Written Answers Nos. 197-216
197. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the measures being considered by his Department, the National Transport Authority and Irish Rail to increase passenger capacity on rail services operating between Dublin Heuston and Tullamore; whether an assessment has been undertaken of current and projected passenger demand on the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47599/26]
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.
198. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department, the National Transport Authority or Irish Rail has undertaken, or plans to undertake, a feasibility study into the provision of additional track capacity, including double tracking, on the rail line between Portarlington and Athlone; the potential benefits such a project could have for service frequency, reliability and future passenger growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47600/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe All-Island Strategic Rail Review was published in July 2024. The Review undertook a thorough assessment and appraisal exercise of several packages of interventions to develop its final recommendations. The economic appraisal of the recommendations included in the report shows that, when taken together, they deliver net economic benefits for the island of Ireland. Included in the Review's recommendations is the double tracking of the Dublin to Galway line to Athlone, which will enhance connectivity on this route.
Following the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, the Department of Transport, 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 interventions include a second platform at Clara in Offaly. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published by my Department in November 2025.
199. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration is being given by his Department, the National Transport Authority or Irish Rail to the introduction of a later evening rail service from Dublin Heuston to Tullamore; whether any assessment of passenger demand for such a service has been undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47601/26]
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. As Minister for Transport I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, 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.
200. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the planned infrastructure investments for the Dublin to Galway and Dublin to Westport rail corridor over the next five years; whether consideration is being given to increasing line capacity, reducing journey times and improving service frequency for passengers travelling through Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47602/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, the Department of Transport, 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 interventions include second platforms at Clara in Offaly and Woodlawn in Galway and also a passing loop between Athlone and Mayo, west of Claremorris. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published by my Department in November 2025.
The Strategy also identifies Major Projects to be progressed for the longer-run, involving intercity electrification and significant capacity upgrades on the rail network, including on the Dublin to Galway route. This includes the reinstatement of lines including the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris to Athenry. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan involves funding to commence this reinstatement project.
201. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport whether any assessment has been carried out by his Department, the National Transport Authority or Irish Rail regarding existing capacity constraints on the Dublin to Galway and Dublin to Westport rail corridor; the measures being considered to address such constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47603/26]
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.
202. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport whether he is aware that no on-board catering trolley service is currently available on the Dublin to Galway and Dublin to Westport intercity rail services, despite such services operating on the Dublin to Cork and Dublin to Belfast routes; the steps that would be required to facilitate the reintroduction of a catering trolley service on the Dublin to Galway and Dublin to Westport lines; whether any cost-benefit analysis or business case has been undertaken in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47604/26]
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.
203. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport to report on the delay in introducing Route 85 of the A-Spine of BusConnects; if he is concerned that new housing developments have been approved and built on the basis that the route was due to be operational in 2024; the expected commencement date of the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47610/26]
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, including the BusConnects Dublin programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for a direct and detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days
Pending a more detailed response, I note that the new BusConnects Dublin Network Redesign is intended to deliver a more efficient and higher-frequency bus network across the city. In this regard, the proposed A Spine, connecting Swords to Rathmines/Terenure via the City Centre, is designed to provide a high-frequency service, with buses operating at regular intervals throughout the day.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, which was published by my Department in November last year, has allocated funding to progress BusConnects across the cities. The NTA will publish a more detailed plan later this year of what elements of the programme will be advanced within the funding available.
204. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the total landholding of his Department, broken down by county, including the amount currently unused or vacant, the portion zoned for development, and the number of sites that include vacant or derelict properties. [47634/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll office and other accommodation occupied by the Department of Transport is provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) which is responsible for the procurement of office and other accommodation required for Government Departments.
205. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to address anti-social behaviour on public transport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47659/26]
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.
Iarnród 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.
On the Luas network, cameras are in place on all platforms, and internally and externally on trams. Luas depots are also monitored by CCTV in the Luas Network Management Centre, where two CCTV co-ordinators manage the network systems. Transdev have a mobile app where Luas customers can communicate directly through the App with the operator’s control room and report an incident of anti-social behaviour as it is happening. The technology will allow the Luas operator to locate quickly where the incident is happening, and they will then provide the appropriate assistance.
Bus Éireann has invested in extensive CCTV coverage throughout its fleet for the protection of passengers and staff and driver security screens are fitted to the entire low-floor, single-deck, and double-deck bus fleet. All hubs are also monitored by CCTV.
Dublin Bus has maintained its Safer Journeys Team, a mobile unit dedicated to enhancing safety on-board their fleet, covering North Dublin, South Dublin, and Central Dublin. The entire Dublin Bus fleet is fully fitted with CCTV cameras with up to eleven internal cameras and three external cameras fitted on the more modern vehicles in the fleet. Each vehicle is also equipped with a radio which facilitates immediate contact to a Central Control Centre. In cases of serious incidents on board a bus, central control co-ordinate with emergency services, such as the Gardaí and Ambulance Services, if required.
