Pa Daly
Ceist:188. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the toll revenue collected by Transport Infrastructure Ireland from the M50 in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form. [51007/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTransport Infrastructure Ireland
Ceisteanna (188, 189, 190, 191, 192)
Pa Daly
Ceist:189. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the toll revenue collected by Transport Infrastructure Ireland in each of the years 2020 to date, broken down by road, in tabular form. [51008/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:190. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the toll revenue that would be forgone to defer the toll increase due in 2027. [51009/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:191. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the cost to reverse the toll increase that took place in 2026. [51010/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:192. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the revenue that has been collected to date by Transport Infrastructure Ireland in 2026, broken down by the road on which the toll is operating, in tabular form. [51011/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 188, 189, 190, 191 and 192 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the questions regarding tolls to TII for a direct reply. 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. 189 answered with Question No. 188.
Question No. 190 answered with Question No. 188.
Question No. 191 answered with Question No. 188.
Question No. 192 answered with Question No. 188.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (193)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:193. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that there is currently no local link or public transport service operating between Taughmaconnell, County Roscommon and Athlone, County Westmeath; if his Department is aware that funding was not made available in 2026 for such a service; if he will consider funding the service in 2027 given the lack of public transport options impacting residents, students and workers travelling between the two areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51012/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (194, 195)
John Connolly
Ceist:194. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the upgrade of the N59 between Oughterard and Bunakill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51068/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Connolly
Ceist:195. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the upgrade of the N59 between Maam Cross and Clifden; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51069/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of these projects.
Noting the above position, I have referred your questions to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Question No. 195 answered with Question No. 194.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (196)
John Connolly
Ceist:196. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has full and final costings on the redevelopment of Ceannt Station Galway; the difference between the agreed contracted price at the outset of the project and the final costings; the reasons for the difference between the two figures; when the works will be fully completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51070/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, the redevelopment of Ceannt station .
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, 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.
Pending this more detailed response, I note that work is currently underway to deliver an integrated transport hub at Ceannt station in the heart of Galway City Centre, which will provide an improved customer experience and capacity for future growth with three additional platforms.
Following completion of work on the curved glazed roof and the new platform 5 in late 2025, the new platforms 3 and 4 entered service in April. Works on platform 2 continue and are expected to be complete over the coming months.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (197)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:197. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person is expected to pay such high road tax for a car with low emissions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51103/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Office of the Revenue Commissioners are responsible for the registration of vehicles. Once a vehicle has been registered and is being used in a public place the registered owner is liable for motor tax.
Motor Tax is assessed based on engine capacity for vehicles registered prior to 2008 and on carbon dioxide (Co2) for vehicles registered after 2008.
This is set out in legislation in the Finance (Excise Duties) (Vehicles) Act 1952 as amended in the Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Act 2008.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (198)
Pa Daly
Ceist:198. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered extending the young adult travel card to categories (details supplied) [51111/26]
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.
Budget 2026 included funding for the continuation of public transport fare initiatives including the 90-minute fare and provision to maintain targeted fare initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and reduction in fares for Young Adult Cardholders for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy. In line with the Programme for Government we are committed to keeping fares low and affordable.
In this regard, public transport fares in Ireland remain comparatively low due to a range of targeted measures, including the Young Adult Card, the 90-minute fare and free travel for those aged above 66 or those under in receipt of qualifying payments, plus for children under the age of nine. While these initiatives have improved affordability and accessibility, they also increase reliance on subsidy, and fare revenue remains a vital part of maintaining a financially sustainable PSO model.
In line with international best practice and to bolster the State’s capacity to invest in service expansion, network improvements, and operational resilience, it is essential we prioritise a reinvestment of fare revenue, ensures that we can maintain a well-funded reliable system and deliver greater long term benefit rather than reducing fares to unsustainable levels.
As maintaining a stable funding base is essential to protect service levels, support future expansion, and to ensure public transport continues to meet the needs of passengers.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (199)
Pa Daly
Ceist:199. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the projected total cost of establishing contactless payments on public transport in Dublin; the expected timeline for delivery; if he has considered extending this to services outside of Dublin and any associated projected costings; and expected timelines for delivery, in tabular form. [51112/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
The Programme for Government commits to rolling out contactless fare payments on all public transport and to keeping fares low and affordable. The new solution will replace the Leap Card system, which has served over 9 million users since its 2011 launch but is now nearing end-of-life.
A multi-phase plan has been prepared. In Phase 1, which 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 and 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.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (200)
Pa Daly
Ceist:200. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the number of grants provided for EV grants, broken down by local authority in each of the years 2020 to date; the breakdown of the total value of grants drawn down for EVs, broken down by local authority in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form. [51113/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Fleet electrification is expected to continue to provide the greatest share of emissions abatement in the short-to-medium term for the transport sector. Over €120m has been allocated in 2026 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles through funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
Grant details are collected at county level as opposed to Local Authority jurisdictions.
