Written Answers Nos. 202-221
202. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to report on progress of the national DMAP; the funding allocated to delivering it since its inception; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50413/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Designated Maritime Area Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy (National DMAP for ORE) will deliver a strategic long-term plan for ORE development. Progress on the National DMAP for ORE is on track to be completed by Q4 2027.
The Marine Strategic Policy and Marine Environment and Planning Sections within my Department are leading on the plan's preparation. Intensive work is ongoing on the constraints analysis, the identification of offshore renewable energy areas and the development of marine planning policy.
The Project Team is working closely with the Marine Institute, who have compiled an extensive data catalogue to enable a comprehensive constraints analysis. The constraints analysis process, in addition to focused consultation with relevant stakeholders, allows for refinement of the ORE opportunity areas and the identification of technically, economically and environmentally feasible renewable energy sites.
A critical component of the Plan is stakeholder engagement, and during Q4 2025 the Project Team consulted with relevant Government Departments and completed a series of focused, workshops with targeted stakeholders from the ORE Industry, Ports, the Seafood Sector, and the environmental NGOs across Q1 and Q2 2026.
From March until the May this year, the Project Team, led by dedicated Community and Fisheries Liaison Services, facilitated regional, in-person engagements with stakeholders across the seafood/fishing; regional/local business and social/environmental sectors. Further engagement, including with the Marine Spatial Planning Advisory Group, will take place between September and November this year. A statutory public consultation process will take place in Q1 2027.
Funding of approximately €2m was initially allocated to support the project for 2026. Additional funding has been secured which will enable the implementation of a comprehensive communications and engagement strategy for the plan, in line with the plan's statutory Public Participation Statement (PPS).
More information on the process, including the PPS, is available at: [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/national-designated-maritime-area-plan-dmap-for-offshore-renewable-energy/]
203. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline the dates on which each subgroup of the wind delivery taskforce met offshore in each of the years since the taskforce's inception, in tabular form. [50414/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, comprising 16 Government Departments and agencies, was established in 2022 to drive delivery of offshore renewable energy and capture potential economic and business opportunities by developing the sector.
In Q2 2025, industry representatives were invited to attend Full Taskforce meetings and have attended since. Taskforce-Industry bi-lateral meetings had previously been held approximately every 2 months.
In all, there have been 24 full Taskforce meetings to date. Details of each meeting, including meeting minutes, are available to view on the Taskforce webpage: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/offshore-wind-delivery-taskforce/
The Taskforce is not divided into subgroups per se, but does comprise of eight Workstreams. Two to three Workstreams, undertaking complementary activities, are combined to form a Pillar. There are three Pillars. As and when Workstreams meet is a matter for Workstream leads and is not monitored by the Taskforce Project Management Office. Pillar meetings occur approximately on a monthly basis.
At the end of each year an Annual Review is compiled which sets out progress made over the previous year and key actions to realise in the year ahead. This is also available on the Taskforce webpage.
204. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the dates on which the NEAT taskforce and each subgroup met in each of the years since the taskforce's inception, in tabular form. [50415/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) was established in June 2025 to identify and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. It is chaired by me, as Minister, and brings together senior representatives from across Government, the energy sector and regulator. The first report of the taskforce, published in November 2025, informed key aspects of Budget 2026, including the extension of the 9% VAT rate on gas and electricity.
The NEAT's expanded remit now encompasses both the longer-term Energy Affordability Action Plan and a coordinated national response to the energy shock arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
To facilitate this coordinated cross-government response, a number of NEAT subgroups were established, bringing together officials from a wide range of Government Departments and Agencies.
Details of the dates of NEAT meetings and NEAT Subgroup meetings are in the table.
Arrangements are currently being made for the next meeting of the NEAT.
Minutes of previous Taskforce meetings are available at: www.gov.ie/.
Please note that minutes for the most recent NEAT meeting (7 May 2026) will be reviewed and approved at the next meeting of the NEAT and published thereafter.
The first report of the Taskforce was published in November 2025. This report analysed recent trends in energy costs and related matters and set out a range of options for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. The Taskforce is now working to develop an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be published in Q3 this year.
205. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the dates on which the accelerating renewable energy taskforce and each subgroup met ,in tabular form, in each of the years since the taskforce's inception [50416/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously advised to the Deputy in April of this year, the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce (“ARE Taskforce”), comprising some twelve Government Departments and State Agencies, has met regularly since its inception in 2023 to monitor and progress actions.
The most recent ARE Taskforce meeting was held on 25 May 2026. The dates of each ARE Taskforce meeting and minutes for previous ARE Taskforce meetings can be found at www.gov.ie/ARET.
The working groups of the ARE Taskforce also meet on a regular basis as determined by the working group chairs, rather than the taskforce, to ensure delivery of the annual work programme. In addition, the ARE Taskforce’s PMO and Pillar Leads meet with industry representative bodies regularly to allow for engagement to deliver on objectives and associated timelines and address barriers affecting achievement of onshore renewable electricity targets.
206. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the estimated cost to hire one additional FTE climate action officer in each local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50421/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Climate (Amendment) Act 2021, each local authority was required to prepare a Local Authority Climate Action Plan for its respective administrative area. In 2022, my Department approved a business case submitted by the County and City Management Association (CCMA) for additional resources for local authorities to develop and implement their Local Authority Climate Action Plans (LA CAPs). This included a request for funding for one Climate Action Coordinator role and one Climate Action Officer role.
The business case set out an annual cost per Climate Action Officer role in each local authority of €88,644, resulting in a combined annual figure of €2,747,964 for all 31 local authorities. My Department signed a five-year Service Level Agreement with all local authorities for the implementation phase of the LA CAPs (November 2023 - December 2028) which provides for funding of €2,747,964 for one Climate Action Officer in each local authority, from a total annual budget of €5,815,000.
On that basis, the cost to hire one additional FTE Climate Action Officer in each local authority would result in an annual cost of €88,644 per local authority, and an additional combined total of €2,747,964 for all 31 local authorities.
As of May 2026, the status of the Climate Action Officers, as reported to my Department by the Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs), is:
• 30 Climate Action Officers - “Hired and In Post”
• 1 Climate Action Officer - “Currently Recruiting"
The attached table provides a breakdown of the status of the Climate Action Officer in each local authority, the annual allocation per Climate Action Officer in each local authority, and the estimated annual allocation for an additional Climate Action Officer in each local authority (i.e. two Climate Action Officers).
I announced significant new funding of almost €35m this year to further support local authorities as they continue to drive forward climate action in our communities. This funding underpins the continued commitment of Government to local climate action and recognises the key role of local authorities in supporting communities as we transition to a climate neutral economy.
In June 2026, my Department received a business case from the County and City Management Association (CCMA) requesting that provision be made for the existing 110 climate posts in local authorities to become permanent posts, including the Climate Action Officer role. I support this in principle and officials in my Department are currently reviewing the business case with a view to presenting a submission to me.
208. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline the work his Department is doing to expand the roll-out of free public water refill stations across Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50484/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of free public water refill stations is being supported by Government measures that support climate action and circular economy objectives and include:
• The Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) is part of the Government's investment in community-led climate action through the Climate Action Fund. It supports and empowers communities, in partnership with their local authority, to shape and build low carbon, sustainable communities and thereby contribute to national climate and energy targets. Under the CCAP, communities in the four Dublin local authorities, and indeed all across the country, are taking action to expand the prevalence of water refill stations at sports clubs and other community facilities. Among the projects announced in May this year, 20 relate to new water refill facilities across Dublin. Further information on Climate Action Fund supports can be found here: [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/climate-action-fund/#community-climate-action-programme].
• The Circular Economy Fund provides funding to a wide range of activities that promote and support Ireland's transition to a Circular Economy. This includes funding the National Federation of Group Water Schemes NFGWS to provide outdoor public water stations within group water scheme areas across Ireland. Last year, 43 fountains were installed, 84 are planned for 2026 and the objective is to provide a total of 365 by 2028.
209. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will assist with a community solar farm project in South Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50547/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to promoting the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) to simplify market access for community, SME and farmer-owned solar and wind projects.
The SRESS export tariff is designed for community, SME and farmer export only projects above 50kW to 6MW. SRESS offers a simpler route to market for those groups, with fixed tariffs for solar and wind, aligning more closely to the capacity of those sectors. All export projects, of up to 1MW, can also apply to SRESS and need not be community, SME and farmer owned projects.
