Written Answers Nos. 23-42
23. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the number of public electric vehicle chargers in County Cavan; the targets for expanding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44436/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on official data provided to the national reporting platform by registered ChargePoint Operators (CPOs), there are 63 publicly available recharging points in Cavan as of end May.
It should be noted that this date is provided directly by charge point operators (CPOs) and there are some small differences in approach across CPOs in relation to the format of data provided. The Department of Transport is currently finalising a ZEVI Data Strategy and associated data platforms with Transport Infrastructure Ireland. This Strategy is being finalised following consultation and will be published shortly. Once in place, these will enhance TII’s and the Department’s ability to monitor this infrastructure more accurately. The system will enable measures to be put in place to enhance accuracy of data provided by CPOs in relation to charge-points in near real time and provide these comprehensive data on an Open Data basis.
My Department is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.
This includes funding the delivery of motorway charging hubs; national primary and secondary roads high powered charging; a pilot scheme for EV infrastructure in 15 Local Authorities; and a Shared Island funded Sports Club scheme for EV charging.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging and installing EV Infrastructure that can meet user needs. This strategy is currently being revised, and a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 was published for consultation between February and April.
24. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update as of June 2026 on the new ESPSV scheme for taxi drivers, which has been paused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44199/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Electric Small Public Service Vehicle Scheme (eSPSV) supports the uptake of electric vehicles in the SPSVs sector (taxis, hackneys, and limousines). The scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by the National Transport Authority of Ireland (NTA).
The 2026 Scheme has been allocated funding of €7 million, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting SPSV operators to transition to electric vehicles. This continued investment represents one of the largest targeted EV incentives for small public service vehicles.
Due to the record number of applications, the eSPSV26 Grant Scheme is fully subscribed. The NTA has paused the scheme. Eligible applications received will be reviewed and processed. Following the assessment of the initial applications, a decision will be made later in the year on whether the scheme will reopen.
25. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the way in which “rural areas” will be defined for the purposes of the recently announced ICE2EV scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44203/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ICE2EV Scheme will launch on 1 July and be administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). It is a targeted measure to reduce emissions, by removing ICE vehicles aged over 13 years from Ireland’s private car fleet and replacing them with new battery EVs.
Of the Scrappage Scheme funding, 65% (€6.5m) will be ringfenced for applicants residing outside the five major cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, with the remaining 35% (€3.5m) allocated to applicants within those cities. This targets the majority of the funding to those living in areas with less available public transport options, who have higher car dependency levels.
The CSO Census 2022 boundary definitions of “urban city” areas will be used to determine whether an applicant is classified as rural or urban. The Eircode Address Database (ECAD) contains an existing dataset of Eircodes that fall within these urban city boundaries, which SEAI will use to make the determination.
26. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the number of public electric vehicle chargers currently in operation in County Kildare; the measures are being taken to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44205/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on official data provided to the national reporting platform by registered ChargePoint Operators (CPOs), the are currently 176 publicly available recharging points in Kildare.
It should be noted that this date us provided directly by charge point operators (CPOs) and there are some small differences in approach across CPOs in relation to the format of data provided. The Department of Transport is currently finalising a ZEVI Data Strategy and associated data platforms with Transport Infrastructure Ireland. This Strategy is being finalised following consultation and will be published shortly. Once in place, these will enhance TII’s and the Department’s ability to monitor this infrastructure more accurately. The system will enable measures to be put in place to enhance accuracy of data provided by CPOs in relation to charge-points in near real time and provide these comprehensive data on an Open Data basis.
My Department is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.
This includes funding the delivery of motorway charging hubs; national primary and secondary roads high powered charging; a pilot scheme for EV infrastructure in 15 Local Authorities; and a Shared Island funded Sports Club scheme for EV charging.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging and installing EV Infrastructure that can meet user needs. This strategy is currently being revised, and a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 was published for consultation between February and April.
27. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the proposed reduction of bus services to Castledermot (details supplied); if the NTA plans to provide an alternative service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44210/26]
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, The route mentioned by the Deputy is a commercial bus service operated by JJ Kavanagh and responsibility for the operation of the service is a matter for the company.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area as the licensing authority for the commercial bus sector, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
28. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving test applicants currently waiting longer than the RSA target waiting time for a driving test in each test centre; and the measures being taken to reduce waiting times. [44221/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, the latest information provided to me by the RSA indicates that as of 31 May, the national average waiting time to sit a driving test was 12.3-weeks. While this marks a significant improvement on the 27-week national average wait time in April 2025, it remains above the Service Level Agreement target of 10-weeks. I am assured by the RSA that work is continuing to reduce the waiting times in line with the 10 week target.