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (now Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment) held responsibility for electric vehicle and charging grants in 2020. Therefore, the requested details of EV grants drawn down are set out below for the years 2021 to 2026 (to date):
|
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
Carlow |
163 |
123 |
185 |
138 |
211 |
185 |
|
Cavan |
114 |
102 |
151 |
85 |
150 |
160 |
|
Clare |
252 |
223 |
372 |
223 |
391 |
388 |
|
Cork |
1554 |
1130 |
1772 |
1302 |
2080 |
1836 |
|
Donegal |
346 |
248 |
302 |
204 |
362 |
282 |
|
Dublin |
5075 |
3757 |
5654 |
4831 |
6470 |
4230 |
|
Galway |
528 |
532 |
703 |
444 |
698 |
592 |
|
Kerry |
223 |
209 |
282 |
205 |
426 |
337 |
|
Kildare |
871 |
706 |
1074 |
845 |
1333 |
1094 |
|
Kilkenny |
208 |
197 |
243 |
180 |
306 |
302 |
|
Laois |
153 |
149 |
202 |
150 |
316 |
266 |
|
Leitrim |
29 |
48 |
59 |
36 |
49 |
58 |
|
Limerick |
477 |
322 |
512 |
363 |
605 |
543 |
|
Longford |
49 |
43 |
80 |
52 |
85 |
78 |
|
Louth |
345 |
241 |
421 |
314 |
561 |
425 |
|
Mayo |
198 |
207 |
225 |
136 |
264 |
241 |
|
Meath |
543 |
594 |
910 |
697 |
1030 |
801 |
|
Monaghan |
68 |
48 |
84 |
63 |
123 |
80 |
|
Offaly |
145 |
123 |
163 |
129 |
241 |
154 |
|
Roscommon |
72 |
102 |
126 |
87 |
122 |
147 |
|
Sligo |
169 |
156 |
183 |
113 |
194 |
167 |
|
Tipperary |
331 |
287 |
324 |
200 |
435 |
413 |
|
Waterford |
330 |
268 |
352 |
328 |
419 |
355 |
|
Westmeath |
290 |
189 |
259 |
215 |
409 |
333 |
|
Wexford |
399 |
381 |
455 |
406 |
572 |
513 |
|
Wicklow |
477 |
506 |
750 |
557 |
799 |
600 |
|
Total |
13409 |
10891 |
15843 |
12303 |
18651 |
14580 |
The Private Grants available during this time were as follows:
|
2021 |
|
|
Max. PHEV Grant up to June |
€5,000 |
|
Max. PHEV Grant from June |
€2,500 |
|
Max. BEV Grant |
€5,000 |
|
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
Max. BEV Grant |
€5,000 |
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
Max. BEV Grant up to June |
€5,000 |
|
Max. BEV Grant from June |
€3,500 |
|
|
|
|
2024-2026 |
|
|
Max. BEV Grant |
€3,500 |
Public Service Obligation
Ceisteanna (201)
Pa Daly
Ceist:201. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to eliminate all fares across all PSO service for under 18s, broken down by service type, in tabular form. [51114/26]
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.
The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy. The 2026 PSO allocation continues to support targeted fare initiatives but does not provide for any broadening of existing fare measures that are subject to Government decision.
Public transport fares in Ireland remain comparatively low due to a range of targeted measures, including the Young Adult Card, the 90-minute fare and free travel for those aged above 66 or those under in receipt of qualifying payments, plus for children under the age of nine. While these initiatives have improved affordability and accessibility, they also increase reliance on subsidy, and fare revenue remains a vital part of maintaining a financially sustainable PSO model.
In line with international best practice and to bolster the State’s capacity to invest in service expansion, network improvements, and operational resilience, it is essential we prioritise a reinvestment of fare revenue, ensuring that we can maintain a well-funded reliable system and deliver greater long term benefit rather than reducing fares to unsustainable levels.
For this reason, the PSO Programme is kept under continuous review by my Department's PSO Oversight Group to ensure the network remains financially sustainable, resilient, and responsive to passenger needs amid rising costs. Therefore, maintaining a stable funding base is essential to protect service levels, support future expansion, and to ensure public transport continues to meet the needs of passengers.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, and in order to provide the estimated costs requested, 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.
Active Travel
Ceisteanna (202, 204)
Peter Roche
Ceist:202. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department will review the eligibility criteria under the active travel programme to ensure that smaller rural towns and villages can access funding for footpath provision and pedestrian safety projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51162/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPeter Roche
Ceist:204. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has undertaken an assessment of the extent to which smaller rural communities are unable to access active travel funding due to programme criteria, population thresholds, or project requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51164/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 204 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities are responsible for the allocation of funding at local authority level as well as the oversight of development and delivery of individual projects.