The scheme opened for applications in January 2025. The rules of the scheme are set out in the terms and conditions. The SRESS application form, together with the terms and conditions, a non-technical summary and first steps guides for applicants are available on my Department’s website at [www.gov.ie/SRESS].
210. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with representatives of limousine and other SPSVs regarding restrictions on using bus lanes including being unable to cross O’Connell Bridge in Dublin which is creating significant challenges for businesses; who he has engaged with; when these engagements took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50322/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that Minister O'Brien previously engaged with representatives of the relevant industry regarding bus lane usage.
Following this engagement, along with discussion with Government officials, there are no plans to amend the relevant regulations to allow limousines to use bus lanes.
The Deputy may note that traffic management for Dublin City, including O'Connell Bridge, is a matter for Dublin City Council.
211. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the timeline for the extension of the Luas line to Bray; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50324/26]
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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
As the Deputy may be aware, the NTA published Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 in January 2023. The strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
There are four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the 2022-2042 lifetime of the strategy. These are proposed expansions of the Luas network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg, and Bray.
Implementation of the strategy has been divided into three phases-short-term up to 2030, medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042. An extension of the Luas Green line to Bray is part of the strategy's medium-term proposals for development and delivery within 2031-2036 and is part of a number of proposed expansions to the Luas network over the lifetime of the strategy, as I have outlined.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of light rail infrastructure in the GDA, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
212. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the PSO funding provided by government to the NTA in each of the years 2020 to 2026, in tabular form; if Budget 2027 will expand upon Budget 2026’s allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50352/26]
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.
Sustained investment in the PSO programme in recent years has driven record public transport use, with passenger numbers up 23% and continuing to grow in 2026, alongside an expanded network serving over 240 towns and villages. As demand rises and congestion worsens, Ireland’s public transport system has reached a pivotal point, with an increasing need for reliable services.
A fundamental reset in funding was required to place the PSO programme on a sustainable, long-term footing, in line with the Programme for Government. Accordingly, the 2026 PSO allocation was structured to eliminate the need for supplementary in-year funding, providing greater certainty and stability for service delivery.
To underpin this, my Department secured an unprecedented €940 million allocation for PSO services in Budget 2026, a substantial 43% increase on Budget 2025. This significant investment provides a robust foundation to ensure that existing public transport services are delivered reliably and sustainably throughout the year, enabling the system to meet rising passenger demand and assist to absorb growing operational costs.
Funding for public transport services in 2027 will be determined through the Annual Estimates Process. Within the constraints of the resources available, the NTA will be responsible for prioritising its service plan, taking into account operational readiness, demonstrated and anticipated passenger demand, and the need to deliver value for money.
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.
213. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if the road transport support scheme will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50353/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS) opened at noon on 20 May 2026 and closed at noon on 12 June 2026. As indicated at the time of the Scheme's launch, support will be offered to successful applicants in respect of March 2026. I can confirm that further payments will be offered in respect of April and May as the average national diesel price, as measured by the CSO, exceeded €1.90 per litre for those months. The €1.90 per litre threshold reflects the point at which fuel costs become unsustainable for many commercial transport operators. Successful applicants will receive one single payment to include the three months of the Scheme.
The average national diesel price has stabilised significantly in recent weeks and is now at its lowest since the outbreak of the conflict in Iran. In light of this, the RTSS will not be extended. However, officials in my Department will continue to monitor the evolution of fuel prices.
Approximately 4,400 applications were submitted to the Department by licenced hauliers, licenced passenger operators, and the own account sector. This is a significant increase on the number of applications for the Licenced Haulier Emergency Support Scheme and Licenced Haulier Support Scheme, which received approximately 3,000 and 2,800 applications respectively.
The applications are now being assessed against the Scheme eligibility criteria to ensure that payments are only made to eligible businesses in respect of eligible vehicles. This will be finalised as quickly as possible and payments made to successful applicants in the coming weeks. My Department will be establishing an appeals process for applicants and will be giving consideration to allow those who missed the application deadline to make an appeal for a late application, if substantive evidence of why they could not apply is provided.
214. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport to meet with the west Cork rail alliance to discuss the proposal to extend the rail line from Midleton to Youghal. [50374/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published in July 2024, sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes.
