Written Answers Nos. 401-420
404. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has examined the financial burden placed on motorists, particularly lower-income households and owners of older vehicles, arising from NCT retest fees and associated repair costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35006/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the operation of the National Car Testing (NCT) service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
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 the report was published in November 2024.
In total, the review made 34 recommendations, including that fees for RSA services should be set to ensure customer-focused activities are self-sustainable and cost-reflective. The review noted that this was likely to require an increase in fees in 2025 and modest increases in subsequent years.
The RSA has been largely self-funded since 2014 and the vast majority of the Authority’s funding comes directly from income for customer services such as driver testing, driver licencing and the NCT service.
Arising from the recommendation of the Indecon review, the fees for certain RSA services increased on 1 January 2025 to raise additional revenue and improve the RSA’s financial position. This included the fees for an NCT full test and re-test and were the first fee increases since 2012.
407. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the estimated date upon which the reopening of the western rail corridor between Athenry and Claremorris will be completed. [35028/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, my Department, with the support of the European Investment Bank and in conjunction with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, oversaw the preparation of the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy. This Strategy was published in December 2025 and outlines the approach to sequencing and optimising the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in the coming years.
In the short-term to 2030, the Prioritisation Strategy specifies a number of 'Early Interventions' to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity, including on the Dublin to Galway line a second platforms at Clara and Woodlawn stations. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published be my Department in November 2025.
The Prioritisation Strategy also identifies 'Major Projects' with longer lead-in and development timelines. Among these is the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan includes funding to commence construction of this reinstatement project.
It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
408. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the total number of rail tickets purchased in County Mayo in each of the past ten years, and the total amount spent by customers on the purchasing of train tickets in County Mayo in each of the past ten years. [35029/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
409. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of road fatalities which occurred in County Mayo in each of the last ten years broken down by the nature of the collisions/accidents, such as cyclists, pedestrians, commuters, and so on. [35030/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra410. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of people killed on Irish roads in each of the past ten years; and if he will detail the number of persons who were passengers, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians [35031/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra411. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers or passengers killed on Irish roads in the past decade; and the number of which who were not wearing their seatbelts. [35032/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 409, 410 and 411 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, 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 role in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct response on any additional relevant information it may hold. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
I would also direct the Deputy to the RSA's website, specifically the Road traffic collision data section which can be accessed at - www.rsa.ie/road-safety/statistics/road-traffic-collision-data This section of the RSA website contains a number of relevant reports published by the RSA in relation to fatalities. In addition, the RSA website also contains research on the various killer behaviours and contributing factors of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. This information can be accessed here: www.rsa.ie/road-safety/research/reports/safe-road-use.
413. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the actions his Department is undertaking to address anti-social behaviour on public transport especially on intercity train services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35047/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnti-social behaviour is a broad societal issue, to which public transport is unfortunately not immune, and it is those passengers and staff who regularly use and work within our public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network.
Across the network, all public transport operators are continuing to expend significant resources introducing measures to counter the impact of antisocial behaviour. For example, all services are now fully fitted with CCTV cameras, various text alert systems and control centers have been introduced.
Iarnód Éireann has established enhanced joint protocols with Gardaí both nationally and locally, which have been implemented through Operation Fanacht. This has included the establishment of rapid response support hubs in 20 locations for Intercity services, with staff having direct lines to Gardaí for incident support. All onboard staff have dedicated phone numbers for each of the hub locations in the event they require assistance, meaning that should on-board staff request assistance by calling ahead to the next Garda Rapid Response Hub, they will receive priority service to deal with any issue. Additionally, for Intercity services, there are 1448 cameras and 138 cab cameras, with a dedicated monitoring team in place.
The Department of Transport continues to work closely with industry stakeholders to identify measures to improve passenger safety across the public transport network. And in this regard we have continued to hold a public transport safety working group, with representatives from the public transport operators, the commercial bus sector, the NTA, unions, An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice, and passenger representative groups.
