Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
364. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether he will examine the use of private wires, modular substations and depot based DC microgrids to accelerate the delivery of charging infrastructure for electric bus fleets; whether such systems could support depots in securing dedicated renewable electricity supply while wider grid reinforcement is being progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34487/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra365. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration is being given to permitting bus depots, Luas depots and other public transport facilities to utilise private wire connections to nearby renewable generation and storage infrastructure in order to provide dedicated charging capacity, reduce pressure on constrained local grids and improve energy resilience for public transport infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34491/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra366. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has engaged with the National Transport Authority, ESB Networks and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities on the potential use of modular substations, battery storage and depot based DC microgrids to prevent delays to the rollout of electric bus infrastructure and reduce the risk of publicly funded electric buses remaining out of service due to charging and grid connection delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34492/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 364, 365 and 366 together.
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, including fully electric fleets in the latter two locations. 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, due to recent progress 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.