A proposal to develop a line between Midleton and Waterford along the South Coast was examined as part of the Review, but ultimately this route was not included in the recommendations in the final report. Analysis undertaken as part of the Review indicated that it would likely be more cost-effective to route longer distance services between Cork and Waterford via improved railways between both cities and Limerick Junction, rather than on a new line.
One of the Review's recommendations is that the Review be updated once a decade, taking account of latest policies and developments. The potential for the Midleton and Waterford line could be reassessed at this point.
In addition to the Rail Review, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for developing and implementing the MATS to provide high quality, accessible, sustainable transport across Ireland.
The Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy was published in 2020. It was prepared by the NTA in collaboration with Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The NTA intends to commence a full review and update of the CMATS later in 2026. It is envisaged that the NTA will engage external specialist support, including engineering and strategic planning expertise, to assist in preparing the updated strategy.
A comprehensive stakeholder engagement programme will form a central part of the review. This will include consultation with key local and national stakeholders, local authorities, transport operators, and the wider public which will include a public consultation process. I would encourage all interested parties to participate in this important process.
215. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a detailed breakdown of the funding available to Ireland's ports to deliver ORE broken down by port, in tabular form. [50411/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra232. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the cost of capital funding that has been allocated to prepare Ireland’s ports for ORE in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form; the cost of capital funding that has been drawn down to prepare Ireland’s ports for ORE in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form; and the funding that has been allocated out to 2030, in tabular form. [50704/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 232 together.
The crucial role of ports in Ireland in facilitating the development of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) in both Irish waters and beyond is recognised by my Department. In this regard, my Department published the Policy Statement on the facilitation of Offshore Renewable Energy by Commercial Ports in Ireland in December 2021.
Under the present National Ports Policy 2013, commercial state ports operate on an independent commercial basis and as such do not receive any direct capital funding from the Exchequer, and therefore funding has neither been allocated nor drawn down to prepare Ireland's ports for ORE. It is the responsibility of the port companies to engage with offshore wind developers and determine for themselves how they will service and support the offshore wind industry. However, a review of the National Ports Policy 2013 is ongoing and a Memorandum for Government on a draft text for a revised National Ports Policy was approved for public consultation by Cabinet on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. Officials in the Department of Transport are currently preparing for the public consultation process on the draft National Ports Policy text that will now follow.
Several of the Commercial State ports have been successful in applications for EU funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) fund. Under the 2023 Call for Funding, the Port of Cork Company was awarded €38.42 million for their two-berth development proposal at Ringaskiddy, phase one of which is currently under construction, expecting to be completed later this year. Rosslare Europort meanwhile received EU funding for studies pertaining to their ORE development and has since submitted a planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála for a proposed ORE port expansion development.
Additionally, officials in my Department have worked closely with the Department of the Taoiseach in securing a €40 million contribution from the Shared Island Fund for ORE ports development on the island of Ireland and are currently reviewing options as to how this funding will be allocated.
216. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he anticipates the Port of Cork's redevelopment is on track to be ORE-ready in 2026. [50412/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Port of Cork Company (PoCC) is progressing plans for the construction of two quay berths, namely phase 1 and phase 2 of PoCC's CORE 1 project at the port’s Ringaskiddy facility located on the southern coast of Ireland.
PoCC's proposed developments will ensure continued safe and reliable maritime trade access within the EU TEN-T network while also providing the necessary facilities to allow the port to act as a deployment hub for offshore renewable energy (ORE) projects in Irish waters. PoCC plans to have both phases of development at Ringaskiddy operational and serving the ORE industry by 2028/2029.
PoCC was successful in 2024 in their application for funding under the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) fund, and was awarded €38.42 million for their two-berth development at Ringaskiddy, accounting for 30% of the total project costs.
PoCC is presently progressing the construction of phase 1 of the multi-modal berth CORE 1 project at Ringaskiddy East. The development consists of a single berth with quay-side depth of 13m, quay length of 200m and nearby laydown/quayside area and a storage yard.
The development will confirm PoCC as the first port in Ireland with the capability to facilitate ORE deployment, and its marshalling and assembly capabilities will be in place in time for the commencement of construction of Ireland's Phase 1 ORE projects, which Phase 1 ORE projects are presently being assessed by An Coimisiún Pleanála. PoCC's CORE 1 facility will also be well placed to service future ORE development projects to be located within the South Coast Designated Marine Area Plan area.
