational services run by the RSA should be separated from its research, media campaigns, partnerships and education programmes to improve road safety. A related recommendation was that the RSA’s public interest work should receive Exchequer subvention.

Since the publication of the review, RSA reform activities have been taken forward on a number of fronts. For the first time since 2012, the fees for certain RSA services increased on 1 January 2025 to raise additional revenue and improve the RSA’s financial position; €18m has been specifically ringfenced for annual investment in public interest work in both 2025 and 2026; the Road Safety Communications Steering Group was established in December 2024; the Department of Transport took over central responsibility for the coordination of the Road Safety Strategy commencing with the publication of the Phase 2 Action Plan; and, a new Chair and three new ordinary members were appointed to the RSA board during 2025 with a stronger focus on the RSA’s operational mandate. A further four new ordinary members have been appointed to the Board this month.

In terms of the recommendation to separate out the RSA’s operational and public interest functions, I have decided not to pursue this recommendation as I believe that reform can be delivered more efficiently and effectively within the existing RSA organisational structure. I have directed my officials to prepare revised reform proposals in line with this decision and these will be presented to Government in the coming weeks.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (184)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

184. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of BusConnects in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33133/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Cork.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Pending a more detailed reply, I note that BusConnects is the National Transport Authority's (NTA) plan to greatly improve bus services in all our cities. It is a key part of the Government's policies to improve public transport and address climate change in our cities.

As Deputy may be aware, I secured Cabinet approval for BusConnects Cork at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines in October 2025. This decision allows the NTA to lodge planning applications in respect of the 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors envisaged under the programme later this year.

Following public consultation, the new BusConnects Cork network was published in June 2022, and it aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented on a phased basis in the coming years. Implementation will be subject to funding and resources available.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (185)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

185. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the measures that are being taken to increase bus routes serving the Glenville, Whitechurch and Carrignavar areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33134/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus 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.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (186)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

186. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will make representations to Iarnród Éireann to extend late-night train services on the Cork commuter rail service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33135/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; 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.

Airport Policy

Ceisteanna (187, 188)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

187. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to confirm if there are planned enhancements to the Dublin airport voluntary dwelling purchase scheme; to provide a timeline for any planned enhancements to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33145/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

188. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to confirm the valuation approach being applied under the Dublin airport voluntary dwelling purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33154/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.

I want to begin by assuring the Deputy that it is important to this Government in ensuring the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, to balance the legitimate rights of local residents who are concerned about noise levels at the airport, with the objectives of the National Aviation Policy, and the needs of business and tourism. This is why the Programme for Government includes a strong commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure relevant agencies engage effectively with all communities impacted by noise, flight movements and airport operations.

I wrote to daa on the 10th of March 2026 seeking an update on any proposals that were under consideration by daa regarding the strengthening of measures or changes to the Dublin Airport Residential Noise Insulation Scheme, the Voluntarily Dwelling Purchase Scheme, or the School Insulation Scheme.

As the noise mitigation programme at Dublin Airport falls within the remit of daa, I have forwarded your question to daa for direct response. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.

Question No. 188 answered with Question No. 187.

Road Tolls

Ceisteanna (189, 190)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

189. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the total value of tolls paid at each toll booth across the State for each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, broken down by toll location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33208/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

190. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the number of vehicles passing through each toll booth across the State for each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, broken down by vehicle class (including motorcycles, cars, LGVs and HGVs), provided in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33209/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred the question regarding tolls to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Question No. 190 answered with Question No. 189.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (191, 192, 193, 194)

Jen Cummins

Ceist:

191. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Transport to clarify the comments made in Dáil Éireann regarding the School Street Programme funding delivered through the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative still being in place while local authorities were told this funding closed around 2022 or 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33279/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jen Cummins

Ceist:

192. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Transport the number of schools that are currently using the School Street Programme delivered through the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative [33280/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jen Cummins

Ceist:

193. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of schools that have the School Street Programme funding delivered through the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative ; the number of schools that are in the pipeline for it; and in what timeframe could he expect all schools to have the programme [33281/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jen Cummins

Ceist:

194. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered a roll out of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative to all schools rather than the onerous grant application; and if he has considered the expansion to secondary schools. [33282/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 191, 192, 193 and 194 together.

The 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. 525 schools are now active in the programme or have had projects completed.

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 with no requirement to apply again. Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently.

Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer, particularly around the School Streets projects. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Question No. 192 answered with Question No. 191.

Question No. 193 answered with Question No. 191.

