Written Answers Nos. 208-227
208. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated total cost of abolishing fees for disabled persons’ parking cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51339/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that, an application for a disabled parking permit costs €35 which are renewed every two years. This fee contributes to the administrative costs of processing applications and issuing permits, as well as supporting investment in enhanced security features. While some countries operate permit schemes free of charge, local authorities in Ireland generally offer free parking to disabled parking permit holders in areas that would otherwise be metered.
Based on the most recent available data provided by the issuing bodies, The Irish Wheelchair Association and The Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland, approximately 80,000 permits were issued in 2025. The estimated annual Exchequer cost of abolishing the fee would be approximately €3,000,000.
The Deputy may like to note that long-term forecasts indicate that permit numbers are likely to increase over time due to Ireland’s ageing population and possible expansion of eligibility, while proposed EU-level changes are likely to increase administration costs from 2027. The extent of these costs and the funding arrangements have yet to be determined.
It is not my intention to abolish this charge at this time.
209. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated average cost of a new double-deck battery-powered electric bus; the estimated cost of conversion of urban buses to zero-emission vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51340/26]
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, including the provision, upgrade and electrification of public transport such as, bus fleets.
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 working days.
Pending a more detailed response, I note the electrification of the bus fleet is a key part of the BusConnects programmes and in our investment in public transport across the country more generally, helping to make a sustainable mode of travel even more sustainable.
As of today, over 250 battery-electric buses have been accepted into the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann fleets across the country, including the operation of our first fully electric services in Limerick and Athlone.
Implementation of further phases of electrification at existing bus depots will be greatly assisted by the NTA's new Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure framework contract, which was awarded at the end of June.
210. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of abolishing fares on all public transportation services and publicly contracted commercial services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51341/26]
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 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.
211. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of abolishing the M50 toll; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51342/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 question regarding tolls to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
212. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of abolishing parking charges at park and ride facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51343/26]
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, including the provision of park and ride facilities.
As the Deputy may be aware, my department has taken measures to incentivise more people to use public transport to support delivery of affordable, accessible and sustainable transport and also to encourage more people to use public transport to support delivery of our carbon emission targets.
Well situated park-and-ride sites have a role to play in expanding the offering of public transport services. There are a number of factors that account for the success, or otherwise, of a park-and-ride and an appropriate fee level is one of those factors. If people are to be incentivised to use park-and-ride sites then they need to be assured those sites will be available for use as intended. An appropriate fee structure helps with that by discouraging potential misuse of the site if no fee were applied and better creating the link between parking and public transport usage.
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 Ann Graves asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) was denied a driving test; if he will confirm the insurance documentation that is acceptable to a driving test centre and the documentation that is not acceptable. [51418/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driver Testing Service.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
214. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport to provide the web link to his Department’s Q2 2026 published report of purchase orders/payments over €20,000, in line with the FOI model publication scheme requirements; to confirm the date on which this report was published; and, if it has not yet been published, the planned publication date. [51573/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that Q2 report for Purchase orders over €20,000 has not been published to date. It will be published by the end of July 2026.
215. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will acknowledge the significant financial difficulties faced by many pensioners who rely on older vehicles due to the lack of affordable public transport alternatives in rural areas; the challenges they face in meeting the increasing costs of vehicle maintenance, repairs, insurance and NCT requirements; and if he will consider introducing targeted supports or grants to assist older persons on fixed incomes to maintain roadworthy vehicles, given that existing incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles are beyond the financial reach of many pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51588/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccessible, reliable and affordable transport services are essential for older people living in rural areas. Under Budget 2026, the Department of Transport secured €31 million for rural transport service provision, representing a 38% increase on last year’s funding. This investment underpins our ongoing commitment to Connecting Ireland, which has delivered 185 new or enhanced services since 2022, connecting over 240 towns and villages to the public transport network.
While I appreciate the financial pressures associated with owning and operating a vehicle, the costs of vehicle maintenance and motor insurance do not fall within the remit of the Department of Transport.
I can confirm, however, that the Department is developing a new Vehicle Adaption Scheme, to improve functional mobility by assisting with the cost of vehicle adaptations. The scheme will be open to drivers and passengers who have a need for vehicle adaptations to enable them to enter, exit or operate a vehicle.
Subject to timely Government approval and the completion of the necessary preparatory work, it is possible that the VAS will open for applications in Q1 2027.
216. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the average wait time in each of the past 24 months in the RSA Tallaght driving test centre, in tabular form; the steps he is taking to reduce waiting times and achieve the ten-week target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51614/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driver Testing Service. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, the latest information provided to me by the RSA indicates that as of end June, the average waiting time for an invitation to book a driving test at the Tallaght test centre was 13-weeks. I am assured by the RSA that work is continuing to reduce the waiting time in line with the target 10-week service level agreement.
With regard to driver testers, I am pleased that as of end June, the full sanctioned complement of 200 testers are employed by the RSA, which is a significant increase on the 151 testers available at the beginning of 2025 and a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022.
I am informed that 18 driver testers were assigned to the Tallaght test centre at the end of June, which is reflective of the dynamic model in place to manage demand for and supply of driver testing slots. Driver testers, although formally assigned to specific centres, can be deployed to other locations.
Furthermore, I would encourage learner drivers awaiting a test to monitor the driver testing booking system which makes available cancelled test slots for candidates to take up at short notice across the service.
The Deputy may wish to note that detailed statistics on the National Driver Testing Service, by County and test centre, are made available on the CSO website on a monthly basis and can be accessed via the following link: https://data.cso.ie/product/rsadts.
217. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to concerns that the number of driving tests being cancelled by the RSA has risen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51626/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including all testing and scheduling matters.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
218. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase funding allocated to local authorities for community involvement schemes, given their important role in maintaining and repairing our local and rural road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51628/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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 my Department, 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 facilitated an increase in funding allocation of €26 million for road protection and renewal works.
