Written Answers Nos. 323-342
323. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the number of times he or the Minister of State within his Department have met with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45695/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for his question. I can confirm that I met with the Indra Sistemas on the on the 21st of August 2025 and again on the 21st of January 2026 while attending their office opening.
Neither Minister Canney or Minister Buttimer have met with this company
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including Next Generation Ticketing and, in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann, the National Train Control Centre. My Department and I engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis on a wide variety of matters.
324. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the number of times officials from his Department have met with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45696/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for his question. Officials from the Department accompanied me to meetings with Indra Sistemas on the 21st of August 2025 and again on the 21st of January 2026 while attending their office opening.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including Next Generation Ticketing and, in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann, the National Train Control Centre. My Department and I engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis on a wide variety of matters.
325. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport whether he is aware of ongoing delays in the renewal process for approved driving instructor (ADI) permits administered by the RSA; the average timeframe for completion of ADI renewals over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45697/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra326. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has assessed the impact on independent driving instructors of delays in the issuing of renewed ADI permits, particularly where instructors are prevented from accessing the essential driver training portal following the expiry of a permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45698/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra327. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that approved driving instructors can be locked out of the EDT portal before the RSA has completed the renewal process for their permits; whether he is considering introducing contingency arrangements to allow instructors to continue uploading mandatory learner driver lessons during processing delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45699/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 325, 326 and 327 together.
To work as a driving instructor in Ireland you must be on the Road Safety Authority’s Register of Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs). In that regard the RSA, in accordance with the relevant regulations and processes is responsible for all new ADI applications seeking to be included on the ADI register and also for those seeking renewal of their ADI permit and registration. Neither I nor my officials are involved in this process.
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.
328. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 88 of 26 February 2026, to provide an update regarding tachograph requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45727/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder EU Regulations, commercial goods and passenger vehicles completing international journeys, that is a journey between Ireland and any other EU Member State must be equipped, including retrofitting as appropriate, with a Smart Tachograph Version 2 from the following dates:
|
Category of tachograph or vehicle |
Deadline |
|
Vehicles equipped with an analogue or digital non-smart tachograph |
31 December 2024 |
|
Vehicles equipped with a Smart Tachograph Version 1 unit |
18 August 2025 |
|
Light commercial vehicles and vans with a gross vehicle weight of more than 2.5 tonnes engaged in the international transport of goods or in cabotage operations for hire or reward |
1 July 2026 |
It is important for businesses to be aware that if they carry out international journeys within the EU and to the UK, then the retrofit requirements set out in the table also apply.
The only exception to the above is in respect of commercial passenger vehicles where the only international journeys take place between Ireland and the UK. Those vehicles are not required to be fitted with a Smart Tachograph Version 2.
The RSA have published an FAQ for commercial operators on Smart Tachograph Version 2 requirements on their website: www.rsa.ie/services/professional-drivers/tachographs-information/smart-tachograph-2.
329. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will request that the National Transport Authority examine the introduction of flexible or part-week commuter ticket products for hybrid workers who commute two or three days per week, particularly from commuter counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45732/26]
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In their capacity as fare regulator, on the 27th of April 2023, the NTA published a new National Fares Strategy, and following this on the 18th of January 2024 they published the first of a series of Fares Determination related to the strategy. This has introduced a new, distance-based, zonal fare structure in the Greater Dublin Area. This move, aims to makes fares equitable, more consistent, and easier to understand, with significant reductions for many commuting from outer areas, aligning prices more closely with distance travelled.
The NTA also has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects. Their Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) project is 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.
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 the recently introduced 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.
Accordingly public transport fares in Ireland remain comparatively low due to a range of these targeted measures, and in addition the provision of free travel for those aged above 66 plus their companion, or those under in receipt of qualifying payments. These measures have been maintained despite rising operational costs, reflecting the Programme for Government commitment to keeping fares low and affordable.
Any future changes to fare structures, such as the introduction of new commuter fare products, greater integration with other public transport services, or alignment with wider fares reform initiatives, would be considered as part of the national fares policy process and subject to appropriate assessment and approval.
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.
330. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if consideration is being given to introducing discounted journey bundles or capped weekly fare products through the Leap Card system for non-daily commuters, in line with flexible ticketing models operating in other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45733/26]
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
Public transport fares remain comparatively low due to the targeted measures introduced in recent years, including the introduction of the 90 minute fare and YAC, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy. It is important to note there has been no general fare increase since before the Covid-19 pandemic. This has been maintained despite rising operational costs, and my Department supports measures in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to keeping fares low and affordable.
