Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Written Answers Nos. 319-338

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (319)

Micheál Carrigy

Ceist:

319. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of all capital projects including road, public transport, and active travel infrastructure projects delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under their aegis (including the NTA, TII, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann), which have been completed on time and within budget in Longford in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34081/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport I hold overall policy responsibility for transport projects across the sector, however the actual delivery of those projects is generally managed by the relevant agency directly. Additionally, capital projects can vary in scale, consisting of multiple small deliverables across several regions, in addition to the major single-deliverable projects such as Metrolink or a major bypass for example. 

As a result, to provide the information requested by the Deputy I refer the Deputy to the Government's coordinated Project 2040 tracker for major regional projects for information, as well as refer the Deputy's question to the agencies responsible for delivery in the Longford region.

The Project 2040 tracker is publicly available via gov.ie/2040 and provides both a searchable map and annual reports on progress across the entire NDP and Project 2040 programmes. 

For deliverables which are not specifically captured within the reporting on Project 2040, I will refer the Deputy's question to TII, the NTA, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann for consideration and answer. Please contact my private office if you do not receive contact within 10 working days.

Córas Iompair Éireann

Ceisteanna (320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

320. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether any policy, directive or contractual provision exists within Córas Iompair Éireann or its subsidiary companies which prohibits or restricts the re-employment of individuals who previously accepted voluntary severance arrangements; and if he will set out the legal and policy basis for any such restriction. [34148/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

321. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether any restriction on re-employment following voluntary severance within the Córas Iompair Éireann group applies on a group-wide basis or is determined at the level of individual operating companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34149/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

322. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the number of applications received since 2019 from former employees of Córas Iompair Éireann and its subsidiary companies who had previously accepted voluntary severance; the number of such applications approved and refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34150/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

323. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether any exceptions, waivers or appeals mechanisms exist to allow former employees who accepted voluntary severance to be considered for re-employment within the Córas Iompair Éireann group; and if he will provide details. [34151/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

324. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether, in light of ongoing recruitment and retention challenges across Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann, consideration has been given to permitting applications from suitably qualified former employees who previously exited under voluntary severance schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34152/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

325. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has reviewed or assessed the proportionality and impact of any restrictions on re-employment following voluntary severance within the Córas Iompair Éireann group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34153/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 320, 321, 322, 323, 324 and 325 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. The terms of employment within the Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) Group, however, are operational matters for the companies.

Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ Holding Company for direct reply on behalf of the Group. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Question No. 321 answered with Question No. 320.

Question No. 322 answered with Question No. 320.

Question No. 323 answered with Question No. 320.

Question No. 324 answered with Question No. 320.

Question No. 325 answered with Question No. 320.

Transport Policy

Ceisteanna (326)

Séamus McGrath

Ceist:

326. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to formulate a policy on the use of drones for delivery purposes [34183/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

From an aviation safety perspective, the regulation of both recreational and commercial drones, including drone delivery, is provided for under European Union regulations that are directly applicable in Ireland. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the civil aviation regulator, oversees the implementation and enforcement of the EU drone regulations and standards. It is not the function of the IAA and nor is it equipped to determine in the broader sense the desirability of drone operations in a given area.

The Government, recognising that the impact of a growing drone sector needed further consideration, and that there is a demand for greater clarity and guidance on the roles and responsibilities of public bodies more generally in relation to high frequency drone operations, included in the Programme for Government a commitment to guide high-level strategic planning and development of the drone sector in Ireland.

I published the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in August 2025. The Policy Framework sets out a number of cross-government actions that aim to address concerns in relation to increasing drone usage and operations in balance with the realisation of the economic and societal benefits from the emerging drone sector.

It seeks to identify and address any policy, regulatory or legislative gaps that may have arisen due to increased expansion of drone operations. This will be done in a holistic and balanced way.

Many of the issues addressed by the Policy Framework fall directly within the remit of my department, while other issues cross over into areas of responsibility of other Government Departments and agencies. The Policy Framework aims to facilitate consideration of how matters such as planning and environmental issues will be addressed by the appropriate authorities. This will include ensuring that appropriate authorities have the required regulatory powers and that they have mechanisms in place to ensure that the views of all stakeholders are considered.

