Pa Daly
Ceist:242. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the projected first- and full-year cost of the Finglas Luas, broken down by cap ex and op ex, in tabular form. [50722/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRail Network
Ceisteanna (242)
Freagraí scríofa
As 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 including light rail.
Luas Finglas is an exciting project that has the potential to transform Finglas and the wider area for those who live and who work there.
Noting the NTA's responsibility for the Luas Finglas extension project, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (243, 244, 245)
Pa Daly
Ceist:243. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the projected first- and full-year cost of the Dart North, broken down by cap ex and op ex funding, in tabular form. [50723/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:244. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the projected first- and full-year cost of the Dart West, broken down by cap ex and op ex funding, in tabular form. [50724/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:245. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the projected first- and full-year cost of the Dart South West, broken down by cap ex and op ex funding, in tabular form. [50725/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 to 245, inclusive, 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 DART+ programme, the NTA fulfils this statutory remit in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann.
With regard to the Deputy's specific questions regarding the first and full year costs of DART+ projects, this is a matter for the NTA and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct, detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
Pending this more detailed response, I note that the Department of the Taoiseach recently announced €230 million in Shared Island funding for rail projects in Ireland and Northern Ireland, including over €90 million to support the acceleration of elements of DART+ Coastal North including signalling upgrades and turnback facility at Malahide station and a track loop at Clongriffin station.
I also note that the DART+ battery-electric fleet, which is currently undergoing safety testing is scheduled to commence operations on the Northern line from Dublin to Drogheda next year.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 244 answered with Question No. 243.
Question No. 245 answered with Question No. 243.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (246, 247)
Pa Daly
Ceist:246. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the detailed breakdown of the funding allocated to delivering new public transport services; and to provide a detailed breakdown of the funding allocated to delivering new public transport services in each of the years 2020 to date. [50726/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:247. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated to delivering new services in 2026; to provide a detailed breakdown of the new services delivered in 2026; and to provide a detailed breakdown of the new services that will be delivered in 2026, in tabular form. [50727/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
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.
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. 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.
The 2026 allocation therefore focuses on maintaining and strengthening the existing network after several years of reliance on significant supplementary funding in recent years. This ensures 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.
The NTA is managing the 2026 allocation by prioritising delivery of existing programmes in line with operational readiness and resources. Enhancements within the current allocation are prioritised, some changes are cost-neutral, while others require additional resources, and all are subject to funding, readiness, and capacity.
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.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 247 answered with Question No. 246.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (248)
Grace Boland
Ceist:248. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he can confirm availability of funding through his Department for the A spine under the BusConnects redesign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50736/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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, 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. All 12 Core Bus Corridor Schemes have received planning permission, though six are subject to legal challenges including the Swords and Templeogue/Rathfarnham scheme.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders
Taxi Licences
Ceisteanna (249, 250)
Joe Neville
Ceist:249. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is aware of the black market for the rental and sale of taxi licence plates; if so, the measures that will be introduced to ensure that this issue is resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoe Neville
Ceist:250. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider allowing the NTA to rebuy taxi licence plates from taxi drivers at market value, to be reissued to qualified taxi drivers, which will stop illegal black-market sales of licence plates when taxi drivers conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50739/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 250 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Section 14(1) of the Taxi Regulation 2013 Act placed a prohibition on the transferability of vehicle licences, such that all SPSV licences are unique to the person to whom the licence has been issued and cannot be transferred or sold to another person. This follows a recommendation in the 2011 Taxi Regulation Review Report that a licence should determine a person’s suitability to carry out a function, and it should not have monetary value or be traded on the open market.
There is only one exemption to this non-transferability restriction; upon the death of the holder of a vehicle licence, another person who has been “nominated” by the licence holder prior to his or her death, may apply to NTA to continue to operate the licence. If that person is found to be a suitable person to hold a licence, i.e. fulfils all the terms and conditions applying to any licence holder (including tax compliance), the NTA may transfer the vehicle licence to that nominated person. In 2022, the Advisory Committee on SPSVs indicated that it is not in favour of reverting to a legal situation which allows for the transferability of SPSV licences. The then Minister considered the Committee's Report and accepted the Committee's advice that the transferability of SPSV licences should not be allowed, and that remains the position.
It may be of interest to the Deputy that the NTA published a special SPSV compliance edition of its industry bulletin to its website recently. This sets out how a person can legally operate in the taxi sector and can be viewed at this link: www.nationaltransport.ie/news/spsv-industry-update-issue-72/
SPSV Regulations permit a vehicle licence owner to rent out or lease the insured and licensed SPSV to another person without actual money changing hands. SPSV licences may be held by self-employed individuals or companies. There is no requirement on the licence holder to drive the vehicle. The vehicle licence owner providing the rental package must be the registered owner of the vehicle (or be entitled to use it as an SPSV for a minimum period of 12 months), have the vehicle licensed in their name, and must provide the insurance on the vehicle. That is normally included in the rental fee to the licensed driver.