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.
331. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport whether he or the National Transport Authority have examined the feasibility of a transferable household commuter ticket, which could be used by either adult in a household depending on commuting needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45734/26]
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
The NTA sets fares under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and publishes an annual Fares Determination. The 2026 allocation maintains existing fare initiatives, including the Young Adult Card and free travel for under-9s.
Public transport fares in Ireland remain comparatively low due to a range of targeted measures, including the 90-minute fare and free travel for those aged above 66 or those in receipt of qualifying payments, plus for children under the age of nine. While these initiatives have improved affordability and accessibility, they also increase reliance on subsidy, and fare revenue remains a vital part of maintaining a financially sustainable PSO model.
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to delivering an accessible, reliable and affordable public transport system for all our citizens, while also ensuring that our system remains financially sustainable in the long term
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.
332. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of driver testers who delivered additional driving tests across the extended timeframes, each month in 2026 to meet urgent demands; and the number of driving tests carried out under the overtime scheme, in each driving test centre in 2026. [45735/26]
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, including in relation to driver testers. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level. 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.
333. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of vehicles impounded in the State in each of the past three years arising from unpaid toll charges; and the number of such vehicles subsequently sold or otherwise disposed of, in tabular form. [45743/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
334. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the development of the new vehicle adaptation scheme; including the structure of the scheme; the levels of funding available; the timeframe for the introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45778/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that my Department has been tasked with developing the new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS).
The VAS will operate as a reimbursement scheme, assisting with the additional cost of adapting a vehicle to allow people to enter, exit or drive it. As a primary medical certificate will not be required, the introduction of the VAS will also enable individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, but who require non-structural vehicle adaptations, to access State support for the first time. This will have a significant positive impact on people with disabilities.
It is anticipated that the scheme will be open to applicants in 2027. Specific grant levels or funding ceilings have not yet been finalised at this stage, as the scheme is still under development. An increase in the Department's funding allocation will be required for the VAS, but this will only be discussed with the relevant Ministers once a Government decision is taken on the scheme.
It is important to note that the VAS is being developed as a standalone scheme and is not intended to replace the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme. Responsibility for the future of that scheme remains with the Minister for Finance.
335. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the current delays in the issuing of driving licences by the National Driver Licence Service; the steps being taken to address the backlog of pending licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45782/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service, including all service and operational matters.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
336. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to outline the types of vehicles/drivers that have permission to use bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45798/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise the Deputy that the rules on bus lane access are set out in Regulation 32 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (as amended).
In addition to buses, bus lanes may also be used by pedal cycles, L1e-A e-mopeds and electric scooters, who, as vulnerable road users, are safer in bus lanes than in general traffic. Fare-paying taxis are also allowed to use bus lanes, as they are considered part of the public transport system and are available for hire on-street. Emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, are likewise permitted. An administrative solution was recently put in place to allow for their use by designated "blood bike" services also. Finally, a member of cabinet, the Attorney General or the Ceann Comhairle may use the bus lane during their official duties.
337. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport whether he has considered allowing the use of bus lanes for all SPSVs; the rationale for any exclusion of certain SPSVs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45799/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no plans at present to allow hackneys or chauffeur-driven limousines to use bus lanes. Bus lanes were created to provide on-street priority for bus-based public transport. The goal is to make bus transport faster and more reliable, thereby encouraging more people to switch from private cars to public transport. This will achieve the twin goals of reducing congestion and reducing pollution.
In addition to buses, bus lanes may also be used by bicycles, e-scooters and L1e-A e-mopeds who, as vulnerable road users, are safer in bus lanes than in general traffic. The lanes may also of course be used by emergency services.
After the lanes were introduced, it was decided to allow taxis to use them, as they are considered a form of public transport because they are available for on-street hire, like buses and unlike private hire hackneys or limousines.
338. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he will rule out public transport fare increases in the forthcoming Budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45808/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which regulates fares for services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.
Sustained and increasing investment in the PSO programme over the last few years has led to record public transport usage in 2025, with passenger numbers more than 23% above pre-Covid levels, alongside expanded network coverage connecting over 240 towns and villages.