As part of the allocations determination, the NTA liaises with each local authority to fully understand the projects being proposed by the local authority and its considerations in terms of priorities. In general, the main focus of active travel investment is to support high quality walking and cycling infrastructure, for everyday trips in towns and cities with a view to promoting the greatest potential modal shift to active travel; however this does not preclude smaller villages from applying for or receiving funding under the Active Travel programme.
I am satisfied that the current eligibility criteria allows smaller rural communities to access active travel funding; however given the ramping up of Active Travel activities over the last five years, the number of projects seeking investment now far exceeds the level of funding made available to the NTA. Accordingly, the NTA is unable to fully fund all proposed Active Travel projects and has to prioritise certain projects over others in order to remain within its allocated budget. While a project may not be selected by the NTA for funding in a particular year, it may be funded in subsequent years.
I would therefore encourage communities who are seeking Active Travel funding to actively engage with their local authorities to ensure funding applications are submitted to the NTA as part of the annual allocations process.
Active Travel
Ceisteanna (203)
Peter Roche
Ceist:203. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport the number of applications for active travel funding submitted by Galway County Council in each of the past five years; the number of applications approved; the value of funding allocated for footpath-related projects, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51163/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Since 2022, the NTA has allocated over €18 million to Galway County Council for various walking and cycling projects around the county. Noting the role of the NTA in the funding application and allocation process, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
Question No. 204 answered with Question No. 202.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (205)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:205. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has plans at present to legislate for a universal payment system for public electric vehicle charging points, or to ensure that customers have the option to pay directly with card rather than through an app; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51176/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years and reaching climate targets. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) lays down detailed rules and data specifications that will ensure greater transparency, interoperability, and accessibility of recharging. Under AFIR, all Charge Point Operators (CPO) have had to provide ad-hoc payment options on all installed new infrastructure since April 2024. All new charging infrastructure funded either privately or by the government will have to conform with this regulation. This ad-hoc payment capability will negate the requirement for users to hold an account with a CPO or access an app to pay for charging.
All charging infrastructure with a capacity of greater than 50kW will have to retrospectively install this ad-hoc payment technology by 2027.
Departmental Functions
Ceisteanna (206)
Aidan Farrelly
Ceist:206. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify in the context of Circular 14/2021 the role of the Project Management Office in his Department; and if he will clarify the date on which his Department notified the Digital Government Oversight Unit (DGOU) and or the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) of issues relating to the train management system. [51229/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the National Train Control Centre, or NTCC. Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Pending this detailed response, I note that Circular 14/2021 pre-dates the commencement of the National Train Control Centre project and the award of the contract to develop and deliver the Traffic Management System. Furthermore, as a commercial state body, Iarnród Éireann does not fall under the circular's scope.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (207)
Aidan Farrelly
Ceist:207. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update in respect of IT projects (details supplied) to include delivering and or development third party; the amount expended to date in respect of consultancy and project management fees; if he will indicate the timeline to rollout of each project; if he will clarify whether each project is currently within budget and if not the amount in excess of budget the project has slipped. [51230/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The table below sets out the details requested by the Deputy in respect of projects managed directly by my Department.
|
Project |
Development Third Party |
Description |
Amount Expended to Date |
Project Rollout |
Within Budget |
Amount in Excess |
Comment |
|
Road Transport Operator Licensing |
The contract was originally awarded to Fujitsu Ireland. Following Fujitsu Ireland’s withdrawal from the Irish market, Fujitsu Portugal assumed responsibility as the primary contractor for the project. |
Development of the new Road Transport Operator Licensing (RTOL) system to meet current and future requirements. |
€3,792,893.69, of which €576,861.14 is attributable to project management services. |
The project commenced in 2022 and went live on 8 November 2025, followed by a hypercare support period which concluded on 12 January 2026. |
Yes, the project is currently operating within its approved budget and is expected to remain within budget following completion of the final milestone payment. |
N/a |
The final project milestone payment has not yet been made, as the required technical documentation remains outstanding. |
|
European maritime single window |
Completed procurement documents shortly will be published to the market. |
FinOG is Ireland’s implementation of the European Maritime Single Window Environment (EMSWe), being delivered in accordance with EU legislation. |
€292,778 (Project Management services are provided by Department PMO to date – no fulltime PM appointed) |
The planned project completion date is Q4 2029. |
N/a |
N/a |
Following the analysis and factoring in the extension of the support contract to a 10-year term, the total estimated contract value is €10,180,725 |
I have referred the Deputy’s question to the agencies under the remit of my Department for direct response in relation to the following projects:
• NTA – NGAVL Implementation
• RSA – P102 CoVIS Transformation
• RSA – Transformation Programme
• TII – One MIS
If you do not receive a response within ten working days, please contact my Private Office.