The licence holder is the only party the NTA may engage with in respect of SPSV licensing activity. The SPSV licence holder providing the rental must notify NTA of the rental, either using NTA’s online system, or by calling the SPSV Information Line. They must provide the NTA with the details of the period of the arrangement, the renter’s SPSV driver licence number and the vehicle registration number. They must also maintain a record of the vehicle licence associated with the rental agreement.
Given the NTA's responsibility in the area of SPSV licensing, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
Question No. 250 answered with Question No. 249.
Transport Costs
Ceisteanna (251)
Pa Daly
Ceist:251. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to extend the 20% fare reduction to all commercial operators. [50745/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
An unprecedented allocation of €940 million for PSO services was secured in Budget 2026, a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from Budget 2025. This allocation is ensuring 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 also maintains targeted fares initiatives such as 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.
While the NTA is responsible for licensing commercial bus services, any decisions regarding fares charged by these services are managed by commercial operators themselves, who largely operate without any State subvention. In addition, any such extension would be subject to the annual Budgetary and Estimates process. and require substantial Exchequer funding, which is currently being prioritised to deliver on maintaining existing levels of public transport service provision under the PSO programme.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query in relation to the estimated cost of extending this fare initiative to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (252)
Pa Daly
Ceist:252. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the funding spent to transform single tracking into double tracking in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form. [50746/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including any doubling tracking of the rail network, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (253)
Pa Daly
Ceist:253. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a detailed breakdown of the funding allocated to make public transport more accessible in each of the years 2020 to date, respectively, broken down by cap ex and op ex funding, in tabular form. [50747/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
From a policy perspective, there are three aspects to improving public transport accessibility - ensuring a universal design approach towards all new infrastructure, addressing legacy infrastructure deficits and providing supports for independent travel on the networks.
From a funding perspective, new public transport services and infrastructure are accessible from the design stage. Accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and audio/visual aids, are built into all new public transport infrastructure from the design stage. Newer systems such as the Luas are fully accessible. This means that for example, all capital (capex) funding for new projects and current (opex) Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding for services contribute towards making public transport accessible.
The real challenge in making transport accessible for disabled people is our legacy infrastructure, for example Victorian era train stations. The ring-fenced Accessibility Retrofit Programme was specifically developed to fund the retrofitting of such older inaccessible public transport to enable disabled people to travel independently. I'm pleased that I have been able to increase the funding allocated under the Accessibility Retrofit Programme by 67% in 2025 and 2026 as compared to 2024. The Programme, is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The allocations for the Accessibility Retrofit Programme for the years 2020-2026 are set out below
2020 - €7m
2021 - €9.8m
2022 - €15.35m
2023- €18.2m
2024 - €15m
2025 - €25m
2026 - €25m
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the Oireachtas assigned statutory responsibility to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network and public transport infrastructure. The NTA in turn works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Irish Rail, who have responsibility for day-to-day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (254)
Pa Daly
Ceist:254. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated to make train stations accessible, broken down by programme, service and-or action, showing cap ex and opex funding, in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form. [50748/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
From a policy perspective, there are three aspects to improving public transport accessibility - ensuring a universal design approach towards all new infrastructure, addressing legacy infrastructure deficits and providing supports for independent travel on the networks.
From a funding perspective, new public transport services and infrastructure are accessible from the design stage. Accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and audio/visual aids, are built into all new public transport infrastructure from the design stage. Newer systems such as the Luas are fully accessible. This means that, for example, all capital (capex) funding for new projects and current (opex) Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding for services contribute towards making public transport accessible.
The real challenge in making transport accessible for disabled people is our legacy infrastructure, for example Victorian era train stations. The ring-fenced Accessibility Retrofit Programme was specifically developed to fund the retrofitting of such older inaccessible public transport to enable disabled people to travel independently. I'm pleased that I have been able to increase the funding allocated under the Accessibility Retrofit Programme by 67% in 2025 and 2026 as compared to 2024. The Programme, is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The allocations for the Accessibility Retrofit Programme for the years 2020-2026 are set out below
2020 - €7m
2021 - €9.8m
2022 - €15.35m
2023- €18.2m
2024 - €15m
2025 - €25m
2026 - €25m
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the Oireachtas assigned statutory responsibility to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network and public transport infrastructure. The NTA in turn works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Irish Rail, who have responsibility for day-to-day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
As queries relating to specific allocations for individual train station projects under the Accessibility Retrofit Programme are a matter for the NTA, 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.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (255)
Pa Daly
Ceist:255. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated to safe routes to school in each of the years 2020 to date, broken down by cap ex and op ex funding, in tabular form. [50749/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.