In this context, we secured an unprecedented allocation of €940 million for PSO services in Budget 2026, a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from Budget 2025. This allocation ensures that existing public transport services can operate reliably and sustainably throughout the year in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs. The 2026 allocation maintains targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced 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. The PSO allocation for Budget 2027 will be considered as part of the upcoming Annual Estimates Process.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the NTA has the statutory responsibility for regulating fares for services provided under PSO contracts, and publishes an annual Fares Determination. As such, any future Fares Determination is a matter for the NTA.
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to delivering an accessible, reliable and affordable public transport system for all our citizens.
339. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of meetings his Department held with aviation industry lobbyists, including both the Irish and US aviation industry from 2025 to date in 2026. [45824/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy has clarified that he is seeking details of meetings that took place where the Dublin Airport passenger cap or the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 was discussed.
My officials and I have met with a wide range of stakeholders over the last 18 months and as the Deputy would expect, these meetings covered various issues falling within the remit of my Department, including discussions in relation to the Dublin airport passenger cap. While the Deputy's question refers to aviation 'lobbyists', these meetings have included meetings with individual airlines as well as with airline representative groups. In particular my officials and I have met with Delta Airlines, Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Airlines for America and Emerald Airlines. I have also met with local resident groups and the North Runway Technical Group both of which were accompanied by public representatives. The passenger cap was also discussed at meetings with Cork Chamber and IBEC.
The Deputy will also be aware of the formal complaint made by Airlines for America to the US Department of Transportation in relation to the passenger cap. I have met with officials from the US Department of Transportation in relation to that complaint and the legislation I am progressing to address the passenger cap.
340. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with any environmental campaign groups to discuss the impact of aviation on the climate during his term as Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45825/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to begin by assuring the Deputy that I am committed to balancing the clear benefits of the aviation sector to the country with sustainability actions in line with my Department's Statement of Strategy. This includes the commitment to enhance international connectivity to maintain our global economic competitiveness, while striving to ensure that our transport system is integrated, resilient and decarbonised in a manner that is just, as well as economically and socially sustainable.
As part of that commitment, in August 2025 I published Ireland’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy Roadmap, which recognises the important contribution that SAFs can make toward decarbonising the aviation industry, and aims to provide the building blocks for the deployment of SAF in Ireland. Other actions being taken are aligned with the global approach to decarbonisation of the aviation industry, which is based on the International Civil Aviation Organisation's ‘basket of measures’, and includes airlines continuing to adopt newer and more efficient aircraft, mandated increased use SAFs at EU level under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) at international level. All of these measures are designed to ensure aviation meets the challenge of decarbonisation.
While I have not met with environmental campaign groups specifically to discuss the impact of aviation on the climate, I know that my officials have engaged directly with such bodies. I have met with a wide range of stakeholders, including meeting with community representatives, resident groups, airlines, lessors, and airports etc., to discuss aviation matters since I became Minister for Transport. As I’m sure the Deputy can appreciate, these meetings have covered a wide range of topics, including matters related to efforts to reduce aviation emissions and to decarbonise the aviation industry.
341. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the development of the South Wicklow Greenway; the amount of the sum allocated by his Department to the project which has been drawn down to date; the actions taken on foot of that drawdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45868/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. I note that the Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway scheme in County Wicklow has received an allocation of €300,000 in 2026.
Under the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
342. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 233 and 234 of 30 April 2026 and 182 of 21 May 2026, if he will advise on the policy on renewal of driving licences by non-Irish citizens; if his Department or the Road Safety Authority plan to make changes on this matter; and to clarify if a driving licence has been issued to a person (details supplied). [45871/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no requirement to be an Irish citizen to hold an Irish driving licence. However, residency is required to apply for or renew a licence.
As previously advised, since May 2025 a person must provide proof of a legal right to reside in the State to apply for a learner permit or driving licence, under regulation 54A of SI 537/2006 - Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers Regulations 2006, as amended by SI 193/2025 - Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations 2025.
An Irish driving licence can be renewed up to 10 years after its expiry date. After this time, the holder is no longer considered a qualified driver. Non-Irish citizens who hold an Irish licence are in the same position as Irish citizens whose licences have expired by more than 10 years. There are no plans to change this position at present.
The issuing of driving licences is managed through the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which is delegated under national legislation to the Road Safety Authority, and neither I nor my officials have any role in individual driving licence application. I have therefore referred this part of your query to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if a reply is not provided within 10 working days.