It is now estimated that PoCC's phase 1 CORE 1 works will be substantially completed by December 2026, well in advance of when the port is expected to be required by ORE developers, who now report that their expected commencement of construction of offshore wind farms in Irish waters will be close to 2030.
PoCC is also progressing plans for phase 2 of the CORE 1 development at Ringaskiddy West, which will involve a 182m extension to the existing deep-water berth, including capital dredging to a depth of 13m. Having received renewed planning permission in December 2025 for this development, PoCC is exploring plans to progress this development in 2027 to be ready for operation in 2028 / 2029.
217. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an annual breakdown of the funding received by regional airports as part of the regional airports programme, by airport, for the years 2023 to 2025 and to-date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50422/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with National Aviation Policy, regional airports are supported under a Regional Airports Programme. This Programme supports Ireland’s smallest airports with funding targeted at safety and security related activities and operations. The Programme also supports projects with a sustainability focus, encouraging airports to reduce carbon emissions and build resilience against climate change.
Over the period 2023-2025, over €46 million was allocated to eligible airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. At that time the Programme supported airports with up to one million passengers per annum. Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports were eligible for supports throughout the lifetime of the programme. Both Cork and Shannon airports became temporarily eligible due to reduced passenger numbers as a result of COVID-19.
In relation to the Deputy's request for a breakdown of funding allocated over the period 2023-2025, please find attached table setting out this detail.
The Programme for Government acknowledges that as an island nation, good connectivity within the country and with the rest of the world is essential for continued economic growth, for communities, and our tourism industry. In recognition of this, the Programme for Government commits to develop a new Regional Airports Programme. A new Regional Airports Programme which will cover the period 2026-2030, was published by my Department on 25 February.
For the first time, the scope of the new Programme has been broadened to include airports with up to three million annual passengers. This will allow for Shannon Airport's inclusion as it grows towards three million passengers per annum. It also allows Ireland West Airport to continue to receive support as it grows beyond one million passengers, which it is expected to do during the lifetime of the new programme.
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent National Development Plan Review will provide almost €45 million in capital investment for regional airports during the lifetime of this new Programme. In addition, current funding will be provided on an annual basis as part of the Estimates process. In total, over €19 million is available for allocation under the Programme this year.
I have recently announced almost €8million in capital funding for eligible airports in 2026. This funding is set out as follows:
Shannon Airport €1.936m
Ireland West Airport €2.834m
Kerry Airport €2.766m
Donegal Airport €0.367m
Additional operational funding will be allocated later this year to Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports.
218. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50566/26]
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, including on the Dublin to Galway line a second platforms at Clara and Woodlawn stations. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP.
The Prioritisation Strategy also identifies 'Major Projects' with longer lead-in and development timelines. Among these is the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan includes funding to commence construction of this reinstatement project, subject to procurement and any necessary planning or other approvals, by 2028. Early work is already underway in terms of clearing vegetation on the line. Iarnród Éireann have also appointed a multi-disciplinary consultant to prepare appraisal documents required for the scheme.
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.
219. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the development of the Galway city ring road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50568/26]
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 €4,450,000 has been allocated for the Galway City Ring Road scheme in 2026
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the latest status of the Galway City Ring Road. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
220. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for clarity on the provision of additional rail carriages for train services to and from Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50594/26]
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.
221. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to consider changes to clamping rules to allow a statutory grace period before a vehicle may be clamped. [50693/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra222. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to consider changes to clamping rules to require operators to verify whether parking has already been paid for before immobilising a vehicle. [50694/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra223. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to consider changes to clamping rules to require operators to exercise reasonable discretion where payment has been made but a ticket has inadvertently not been displayed. [50695/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra224. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to consider changes to clamping rules to prohibit clamping where payment can be objectively verified and there has been no overstay or financial loss. [50696/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 221, 222, 223 and 224 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the day-to-day operation of clamping vehicles on public roads or in public car parks is a matter for local authorities and the clamping of vehicles in private car parks is a matter for the car park owner. My Department has no plans to change clamping rules or legislation.