The implementation of the Policy Framework is guided by a multi agency Implementation Monitoring Group and progress is tracked through annual implementation action plans and progress reports. The Implementation Action Plan for 2026 has been published and is available on the Government website.

Road Network

Ceisteanna (327, 328, 329, 331)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

327. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether the preliminary business case for the Mallow relief road remains on schedule for submission in Q2 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34186/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

328. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the Mallow relief road project to be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála; and what the projected timeline is from planning consent to construction commencement. [34187/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

329. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport what funding has been allocated to the Mallow relief road project beyond the current €600,000; and what future funding commitments are planned to ensure the project advances without delay. [34188/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

331. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport which agency, Transport Infrastructure Ireland or the National Transport Authority, has primary responsibility for delivery of the Mallow relief road; and the reporting mechanisms in place to monitor progress. [34190/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 327, 328, 329 and 331 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.

I can confirm that €600,000 has been allocated for the N72/73 Mallow Relief Road scheme in 2026.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question 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. 328 answered with Question No. 327.

Question No. 329 answered with Question No. 327.

Traffic Management

Ceisteanna (330)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

330. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has considered interim active travel or traffic management measures to alleviate congestion in Mallow town pending delivery of the relief road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34189/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the N72 and N20 in Mallow town.

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

The consideration of traffic management options on regional and local roads is a matter for Cork County Council as the statutory road authority for its area.

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

Question No. 331 answered with Question No. 327.

Air Services

Ceisteanna (332)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

332. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to examine his views on passenger caps (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34235/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Programme for Government acknowledges that as an island nation with a dispersed population and an open economy, good connectivity within the country and with the rest of the world is essential to foster continued economic growth, for communities, and our tourism industry.

This Government is committed to facilitating the growth of our regional airports to support connectivity, the economy, tourism and jobs.  The Deputy will be aware that Ireland has a liberalised aviation market and it is a commercial decision for airlines where to fly to and from.  The Deputy may be aware that in 2025, passenger numbers increased at a faster rate at regional airports than at Dublin Airport.  

Exchequer funding is provided through the Regional Airports Programme which has supported an increase in passenger numbers across all of our regional airports.  In addition, in Budget 2026, €4 million was allocated under the Overseas Tourism Marketing Fund for the Regional Co-operative Marketing Access Programme. This Programme maximises the opportunities presented by new and existing regional air and sea connectivity, driving visitor numbers to regions through cooperative marketing with airlines and sea carriers, while supporting sustainable growth in local economies and communities.

In February this year I published a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030 which delivered on a Programme for Government commitment.  This new Exchequer funded Programme will continue to support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity at our regional airports.

The scope of the new Regional Airports Programme for the next five-year period has been broadened to include airports with up to three million annual passengers.  The airports that currently meet the increased eligibility criteria under the new Programme are Shannon, Ireland West Airport (Knock), Kerry and Donegal.  Over €45m is available to support these airports for capital projects alone. 

A €200m investment will also be made by the State owned daa Group in Cork Airport under the Cork Airport Capital Development Plan.  This significant investment will future proof the airport’s infrastructure for growth and expansion over the coming years and will further boost tourism, industry and foreign direct investment throughout the South of Ireland.

Ireland’s National Aviation Policy also supports the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, and the Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to working with stakeholders to achieve the objective of lifting the passenger cap at Dublin Airport as soon as possible.  Given that passenger numbers at Dublin Airport in 2025 exceeded 36m passengers, one of the main reasons I am legislating is to ensure that we maintain the connectivity we have to this country through Dublin Airport, and to safeguard jobs and economic growth.

Finally, this government is committed to facilitating passenger growth at all of our airports, and our Programme for Government commitments underpin this policy approach.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (333)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

333. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide funding to a voluntary organisation in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34236/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I wish to advise that my Department, through the Irish Coast Guard, is responsible for administrative arrangements of an annual maintenance grant for each of the eleven independent Community Rescue Boats of Ireland teams which are declared resources to the Coast Guard, including Ballybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue.

