Written Answers Nos. 123-142
123. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the total amount allocated to the road transporters scheme; the amount committed and paid to date; the amount expected to be expended by the conclusion of the scheme; the anticipated underspend, if any; the purpose for which any unspent balance will be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54012/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 29 April 2026, I announced that €120 million would be allocated for the Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS).
The application window for the RTSS opened at noon on 20 May 2026 and closed at noon on 12 June 2026. In total, 4,406 applications were received in respect of 31,509 vehicles. 2,264 (51%) of applications were made by licensed road haulage operators, 456 (10%) of applications were made by licensed road passenger operators and 1,686 (38%) of applications were made by own-account operators.
Payments were made to approximately 175 applicants on Friday 10 July, and more payments will follow once additional applications have been fully assessed.
Applicants will receive an automated update from the Department when their application has been processed, outlining whether the application was successful, requires further information or advising on the next steps for unsuccessful applications. The assessment of claims under the scheme is ongoing and, as this process has not yet concluded, the total amount that will ultimately be spent is not yet known. Accordingly, it is not possible at this stage to determine whether there will be any underspend against the allocated budget. Payments in respect of the Scheme will continue over the coming weeks.
124. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the number of applications received, approved and refused under the road transporters scheme, broken down by county and by category of operator; the number of approved applicants that have received payment to date; the number awaiting payment, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54013/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application window for the Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS) closed at noon on Friday 12 June 2026. During the application period, a total of 4,406 applications were received in respect of 31,509 vehicles. 2,264 (51%) of applications were made by licensed road haulage operators, 456 (10%) of applications were made by licensed road passenger operators and 1,686 (38%) of applications were made by own-account operators.
Payments were made to approximately 175 applicants on Friday 10 July, and more payments will follow once additional applications have been fully assessed.
125. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the nature of a recent printer failure at the National Driver License Service; the customer service accommodations that will be made for the significant delays incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53820/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
126. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the removal of a bus service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53833/26]
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 Dublin Bus. 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.
127. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport when the Revised Business Case submitted by Metrolink will be considered; the immediate issues that are preventing approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53851/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra128. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the measures that have been taken by his Department to prevent cost escalation of the Metrolink project, due to inflationary measures effects or otherwise, since the original submission of the Business Case in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53852/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra129. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport to confirm the updated capital cost range for the Metrolink project submitted by Transport Infrastructure Ireland given the impact of inflation and new commitments made under the new railway order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53853/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 to 129, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.
As the Deputy will be aware, MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a key project under the National Development Plan (NDP) and NDP Review 2025. MetroLink will be able to carry a peak capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour per direction in the future.
An Coimisiún Pleanála published its decision to grant the MetroLink Railway Order in October 2025. This decision was subsequently subject to legal challenge, which, following successful mediation, has been withdrawn.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted AG2 documentation, including the Detailed Business Case, to the NTA and the Department earlier this year. The NTA and my Department are undertaking a integrated assurance process to accelerate review and approval times, rather than the usual sequential approach. This approach will maintain recent momentum gained on MetroLink while ensuring strong oversight at this stage, as the project prepares to move into detailed procurement. I expect to bring a recommendation to Cabinet over the coming two months, which will include an update on the estimated cost range.
Construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation in the 2030s.
130. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if the lands purchased recently by Transport Infrastructure Ireland along O'Connell Street specifically include 10-25 Moore Street; if he is aware of any plans for this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53854/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.
MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a key project under the National Development Plan (NDP) and NDP Review 2025. MetroLink will be able to carry a peak capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour per direction.
As the Deputy is aware, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has acquired a critical Swathe of land spanning some 200 metres of continuous frontage along O'Connell street in Dublin's North Inner City, to facilitate the development of MetroLink. This commercial deal brings this site into state ownership, securing the regeneration of Dublin's North Inner City and its flagship boulevard, O'Connell Street.
Construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation in the 2030s.
Noting the NTA's responsibility for this 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.
131. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); his plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53913/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that there are no plans to introduce a private utility vehicle tax class at present.
Motor taxation rates are set by the Minister of Finance and any changes to rates would be a matter for consideration by that Department as part of Budget 2027 preparations.
132. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53919/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Visit of the College of Commissioners to Ireland took place in Cork on 2-3 July 2026 as one of the first major political engagements of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The visit represented the first collective engagement between the Government of Ireland and the European Commission during the Presidency and provided an important opportunity to strengthen political relationships, establish a shared understanding of Ireland’s Presidency priorities and discuss the principal legislative and strategic issues expected to arise over the six-month term.