The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme. Funding allocations under the Safe Routes to School Programme are made as part of the NTA's annual Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme allocations to local authorities.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 932 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. Schools are processed in tranches, with four rounds having been announced to date. Over half of the schools who applied initially are either active in the programme or have had projects completed. All schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the initial rounds will be selected at a later date.
Noting the role of the NTA in relation to SRTS funding, I have referred your question to that agency for response. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (256)
Pa Daly
Ceist:256. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the first- and full-year cost of all the task forces under his remit, broken down by task force and cap ex and op ex funding, in each of the years 2020 to date. [50750/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A summary of the costs incurred by the various taskforces under the remit of the Department and in the years 2020 - 2026 is provided below.
It should be noted that, in general, taskforces tend to be measured as a time investment from existing HR resources rather than incurring a direct financial cost in capital or operational expenditure.
|
Taskforce name |
Capital Expenditure |
Operational Expenditure |
|
Sustainable Mobility Policy Leadership Group (SMP) |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Task Force |
N/A |
Catering c.€250.00 |
|
The HDV Electrification Pathway Working Group |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Public Transport Workforce Taskforce |
N/A |
N/A |
Road Network
Ceisteanna (257, 258, 259, 262, 263)
Pa Daly
Ceist:257. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the cap ex and op ex funding, respectively, allocated to the roads budget in each of the years 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form. [50751/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:258. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the cap ex and op ex funding allocated to regional roads in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form. [50752/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:259. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the cap ex and op ex funding allocated to local roads in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form. [50753/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:262. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the cap ex and op ex funding allocated to roads maintenance on regional roads in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form. [50759/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:263. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the provide a breakdown of the cap ex and op ex funding allocated to roads maintenance on local roads in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form. [50760/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 to 259, inclusive, 262 and 263 together.
In accordance with Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, as amended, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority. Work on such roads is funded from Councils' own resources, supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of work to be funded is a matter for local authorities.
For 2026, €718 million was allocated by the Department of Transport, under the Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme, for improvement and maintenance work, with approximately 90% of this funding allocated to road maintenance and renewal. This will facilitate an increase in funding allocation of €26 million in 2026 for road protection and renewal works.
As regards the basis for allocating grants, within the budget available to the Department for regional and local roads, grant funding for maintenance purposes is allocated on the basis of grant programmes and not on the basis of the category of road. The allocation of funding across specific roads or across categories is a matter for each local authority, having regard to the funding available to it from local and central sources as well as its particular priorities.
The main regional and local road grant programmes are focused on specific policy objectives i.e. surface sealing to protect the road surface from water damage, road strengthening based on pavement condition rating to lengthen the life of roads and a Discretionary Grant Scheme which allows for a specified range of activities including winter maintenance. These three grant programmes account for most of the grant funding and are allocated taking into account the length of the road network in a particular local authority area. Apart from a requirement that 15% of the road strengthening grant is spent on regional roads, the allocation of funding to different categories of road is entirely a matter for decision by each local authority.
As regards the total funding allocated to and drawn down by local authorities by grant type for the years 2020-2025, details of the regional and local road allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library.
Full details of the 2026 regional and local grant allocations are available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/press-releases/ministers-for-transport-announce-over-15-billion-for-national-regional-and-local-roads/
As Minister for Transport, I also 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.
National roads allocations for years 2020 -2025 are available at: www.tii.ie/en/tii-library/reports-accounts/
Full details of national roads allocations for 2026 are available on the TII website: 2026-tii-la-national-roads-allocations-booklet.pdf
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding a breakdown of funding allocated to maintenance on national roads. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 258 answered with Question No. 257.
Question No. 259 answered with Question No. 257.
Road Network
Ceisteanna (260, 261)
Pa Daly
Ceist:260. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the cap ex and op ex funding allocated to national roads in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form. [50754/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:261. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the cap ex and op ex funding allocated to roads maintenance on national roads. [50758/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.
As 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.
National roads allocations for years 2020 -2025 are available at: www.tii.ie/en/tii-library/reports-accounts/
Full details of national roads allocations for 2026 are available on the TII website: 2026-tii-la-national-roads-allocations-booklet.pdf
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding a breakdown of funding allocated to maintenance on national roads. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 261 answered with Question No. 260.