The long-term solution to driver testing waiting times is increasing capacity with the recruitment of additional driver testers. In September 2024, my Department conveyed sanction for 70 additional driver testing posts on a permanent basis, bringing the permanent sanction for driver testers to 200. This represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022. As of 31 May, 190 testers were in place, which marks a significant increase on the 151 available at the beginning of 2025. The RSA is working to reach its full sanctioned complement of 200 testers subject to training and onboarding of new recruits. To manage demand effectively at national level, testers, although formally assigned to specific centres, are routinely deployed to other locations as required.
The driver testing booking system also makes available cancelled test slots for candidates to take up at short notice. I would encourage learner drivers awaiting a test to monitor this channel, which may provide an opportunity to book an earlier testing date.
The Deputy may also wish to note that detailed statistics on the National Driver Testing Service, by County and test centre, 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
29. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has identified any sections of the N78 in County Kildare as requiring safety improvement works; the nature of any such works planned or under consideration; the estimated timelines for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44236/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 N78 in County Kildare.
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland.
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.
30. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the number and value of road safety improvement projects approved for County Kildare under specific road improvement and safety funding programmes in each of the past five years; the locations concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44237/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2026, Kildare County Council was initially allocated a total of €20,014,300. Of this, €19,444,300 was allocated for the protection and renewal of Kildare's regional and local roads.
In accordance with Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, as amended, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority. Work on such roads is funded from Councils' own resources, supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of work to be funded is a matter for local authorities.
For 2026, €718 million was allocated, through State road grants, for the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, with approximately 90% of this funding allocated to road maintenance and renewal and the remainder directed towards new roads, bridges, and road realignments. This total allocation will facilitate an increase in funding of €26 million this year for road protection and renewal work.
Kildare has had no projects under the Specific Grant (which provides for capital projects that fall outside other funding programmes and are assessed on a case by case basis) in the past five years.
Please see table below for the breakdown of Safety Improvement Works grant allocations to Kildare County Council and number of projects undertaken each year from 2022 - 2026.
|
|
No. of Projects |
Allocation |
|
2022 |
14 |
€292,000 |
|
2023 |
12 |
€309,000 |
|
2024 |
12 |
€320,000 |
|
2025 |
16 |
€385,000 |
|
2026 |
17 |
€413,500 |
As regards the total funding allocated to and drawn down by Kildare County Council by grant type for the past five years, full details of the 2026 allocations are available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/press-releases/ministers-for-transport-announce-over-15-billion-for-national-regional-and-local-roads/
Details of the Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme, specifically the allocations and payments to local authorities for the past five years are available in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets on the Oireachtas Online Public Access Catalogue: http://opac.oireachtas.ie. The 2026 allocations booklet will be lodged shortly.
31. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the level of public transport service provision currently available to villages in south Kildare with populations of fewer than 2,000 persons; the criteria used by the National Transport Authority in determining service levels; and whether any service enhancements are planned. [44242/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra33. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport whether the National Transport Authority has undertaken an assessment of public transport connectivity between south Kildare and major employment centres including Naas, Newbridge and Dublin; and if he will provide details of any planned improvements arising from that assessment. [44244/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 33 together.
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 these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
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.
32. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the number of new or expanded Local Link services introduced in County Kildare since 2020; the passenger numbers recorded on those services; and any proposals currently under consideration for additional routes serving south Kildare. [44243/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing and monitoring the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and TFI Local Link services. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
34. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand bike capacity on Kildare-Dublin commuter trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44300/26]
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.
35. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to improve accessibility on Kildare commuter trains; innovative digital solutions being explored regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44302/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the Oireachtas assigned statutory responsibility to the National Transport Authority (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 Irish Rail, who have responsibility for day-to-day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
As queries relating to accessibility on trains, including those serving county Kildare, are a matter for Irish Rail, I have referred your question to the company for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
36. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport the nature of refurbishment works that were carried out at Roscommon train station in each of the years of 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44308/26]
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.
37. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the number of public electric vehicle charging points currently in operation in each county; the number planned for delivery over the next three years; and his views on regional disparities in charging infrastructure. [44351/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years and reaching climate targets. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Based on official data provided to the national reporting platform by registered ChargePoint Operators (CPOs), the view of the current number of publicly available recharging points per county is shown below.