As is customary during a visit of the College of Commissioners, the programme included an external site tour along with substantive policy discussions. Commissioners and Ministers visited the Tyndall National Institute, where they were briefed on Ireland’s leading work in semiconductor research and advanced technologies, highlighting the contribution of Irish research and innovation to Europe’s competitiveness, technological leadership and economic resilience.
The discussions provided an opportunity to exchange views on the Irish Presidency’s priorities and identify areas of shared ambition. The plenary also provided an opportunity for Ministers and Commissioners to exchange views on the opportunities and challenges that will arise during the Irish Presidency programme. There was a high degree of alignment between the Government of Ireland and the European Commission on the priorities and objectives of the Irish Presidency and the discussions were an invaluable exchange of views on a range of transport files.
133. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport whether he will introduce legislation to increase the maximum sentence for dangerous driving causing death to 14 years. [53952/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 53 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, a person convicted of dangerous driving causing death or serious bodily harm to another person can be imprisoned for up to 10 years, fined up to €20,000, or both.
While my Department sets out the maximum penalty for dangerous driving through road traffic legislation, it must be noted that sentencing is a matter for the Courts Service.
To fulfil Programme for Government commitments in relation to road safety my Department is developing the next Road Traffic and Roads Bill which aims to address matters including graduated speeding penalties and camera-based enforcement of mobile phone and seatbelt offences.
The Bill presents an opportunity to consider other amendments to the road traffic acts and in preparation of the Bill my Department continues to consult with relevant stakeholders and any proposal that may impact upon the courts will be developed in consultation with the Department of Justice.
134. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on a bus service (details supplied) in County Kildare. [53131/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 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.
135. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if an issue (details supplied) regarding pedestrian access at Dalkey DART Station has been brought to his attention; if he will request Iarnród Éireann to review the decision to close the refurbished pedestrian overpass to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53986/26]
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.
136. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 294 of 5 March 2026, for an update on the written request made by An Garda Síochána to his Department in September 2025 where they outlined their view of the necessity and lawful basis for the inclusion of driving licence photographs and signatures in the NVDF data sharing; and if his Department has sought legal advice to confirm the position with regard to sharing of the photo to support law enforcement and road safety. [54056/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána wrote to my Department in September 2025 outlining their view of the necessity and lawful basis for the inclusion of driving licence photographs and signatures in the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) data sharing.
MY Department has considered An Garda Siochana’s request and is in the process of seeking advice from its Data Protection Officer and Legal Services Division to confirm the position with regard to the sharing of the additional data fields.
It is hoped that this process will be concluded prior to the enactment of the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill which will provide an improved legislative basis for data sharing under the NVDF database.
137. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide funding to the Ring of Kerry road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54074/26]
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 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 in relation to N70 Ring of Kerry Road.
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.
138. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the northern Ring Road; and the funding provided in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [54089/26]
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 €400,000 has been allocated for the Cork City Northern Transport Project (formerly the Cork Northern Ring Road) scheme in 2026. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2027 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
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.
139. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the provision of funding for traffic calming measures and the amount applied for in Cork city and county respectively, in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [54093/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra140. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the provision of funding for road maintenance and the amount applied for in Cork city and county respectively in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [54094/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 140 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, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland, 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: www.tii.ie/media/luma0wdk/2026-tii-la-national-roads-allocations-booklet.pdf
I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply regarding 2026 funding allocated to Cork City and County Council. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
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.
My Department provides grant assistance to local authorities, under the Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme, for a number of targeted programmes, including for Safety Improvement Work. Applications are sought each year from local authorities under this programme for consideration for funding in the subsequent year. Through this, funding can be sought for traffic calming measures.
Details of the allocations made, for the previous five years, to eligible local authorities, under the Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme, for road maintenance and improvement are outlined in the regional and local roads allocations and payments booklets, which are available through the Oireachtas Digital Library.
Full details of the 2026 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/
141. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent on the Parnell Place Bus Station in each of the past five years. [54095/26]
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 Bus 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.
142. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the estimated overall cost of introducing the 90 minute fare in Cork. [54096/26]
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.
As you will be aware, the NTA recently announced that from Monday 20 July passengers using Bus Éireann’s Cork TFI city bus services will benefit from faster boarding times and a simplified 90-minute fare. This means that for the first time, passengers will be able to catch any bus in the city and transfer between buses in Cork city as often as they need within 90 minutes, all for a single fare of €1.70.
The introduction of new on-board ticket validators also means passengers can simply tap their Leap Card and go, reducing boarding times, keeping services moving, and improving the overall reliability and punctuality of Cork city bus services.
As a result, passengers will enjoy greater flexibility and will also benefit from fare capping, which wasn’t previously available for passengers in Cork.
I wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which regulates fares for services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.
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.