Security screens are provided on all vehicles for driver safety and should always be utilised for maximum protection. There are also emergency "audible alarms" in place onboard all Dublin Bus Vehicles which can be activated by driver and Emergency "silent alarms" which can be activated by driver to contact Central Control and takes priority over all other calls.
All operators continue to have strong relationships with An Garda Síochána, who ultimately assist in supporting these incidences. The NTA organises an Anti-Social Behaviour Forum, which public transport operators and An Garda Síochána attend.
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, as 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. 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.
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, including the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána, and the Department of Justice.
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.
206. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied); if he will investigate the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47662/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra207. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving tests that did not proceed because a candidate's motor insurance documentation was deemed insufficient or was not presented, in respect of the requirement introduced on 9 March 2026, in the period from 9 March 2026 to 15 June 2026, disaggregated by test centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47663/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving tests that did not proceed on the day of test owing to issues with a candidate's documentation, by year and by test centre, in the period from 1 January 2022 to 15 June 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47664/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra209. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of complaints received by the RSA in respect of driving tests that did not proceed on insurance documentation grounds, in the period from 9 March 2026 to 15 June 2026, disaggregated by test centre; the number of those complaints upheld, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47665/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving test fee refunds issued; the total monetary value of same, in respect of tests that did not proceed on insurance documentation grounds, in the period from 9 March 2026 to 15 June 2026, disaggregated by test centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47666/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra211. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of candidates who, having been unable to proceed with a driving test on insurance documentation grounds since 9 March 2026, who have been offered a further test free of charge; the average waiting time between the original test date and the rescheduled test for such candidates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47667/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra212. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the legal or administrative basis on which the requirement that driving test candidates present proof of insurance was introduced on 9 March 2026; whether this requirement was introduced by statutory instrument or as an operational measure of the RSA; the role of the agreement between the RSA and the third party stakeholders; whether the operation of the requirement will be amended or reviewed in light of the number of tests that did not proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47668/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra213. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the guidance issued to driving testers on the assessment of insurance documentation under the requirement introduced on 9 March 2026, in particular in respect of candidates who are named drivers but not policyholders on the certificate presented; the steps taken to ensure consistency of application across test centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47669/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212 and 213 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including all operational matters. 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, I understand that since 9 March 2026, all learner drivers presenting for a test are required to show evidence that they are insured to drive the vehicle selected for use at their test. This evidence will need to be shown, on the day, to the driver tester conducting the test, The following formats are acceptable:
A certificate of insurance naming the learner driver as covered, and
• Where the learner driver is not named on the certificate of insurance, an email / letter (on headed paper) from their insurance company stating that the person is covered, for the vehicle registration, and the day of the test, or
• Where the learner driver is using an Approved Driving Instructors or School of Motoring vehicle, a copy of the certificate of insurance (front and rear) showing that the appropriate insurance is in place for the purpose of a driving test.
• Where this information is not visible on the certificate, an accompanying letter on headed paper outlining this detail should be provided.
Evidence can be provided in electronic or paper format. Examples of the types of documents required can be found on the RSA website here: www.rsa.ie/help-support/online-support-centre/details/driving-test-new/driving-test-applications-and-bookings/new-insurance-rules-for-driving-tests
This rule, relating to insurance, was introduced as part of a resolution to a workplace dispute between a group of workers and their employer, to mitigate the risk of a driver tester being in a vehicle with an uninsured driver. Where this proof is not provided, then the test will not go ahead and the test candidate will be required to reapply for a new test.
I am told by the RSA that all customers impacted by this change were notified of the new requirements in advance and booking confirmation letters were updated on the 19th February for new bookings. In addition communications via email and SMS were sent to all applicants who had booked a test for a date following the introduction of the new procedures on the 9th March. In addition to this the RSA website was updated with the relevant information and there were a number of posts on the topic across RSA social media platforms.
The insurance document requirements are also clearly flagged on the booking confirmation email that issues to each applicant when they book their test. As an interim measure, and while the new requirements bedded in, learner drivers who were impacted did not lose their fee and were issued with a new invitation to book a new test.
214. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport for an update on a proposed new driving test centre in south Dublin; if a site has been secured; the timeline for when this will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47685/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra215. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the provision of overflow services for the driving test centre in Tallaght to tackle waiting times; when this will be in place, as referred to in an article (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47686/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 215 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including the provision of test centres. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level. Therefore, the information requested by the Deputy is held by the Authority.
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.
More generally, I am informed by the RSA that the process for opening a new driving test centre is informed primarily by sustained demand within a geographic area, operational requirements, accessibility for customers, driver tester capacity, and the availability of suitable accommodation and infrastructure. Currently the RSA is engaged with the OPW on a number of priority locations, to ensure continuity of service long term and to address wait times in high demand areas.
216. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to expediting a driving licence exchange application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47717/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that that all enquiries related to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, provision of which is delegated under national legislation to the Road Safety Authority. Neither I nor the Department have any role in individual driving licence applications.
I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if you have not received a reply within 10 days.
