Written Answers Nos. 159-179
159. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he can outline the funding that was allocated to the NTA in Budget 2026 for the rollout of new rural bus routes as part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45924/26]
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.
My Department provides aggregate funding for rural transport services to the NTA.
The total annual allocation for the Rural Transport Programme and Local Link services includes funding for rural regular services from the Public Service Obligation (PSO) budget provision. The total allocation amount, including PSO allocation, for 2026 is €97m.
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, the new Mullingar town service, and upcoming Ennis 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.
160. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the local authorities in Donegal, Derry, and Tyrone can be assisted by his Department and their counterparts in Northern Ireland to advance plans to connect Letterkenny to Derry and Tyrone by rail and to progress the potential of the All-Island Rail Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45902/26]
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 and rail stakeholders across the island, 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. 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 development of the Portadown to Derry to Letterkenny rail line is also included in the Rail Review and Prioritisation Strategy as a Major Project to be advanced.
Officials from the Department of Transport and Department of Infrastructure in Northern Ireland are currently working to establish new governance arrangements to support the delivery of cross-border rail projects. These governance arrangements will complement existing areas of engagement, including under the framework of the North South Ministerial Council.
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.
161. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport to account for the continuous deferrals in submitting the railway order for the Navan rail line project, which has now slipped yet again; the justification for forcing Meath commuters to face gruelling daily gridlock for another decade due to slow planning and permitting systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46322/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra200. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport to state the exact capital allocation and binding timeline guaranteed for the completion of the Navan rail line under the newly reviewed Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport 2026–2030; and if he will guarantee that further legal, judicial, or administrative bottlenecks will not push delivery past the current projected dates. [46323/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra227. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the reason the proposed Railway Order (planning application) for the Navan to Dublin rail line has been delayed from 2026 to late 2027 to 2028; and the reason Departments cannot achieve planning objectives on time. [39415/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 161, 200 and 227 together.
As 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.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Pending this more detailed response, I note that the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area sets out a framework for transport investment across the region from 2022 to 2042. The Strategy includes delivery of the Navan Rail line between 2031 and 2036, subject to planning and funding approvals. I would like to note here that the NDP includes funding to advance the project to Railway Order stage by 2028. As such, there has been no delay in progressing the project compared to the timeline that is set out within the Department's current multi-annual sectoral investment plan.
The Emerging Preferred Route for the Navan Rail line was announced with the launch of the a Public Consultation on Wednesday 20 May. That public consultation process will ultimately result in a defined route for the line.
162. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport to outline the short and long-term measures being considered for the upgrade of the Lakeview Roundabout at Midleton, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46307/26]
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 any planned upgrades to the Lakeview Roundabout at Midleton, County Cork.
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.
163. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of reliability issues with the 132 Bus Éireann service operating in West Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46303/26]
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 Bus 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.
164. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the implementation of the National Road Network EV Charging Plan; the progress made to date on deploying high-power charging infrastructure along the primary motorway and national road network routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46308/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) across Ireland's National Road Network is supported by the LDV (Light duty vehicle) EV Infrastructure grant scheme programme, funded by the Department of Transport and delivered through Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
The scheme provides financial support for the installation of high-powered recharging pools along key sections of the national roads, prioritising fast and ultra-fast charging for EV drivers.
155 sites are being supported through the LDV1, LDV2 and LDV3 Grant Schemes as part of a multi phases approach with:
• 9 Sites currently under construction.
• 98 Sites have secured the required grid connection agreement with ESBN.
• 25 Sites completed construction.
• 14 Sites that are currently operational.
The scheme is grant aided by the Department of Transport and is designed to ensure balanced coverage across 5,300km of National Road Network.
165. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport whether he will engage with the National Transport Authority to consider providing regional offices and staff to provide a better regional service for local authorities, Oireachtas members and members of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45628/26]
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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally 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.
166. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport the current status of greenway projects under development in County Clare; the funding allocated to date for each such project; the projected timeline for delivery of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46044/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. Clare County Council has received an allocation of €1,235,000 in 2026 to progress greenway schemes in Co. Clare.
In line with Section 32 (2) of 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. Investment in Greenway and National Roads Active Travel projects is also subject to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals.
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.
168. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on safety improvement measures taken by his Department for regional and local roads in County Mayo, particularly those identified as collision blackspots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46199/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds Network Safety Analysis of the Regional and Local Road Network across the country. Using available collision datasets, high collision locations are identified and Locations of Interest (LOI) reports are produced. These LOI reports are then issued to the relevant local authority and form the basis for its application for funding for Safety Improvement Works under the Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme.
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.
In 2026, my Department allocated €14 million towards Safety Improvement Works, which is funding over 330 low cost safety schemes nationally, representing an 8% increase over the 2025 allocation.
In relation to County Mayo, there were 20 LOIs identified between 2022 and 2025. In 2026, under the Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme, Mayo County Council received €913,500 in funding for 21 Safety Improvement Works, including funding for the renewal of Regulatory Road Marking at Junctions.
169. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport when enhancements to a bus route will be implemented (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46335/26]
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.
170. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport to outline his Department's expenditure for Local Link services for Cork county for 2026; the number of new services that will be introduced; if his Department considered new services for east Cork, to include villages between Midleton and Youghal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46381/26]
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.
171. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the overall cost to date of contactless payments in Cork; and when this will be rolled out. [46296/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
A multi-phase plan has been prepared. In Phase 1, 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/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.
172. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the reason Irish citizens returning home from Australia are experiencing long delays with drivers’ license exchanges; if anything can be done to improve the turnaround times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46352/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe exchange 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 the exchange application process. I have therefore referred your query regarding the licence exchange process to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if a reply is not provided within 10 working days.