|
County |
No. of recharging points |
|
WICKLOW |
121 |
|
WEXFORD |
115 |
|
WESTMEATH |
89 |
|
WATERFORD |
89 |
|
TIPPERARY |
151 |
|
SLIGO |
45 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
51 |
|
OFFALY |
69 |
|
MONAGHAN |
42 |
|
MEATH |
141 |
|
MAYO |
151 |
|
LOUTH |
93 |
|
LONGFORD |
41 |
|
LIMERICK |
133 |
|
LEITRIM |
11 |
|
LAOIS |
65 |
|
KILKENNY |
76 |
|
KILDARE |
176 |
|
KERRY |
132 |
|
GALWAY |
165 |
|
DUBLIN |
754 |
|
DONEGAL |
98 |
|
CORK |
318 |
|
CLARE |
124 |
|
CAVAN |
63 |
|
CARLOW |
54 |
|
Total |
3,367 |
It should be noted that these data are provided directly by charge point operators (CPOs) and there are some small differences in approach across CPOs in relation to the format of data provided. The Department of Transport is currently finalising a ZEVI Data Strategy and associated data platforms with Transport Infrastructure Ireland. This Strategy is being finalised following consultation and will be published shortly. Once in place, these will enhance TII’s and the Department’s ability to monitor this infrastructure more accurately. The system will enable measures to be put in place to enhance accuracy of data provided by CPOs in relation to charge-points in near real time and provide these comprehensive data on an Open Data basis.
The Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) sets binding national targets for all Member States to ensure adequate deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure for the road, rail, maritime and aviation sectors. It also defines unified technical standards and requirements for user access, data sharing and payment systems to ensure consistency and interoperability across the EU. The requirements include minimum power output and the maximum distance allowable between recharging pools (one or more recharging stations in one specific location).
In order to achieve Ireland’s EU targets under AFIR and depending on level of power supplied at charging points, it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally by 2030. AFIR requirements state that there should be 1.3kW of capacity on the national network per BEV and 0.8kW capacity per PHEV.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging and installing EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs. This strategy is currently being revised, and a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 was published for consultation between February and April.
Further, the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on neighbourhood and destination charging locations, will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.
Local authorities will be funded by my Department, through Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, to develop local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation plans. This process will identify the number of charge points required in each area, including on-street chargers to serve residents without access to private off-street parking.
38. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport to review correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44355/26]
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 DoDublin Tours service mentioned by the Deputy is s a standalone commercial business operated by Dublin Bus and responsibility for the operation of the service is a matter for the company. The resources and costs associated with the commercial operation of DoDublin Tours are not funded by payments made in support of scheduled Public Service Obligation services.
You may wish to contact the company directly at info@dodublin.ie for further information on their operations.
39. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport it has come to light that the Navan to Drogheda Rail lines is closed; the reason for this and when will it reopen (details supplied). [44389/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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. In the case of the rail network, the NTA fulfils this statutory remit in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann. Iarnród Éireann also offers commercial rail freight services through its Iarnród Éireann Freight arm.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for a direct, detailed response in respect of their freight business. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
In advance of this more detailed response, I note that rail freight services from Tara Mines to Dublin Port are currently suspended owing to ongoing engineering and maintenance works at Dublin Port. With the conclusion of these works expected by the end of the year, Iarnród Éireann plan to reengage with Boliden in the coming weeks regarding the future reinstatement of services.
Separately, the Deputy may wish to note that the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan published by my Department last November has allocated funding to advance the Navan Rail Line to submission of a planning application, or Railway Order. Subject to Approval Gate 1 approval, it is anticipated that a Railway Order for the project will be lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála in 2028.
40. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of third-party software or commercial services which, for a fee, automatically monitor and book driving test cancellations through the Road Safety Authority (RSA) online booking system; whether his Department or the RSA has examined the operation of such services; if such services are considered compliant with the RSA’s terms and conditions of use; whether he has concerns regarding the potential unfair advantage these services may confer on those who are able to pay for them; and the measures being considered to ensure equitable access to driving test appointments (details supplied). [44408/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test Service. 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.
Pending this full response, I understand that the RSA is aware of some third party applications purporting to offer driving test candidates cancelled appointments. The only official site for booking a driving test slot is the RSA operated MyRoadSafety portal. The RSA is not affiliated with any third party booking systems and I would urge anybody seeking to book a test to do so through the official RSA portal.
Additionally, the RSA ICT department continues to work closely with their partners to ensure that such sites or third parties are restricted in their ability to access the booking portal.
41. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 489 of 29 April 2025, the procedural steps and milestones required for Ireland to finalize such an agreement with Turkey; the current internal status of this review; if any formal communication has taken place in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44429/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with Turkey. The Government's current priority in these matters is, in line with Programme for Government commitments on returning emigrants, to consider further licence exchange agreements with Canada and certain US states. There are no plans to explore a licence exchange agreement with Turkey at present.
42. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 211 of 7 May 2026, the number of approved driver instructors who have had their licence revoked by the Road Safety Authority for fraudulent practices between 2020-2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44430/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test Service. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level.
The RSA operates a structured regulatory system to standardise and maintain a high quality of driver instruction in Ireland and it is an offence for any driving instructor to teach someone to drive unless they are on the Road Safety Authority’s register of Approved Driving Instructors. 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.