This maintenance grant was supplemented in 2024 and 2025 with additional grant funding to support specific maritime safety training for those teams and in preparation for the implementation of new Rescue Boat Guidelines as a modern, common standard for safety assurance within Search and Rescue.

As part of its ongoing governance arrangements for the grant, the department and the Irish Coast Guard have engaged with other relevant stakeholders, notably Water Safety Ireland, in maritime safety on an appropriate funding model for these independent Community Rescue Boats of Ireland and expect to complete this work shortly.

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (334)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

334. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to review correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34243/26]

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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy. 

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.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (335)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

335. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to roll out a major programme of 'new bus stops' across county Kerry at locations that have been highlighted by County Councillors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34251/26]

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 the provision of bus stops and shelters nationally.

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 ten 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.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (336)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

336. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be made available to Kerry Local Link to provide additional new routes across the county in 2026, given to date this year, no additional funding has been forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34253/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As 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.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (337)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

337. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the ongoing inadequacy of the 120 bus service for residents of Derrinturn and Edenderry, County Kildare; the excessive journey times to Dublin; the accessibility and safety difficulties experienced by vulnerable passengers, including wheelchair users; whether he will engage with the NTA and Bus Éireann to examine increased frequency of the 120 service, regular routing via Derrinturn, and the provision of a local Edenderry–Derrinturn–Enfield service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34271/26]

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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In this regard the performance of all public transport operators is closely monitored by the NTA under their contractual arrangements. These contracts allow for not just the monitoring of performance and the publication of annual performance reports, but importantly, allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard. For example, if a bus service doesn’t operate due to circumstances within the operator’s control, a deduction is applied equivalent to the cost of the cancelled service.

Further, under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the Oireachtas assigned statutory responsibility to the NTA for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network and public transport infrastructure. The NTA in turn works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Bus Éireann, who have responsibility for day-to-day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.

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.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (338, 339, 340)

Barry Heneghan

Ceist:

338. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the current status and expected timeline for the rollout of contactless tap and go payment across public transport services, including Dublin Bus, Go Ahead, Luas and Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34281/26]

Barry Heneghan

Ceist:

339. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the key factors affecting the implementation of integrated contactless payment across the public transport system; the total expenditure to date on upgrades to the Leap card and ticketing infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34282/26]

Barry Heneghan

Ceist:

340. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department or the National Transport Authority has undertaken any comparative assessment of contactless public transport payment systems in operation in other cities, including London and other European cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34283/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 338, 339 and 340 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 ticketing and technology projects.

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 NTA's Next Generation Ticketing project will provide for an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, including bus services. Fundamental to this project is a transition to an 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating mobile and card-based payments.

Following a competitive procurement process, in April 2024 the NTA awarded an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of a new multi-modal ticketing system. The successful tenderer has designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.

The Programme for Government commits to rolling out contactless fare payments on all public transport and to keeping fares low and affordable. The new solution will replace the Leap Card system, which has served over 9 million users since its 2011 launch but is now nearing end-of-life.

A multi-phase plan has been prepared. In Phase 1, which is targeted for completion by summer 2027, the new ticketing system will be developed, which will include integration with existing Leap cards so that Leap cards can be used on the new equipment.

Phase 2 will see the rollout of devices on bus and Luas services in the Greater Dublin Area, while Phase 3 will similarly see the rollout of devices and turnstiles at all Irish Rail stations in the Greater Dublin Area. To ensure the operability of the 90-minute multi-modal fare within the Greater Dublin Area, Phase 2 and Phase 3 will go live simultaneously, with a current target date of summer 2028. From this point, public transport users in the Greater Dublin Area will be able to use contactless payment across all modes.

Following this, Phase 4 will roll out ticket machines and devices on commuter buses and regional services beyond the Greater Dublin Area.

Separately, the NTA is actively rolling out contactless payments across TFI Local Link services, allowing passengers to pay for single journeys via debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The system is being deployed across all 15 TFI Local Link offices, with full completion expected by the end of 2026. Already this year, contactless payment fares have been rolled out in Laois, Offaly, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim.

• Written Answers Nos. 298-318
• Written Answers Nos. 339-358