Question No. 194 answered with Question No. 191.

Departmental Reviews

Ceisteanna (195)

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

195. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport to consider conducting a review of the need for bus stops and a train stop in a specific area (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33309/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As 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 the provision of bus stops and shelters. 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.

Pending this detailed response, I note the commitments in the Programme for Government to ensure that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers, and to work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public transport options and infrastructure.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (196)

Catherine Callaghan

Ceist:

196. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if the State is currently incurring storage costs in respect of electric buses procured for public service which remain out of service due to the absence of the required charging infrastructure; if so, the total amount paid to date and the projected cost until such time as the buses enter service; the location at which the buses are being stored; the party to whom such storage fees are being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33316/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision and upgrade of public bus fleets and bus depots.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Pending a more detailed response, I note that electric buses are currently in operation in the urban public transport fleets in Dublin, Limerick and Athlone. There have been delays to the delivery of electric charging infrastructure to bus depots around Dublin, which has in turn prevented the ability of operators to absorb electric buses into their fleet. However, I am pleased to announce that because of the recent progress made in installing electric charging guns in depots, these buses will exit storage in the coming months. Moreover, the NTA will shortly finalise a procurement framework with suppliers of bus charging infrastructure to expedite future installations across the country.

Significant efforts are underway by the NTA and transport operators to move electric buses into passenger service, and I look forward to the continued rollout of electric buses across Dublin and our other urban centres.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (197)

Emer Currie

Ceist:

197. 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. [33323/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Under 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.

Shared Services

Ceisteanna (198)

Emer Currie

Ceist:

198. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for an update on plans to incentivise greater commuter take-up of shared mobility. [33349/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

This Government is fully committed to promoting shared mobility as part of wider objectives to expand the availability of affordable and sustainable travel alternatives. To this end, I published a National Policy Statement on Shared Mobility and the Provision of Hubs in June 2025 to facilitate the expansion of shared mobility services across Ireland, and included several associated actions in the latest National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) Action Plan, which was published in March.

Two projects are currently underway, led by the NTA, to make shared mobility more attractive and convenient for everyday commuting.

One is the Mobility Hubs Pilot Programme which is being developed to test the delivery of shared mobility hub networks across a diverse range of urban settlements. The five candidate locations are Cork City, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, and the towns of Carlow, Dundalk and Sligo, with approximately 300 hubs to be delivered across these areas in 2027. These hubs will play a key role in supporting commuter uptake of shared mobility by improving the visibility, accessibility and integration of these services with public transport networks.

The other is the replacement of the TFI bike schemes in the regional cities with new Regional Shared Micromobility Schemes. These schemes will be more expansive in scale, covering larger geographical areas and incorporating e-bikes as a greater proportion of overall fleets.

These initiatives demonstrate the coordinated approach being taken by this Government to incentivise greater commuter take-up of shared mobility through policy, investment and service expansion.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (199, 200, 201)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

199. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided in 2026 for the Kilbarry Train Station; and the timeline for the delivery of same. [33354/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

200. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided in 2026 for the Blarney Train Station; and the timeline for the delivery of same. [33355/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

201. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided in 2026 for the Dunkettle Train Station; and the timeline for the delivery of same. [33356/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 199, 200 and 201 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Pending this more detailed response, the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is a key project in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. The Programme is being delivered on a phased basis and will provide a transformative investment that will enhance the heavy rail network across the region, connecting Mallow, Cork, Cobh and Midleton with increased train capacity.

Phase 1 of the Programme consists of a signalling upgrade, construction of a through-platform at Kent Station, which opened in April 2025, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton.

Phase 2 will deliver a new depot to support an electrified and expanded fleet for the Cork network, together with up to eight new stations. Feedback from the first round of Public Consultation, which concluded in July, is currently being analysed and incorporated into the preliminary design ahead of a second round of public consultation planned for later in 2026. Following this, Iarnród Éireann expects to submit a Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála in late 2026/early 2027.

Phase 2 will be progressed following the completion of Phase 1. Funding provided in the National Development Plan will see Iarnród Éireann complete Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme and commence Phase 2, starting with new train stations at Blackpool/Kilbarry and Dunkettle and initial electrification works and depot construction.

Blackpool/Kilbarry and Dunkettle stations are being advanced independent of the Railway Order application, with planning applications for these two stations expected to be lodged by Iarnród Éireann in the coming weeks.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Question No. 200 answered with Question No. 199.

Question No. 201 answered with Question No. 199.