Our Programme for Government commits to the provision of additional funding for Community Involvement Schemes. This year, €16.2 million was allocated to local authorities for such schemes, which is an increase of €1.4 million from the previous year.
In 2018, my Department introduced ring-fenced funding for Community Involvement Schemes. The focus is the repair of more lightly trafficked public roads, which might not be prioritised in a local authority's annual roads work programme. Under such schemes, a local community can contribute funding or in kind, through the provision of labour or machinery.
Up to 2021, community contributions in the range of 15% to 30% had been required, depending on the mix between funding and in kind contributions. These rates were then reduced to a minimum of 10% for funding and 20% for in kind contributions. This was more aligned with the Local Improvement Scheme, which is under the remit of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
From 2026, the contribution rate for funding has been reduced to a minimum of 8%, with the 20% rate for in kind contributions retained.
To allow time for sufficient planning and applications, local authorities are invited to apply for funding for Community Involvement Schemes over a two-year programme. The most recent applications were received in late 2025 and covered the period 2026 to 2027.
219. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider running a pilot late-night bus service on the 350 and 351 bus routes to cater for passengers who attend festivals and events in Galway during the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51637/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, including additional services for events.
While it is the NTA's priority is to provide scheduled public transport services on the TFI network, it does have a dedicated team who work with event organisers, operators, local authorities, transport operators and An Garda Síochána to provide additional transport supports where it is possible to do so, and ensure a more coordinated approach to event licencing and management of transport to and from events.
The NTA meets with all public transport operators on a regular basis, and do advise event promoters about what, if any, additional public transport services are available for particular events. Some of the events are organised without any input or involvement from the NTA, who as a result may not be aware of them until a very late stage.
Their focus in respect of events is providing additional transport to support large scale events where required and where operators are in a position (in terms of drivers, fleet and available funding) to put on additional services.
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.
220. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Transport the reason the departure of the Galway to Ennis train at 17.52 has been delayed every working day for the past four weeks due to the arrival of a train from Dublin; the reason this has not been addressed; when it will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51686/26]
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 Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of media reports of extreme discomfort for passengers during recent hot weather; the steps he will take to address this; the reason the reasons for delays and expected departure times are not announced by the drivers on delayed trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51687/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
222. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on Government proposals to develop a double track on the railway line between Galway and Portarlington; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51695/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, with the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, the Department of Transport, with the support of the European Investment Bank and in conjunction with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and rail stakeholders across the island, oversaw the preparation of the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy. This Strategy was published in December 2025 and outlines the approach to sequencing and optimising the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in the coming years.
In the short-term to 2030, the Prioritisation Strategy specifies a number of 'Early Interventions' to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity. These interventions include second platforms at Clara in Co. Offaly and Woodlawn in Co. Galway. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published by my Department in November 2025.
The Strategy also identifies Major Projects to be progressed for the longer-run, involving intercity electrification and significant capacity upgrades on the rail network, including on the Dublin to Galway route. This includes the reinstatement of lines including the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris to Athenry. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan involves funding to commence this reinstatement project.
Included within the recommendations is the double tracking of the Galway line from Portarlington to Athlone, to be progressed in the longer term.
223. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the development of the M20 Cork-Limerick Motorway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51700/26]
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 N/M20 Cork to Limerick project.
I can confirm that an allocation of €3,500,000 was made to the N/M20 Cork to Limerick project in 2026.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
224. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Transport the estimated costs in 2027 of doubling the number of personnel working within the air accident investigation unit and railway accident investigation unit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51717/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated costs of doubling the number of personnel working within the air accident investigation unit and railway accident investigation unit in 2027 are outlined below.
|
Unit |
Estimated Cost |
|
Air Accident Investigation Unit |
€2,875,884 |
|
Railway Accident Investigation Unit |
€1,106,630 |
|
Total |
€3,982,514 |
225. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport the number of grants for accessible vehicles available from the NTA that have been approved in a county in each of the past three years; the way in which applications are chosen for this grant; and if the county can be considered in the upcoming round of grants giving ongoing issues (details supplied) for our most vulnerable citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51734/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the compiling of statistics regarding the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant scheme, 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.
Accordingly, 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.
226. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport regarding the VAS scheme which is set to replace the DD1 disabled drivers scheme, if he will provide assurance that the financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle for persons or carers of persons with a disability will not be taken away and that the right to personal mobility, including the need to own a modified vehicle, will not be impeded; if there will be financial aid to newcomers onto the vehicle adaptation scheme, in the purchase of a vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51748/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS) will not provide support for vehicle purchase. The purpose of the VAS is to improve functional mobility by assisting with the cost of vehicle adaptations. The Scheme will be open to drivers and passengers who have a need for vehicle adaptations to enable them to enter, exit or operate a vehicle. The Department’s priority is to provide supports, for both disabled drivers and passengers, which are fit for purpose and which are proportionate and appropriate to needs.
Further, I wish to advise that the VAS is a standalone scheme and is not intended to replace the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme (DDS). Responsibility for the future of the DDS remains a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
227. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that some eligible bus operators missed the application deadline for the road transporters support scheme (RTSS) due to exceptional operational pressures during the peak school transport and tour season; whether his Department will consider accepting late applications in exceptional circumstances where there is no prejudice to the administration of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51750/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra237. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport if a late application (details supplied) under the road transports support scheme can be accepted in circumstances where the applicant missed the deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51886/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 237 together.
The Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS) opened at noon on 20 May 2026 and closed at noon on 12 June 2026. 4,406 applications were submitted to my Department by licenced hauliers, licenced passenger operators, and the own account sector. 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. Further detail on this will be made available as soon as possible.