There are various factors which affect the time it takes to process licence exchange applications. For example, the applicant may need to submit outstanding information, such as a medical or eyesight report, or the physical driving licence in the case of an online application. The most common reason is in verification of the driving licence by the other licensing authority. At times a response is received very quickly but sometimes there can be delays.
173. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the increases that are due to the CIÉ pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40506/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra182. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport his Department’s role in progressing the 5% increase to CIÉ group pensions which was agreed in May 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40818/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 182 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 are currently engaging with CIÉ as well as financial advisors at NewERA, 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.
Both I, as Minister for Transport and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation gave Ministerial Consents in early June to progress the agreement to the next step. My Department and all relevant stakeholders are endeavouring to progress these matters at the earliest, keeping in line with the appropriate processes, and compliance with all applicable requirements, which are now at an advanced stage.
174. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the designation of the Leopardstown Road (R113) regional road. [46092/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently reviewing and consolidating National and Regional Road Classifications. This consolidation requires the entry into force of secondary legislation, which is not expected before the end of this year.
As regards the Leopardstown Road, my Department and Transport Infrastructure Ireland are in consultation with Dún Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council on its National and Regional Road Classifications.
Following this consultation, it can be anticipated that there will be changes to the classification of certain roads within the area of responsibility of Dún Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council.
175. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the grants and supports that are available to organisations and charities to cover the purchase of specialist transport or vehicles for disabled visitors and customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45427/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that access to transport for people with disabilities is a multifaceted issue, that involves work carried out by multiple Government departments.
The Department of Transport has been tasked with developing a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme as one specific personal transport response, in the context of broader Government consideration of integrated transport and mobility supports for those with a disability. However, support for the capital cost of vehicles is not within the remit of my Department.
176. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport when a project will proceed to the next stage (details supplied), taking into account the absolute need for this new infrastructure to be put in place as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46332/26]
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 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 €1,300,000 has been allocated for the N3 Virginia Bypass 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.
177. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport the new bus services which will be rolled out in Kildare north given the major increase in population in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46251/26]
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. While my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide, it is the NTA that have the statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
We are at a key juncture for public transport in Ireland. Reliable and sustainable services are critical as passenger numbers grow, congestion worsens in urban areas, and a greater proportion of the population depends on public transport for commuting, education, and essential travel, including those living in Kildare north.
The 2026 allocation therefore focuses on maintaining and strengthening the existing network after several years of reliance on significant supplementary funding.
This focus on maintaining and strengthening the existing network in 2026 is vital to ensure that high-demand public transport services can continue to operate effectively, while supporting longer-term reforms to enhance capacity, accessibility, and efficiency across the system.
Transport planning and strategic decision-making are guided by a balanced assessment of operational and resource considerations. These decisions are also made following operational and performance analysis of existing services, including customer feedback. The NTA are prioritising enhancements within its current allocation. And the funding provided allows the NTA to operate the network on a sustainable basis and to prioritise changes in line with operational capacity and passenger needs.
Investment in public transport nationwide is an all-time high. The 2026-2030 National Development Plan outlines a €24.3 billion investment in Ireland's transport sector, with a focus on enhancing public transport and active travel. This marks a transformative moment for Ireland’s transport system, delivering sustainable and accessible travel options to connect us all.
We remain fully committed delivering a public transport system that is reliable, accessible, and affordable for everyone.
178. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if an extension can be considered under BusConnects to the planned N8 route, to connect Blanchardstown Shopping Centre to the Hollystown area, in order to provide newer developments with an orbital bus service to Dublin airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46317/26]
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 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.
With regard to planning and provision of services, the NTA continues to keep public transport connectivity under ongoing and active review as part of its wider network planning responsibilities.
Looking ahead, the NTA is continuing to invest in additional orbital network redesign. The N8 route is intended to improve connections around Dublin without requiring travel via the city centre, and the NTA continues planning for its introduction, subject to available resources and operational readiness. I fully understand the importance of getting this route up and running, however the NTA need to ensure a prioritisation of resources and maintenance of the network on hand.
The network redesign as part of BusConnects Dublin will improve the existing bus network by providing high frequency spines and new local, orbital and radial routes. Orbital routes are a really important part of the new design as they offer an efficient way for passengers to travel without needing to pass through the city centre.
New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered as part of BusConnects. Since 2021, we have rolled out the first seven phases of the network redesign in Dublin. This has included the northern orbital routes connecting Blanchardstown to the Point Village in 2022 and the western orbital routes connecting Blanchardstown to Tallaght in 2023.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.
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.
179. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the planned rollout of the N8 orbital bus route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46316/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware that BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in our bus network and system that will provide much better services across our cities, covering Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway. It is the largest investment in our bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the NTA. The city programmes cover the construction of new bus corridors, new network services, bus electrification and the development of enhanced ticketing in an integrated manner to help maximise the benefits to the public, the customers.
The new route N8 will connect Blanchardstown with Dublin Airport and the NTA continues planning for its introduction, subject to available resources and operational readiness. I fully understand the importance of getting this route up and running, however the NTA need to ensure a prioritisation of resources and maintenance of the network on hand.
The network redesign as part of BusConnects Dublin will improve the existing bus network by providing high frequency spines and new local, orbital and radial routes. Orbital routes are a really important part of the new design as they offer an efficient way for passengers to travel without needing to pass through the city centre.
New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered as part of BusConnects. Since 2021, we have rolled out the first seven phases of the network redesign in Dublin. This has included the northern orbital routes connecting Blanchardstown to the Point Village in 2022 and the western orbital routes connecting Blanchardstown to Tallaght in 2023.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.