We will continue to engage with operators and unions on the matter, and will continue to work with all stakeholders to provide safe, sustainable public transport.
In addition, my Department and the NTA are actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, and the introduction of this Force will require the development of primary legislation, which can have a significant lead time, but it will be expedited, with a view to making progress on its foundations during 2026.
I fully support all the ongoing positive work to progress towards creating a safer public transport network for staff and passengers. In the meantime, we are committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the Transport Security Force is in place.
414. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the establishment of a transport police service; whether this service would be deployed on intercity rail services; the powers this service would have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35048/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I can assure you that my Department is actively progressing the necessary steps to deliver on the commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. Considerable progress has been made in recent months, and this work remains a top priority for all parties involved.
This work centres on developing a well-considered and informed approach to identifying the most suitable model for the Transport Security Force. In this regard a proposed model is currently under detailed consideration, with all key stakeholders fully engaged – the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice.
Further meetings with stakeholders are scheduled throughout May, at which a finalised proposal will be presented and discussed, with the objective of achieving alignment on the preferred way forward. Following this engagement, I intend to bring a Memorandum to Government to provide a comprehensive update on the agreed approach, associated decisions, and the proposed next steps.
In addition my Department and the NTA are actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, and the introduction of this Force will require the development of primary legislation, which can have a significant lead time, but it will be expedited, with a view to making progress on its foundations during 2026.
In the meantime, we are committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the Transport Security Force is in place.
415. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the poor staffing levels of small train stations in County Galway; the impacts this poor staffing level is having on the working conditions of those working within the rail system (details supplied); if his Department has any plans to address these staffing issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35049/26]
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.
Anti-social behaviour is a broad societal issue, to which public transport is unfortunately not immune, and it is those passengers and staff who regularly use and work within our public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network.
Across the network, all public transport operators are continuing to expend significant resources introducing measures to counter the impact of antisocial behaviour. For example, all services are now fully fitted with CCTV cameras, various text alert systems and control centers have been introduced.
Iarnód Éireann has established enhanced joint protocols with Gardaí both nationally and locally, which have been implemented through Operation Fanacht. This has included the establishment of rapid response support hubs in 20 locations for Intercity services, with staff having direct lines to Gardaí for incident support. All onboard staff have dedicated phone numbers for each of the hub locations in the event they require assistance, meaning that should on-board staff request assistance by calling ahead to the next Garda Rapid Response Hub, they will receive priority service to deal with any issue.
In addition, my Department and the NTA are actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, and the introduction of this Force will require the development of primary legislation, which can have a significant lead time, but it will be expedited, with a view to making progress on its foundations during 2026.
I fully support all the ongoing positive work to progress towards creating a safer public transport network for staff and passengers. In the meantime, we are committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the Transport Security Force is in place.
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.
416. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport when the Statutory Instrument required to implement the agreed 2025 pension increases for CIÉ pensioners will be published in Iris Oifigiúil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35055/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra423. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport when the pacific statutory instrument (SI) to implement the agreed 2025 pension increases for CIÉ pensioners will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35193/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 416 and 423 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department, alongside our financial and commercial advisors NewERA, are currently engaging with all relevant stakeholders. This includes CIÉ, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members, including review of the relevant statutory instruments and the matter of increases to pension payments.
There are several aspects to the Proposal which require dual Ministerial Consent from myself as Minister for Transport, and the Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. Adherence to the underpinning legislation and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies as amended by Circular 16/2021 is required. There are a number of stages to this process to give full effect to the Proposal, which includes an increase for pensioners.
Following on from the dual Ministerial review, under the Transport Act, 1950, a statutory public consultation process is required regarding amendments to CIÉ Pension Schemes, where representations from interested parties will be considered.
Every effort is being made to progress this matter, keeping in line with the appropriate procedures, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals as part of the formal process, which is now well underway.
417. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the basis on which the current levy arising from public expenditure overruns is being calculated and applied to his Department’s Vote; whether any categories of expenditure, including pay, pensions or staffing-related costs, are exempt from the levy within his Department; and if he will provide a breakdown of the areas against which the levy is being applied. [35090/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been advised of a levy of 1.4% for 2027 against current expenditure with the exception of pensions as the distribution of the levy has been designed to protect pension funding across all votes.
418. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the banning of the use of scramblers in public places; whether the Gardaí have sufficient powers to enforce this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35135/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra419. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the key performance indicators in place to monitor the effectiveness of the banning of the use of scramblers in public places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35137/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 418 and 419 together.
On 1 April the Road Traffic (Control of Certain Vehicles) Regulations 2026, known as Grace's Law in memory of Grace Lynch, were signed into law. The regulations implement an explicit ban on scrambler use in any public place and
strengthen existing provisions and powers of enforcement by An Garda Síochána.
Since July 2023, off-road scramblers have been illegal for use on public roads and it has also been illegal to drive them dangerously anywhere, even on private land. An Garda Síochána has full powers to seize a scrambler being driven dangerously in any location, even where they have the reasonable belief that the vehicle will be driven dangerously, and they can enter the curtilage of a dwelling to retrieve a scrambler after the fact. It has also been an offence to sell or otherwise supply a mechanically propelled vehicle, such as a scrambler, to a minor since 2004.
The new regulations complete the introduction of provisions in the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 to tackle the dangerous use of scramblers and bring additional legal clarity by consolidating the disparate existing provisions into a single legislative instrument in respect of scramblers. The regulations prohibit the use of an off-road motorcycle, such as a scrambler or a quadbike, in any place, except on private land with the written consent of the landowner or use by the landowner. They impose a requirement of consent where restricted vehicles are used on private land and will make enforcement easier. The mere use of scramblers will now explicitly be an offence, assisting An Garda Síochána operationally by ensuring that members will no longer have to form a reasonable belief about dangerous use.
The regulations will not apply to registered, on-road motorcycles that are safe and legal for road use. It is important to note however that dangerous driving offences and all relevant road traffic laws continue to apply to the use of these vehicles. They will also allow for the continued appropriate off-road use of scramblers or quadbikes, such as for agricultural purposes and for controlled licenced sports events.
My Department, in consultation with the Department of Justice, is preparing further regulations to substantially increase the cost of releasing a scrambler following seizure, to reduce the number of seized vehicles that return to the road. It is my intention that these regulations will be signed this month.
420. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport whether the Government intends to review the operation of section 74 of the Roads Act 1993 in relation to sulky racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35144/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra440. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration is being given to enhanced enforcement powers or dedicated operations in identified hotspot areas with regards to illegal sulky racing on public places and roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35911/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 420 and 440 together.
Under section 74 of the Roads Act 1993, it is possible to prescribe classes of road races for which relevant local authority approval, as the road authority, must be sought in advance, and for which there can then be road closures. Under this section, road race means a prescribed class of race, time trial or speed trial on a public road involving persons, vehicles or animals. A race which falls within prescribed classes and is not licensed is illegal, with penalties for the organiser. I understand that no classes of race have ever been prescribed under this section. I am aware, though, that the offence applies only to the organiser, and I understand that in many cases of sulky races there is no identifiable organiser.
Enforcing the Roads Act in matters where a road race takes place unlawfully without the permission of the roads authority is a matter of enforcement for An Garda Síochána. In a situation where there is an illegal race, with no notice given, it is a matter for Gardaí to enforce under section 74(4) of the Roads Act 1993. There are no plans at present to amend this legislation.
It is important to note that all road users are subject to road traffic legislation which is enforced by An Garda Síochána and participants in sulky racing are liable for any road traffic offences they may commit during the races. In many cases of sulky racing there is also considerable danger caused by vehicles following the race and in some cases driving alongside on the other side of the road. In these cases too the drivers can be held liable under the Road Traffic Acts.
Animal welfare issues in relation to sulky racing are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
