Written Answers Nos. 136-156
136. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding Gardaí gaining access to driving licence photographs from his driver file database as the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2026 is in the Dail. [66945/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra142. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 291 of 16 June 2026, to provide a further update on the matter. [67015/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra166. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding Gardaí gaining access to driving licence photographs from his driver file database as the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill is in the Dáil. [66944/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 142 and 166 together.
I can confirm that my Department has sought legal advice in relation to the inclusion of driving licence photographs and signatures in the NVDF data shared with An Garda Síochána. As the Deputy will appreciate, the photo is a particularly sensitive piece of personal data.
The Department will be guided by the legal advice in determining the position on the sharing of the data requested. My expectation is that the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill, once enacted, may facilitate the exchange of the photo, subject to the legal advice once received and considered, if further legislative certainty is required on this matter.
137. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Transport if he still expects construction on the Luas Finglas to begin in 2028 as per a news report (details supplied). [67022/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra138. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Transport further to a report (details supplied), to outline the details of any spending package that has been allocated for the Luas Finglas project and to outline the level of funding, if any, that has been drawn down or will be drawn down from the climate and nature fund for the delivery of the project. [67021/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra139. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Transport to outline the current funding being made available by his Department for the delivery of the Luas Finglas project; and to outline any planned or anticipated additional funding for the project. [67019/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra143. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the current estimated timeframe for the delivery of Luas Finglas. [67012/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 137, 138, 139 and 143 together.
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.
Government's consent for approval for the project to proceed at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines was obtained on 22 October 2024. An Coimisiún Pleanála published its decision to grant the Luas Finglas Railway Order in October 2025. I warmly welcome the subsequent withdrawal of a legal challenges, as it means that we now have full planning permission in place to move forward with the Luas Finglas extension.
Luas Finglas is one of the four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the lifetime of the NTA Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042. The project is identified in the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport as part of the National Development Plan Review 2025. Specifically, under the Sectoral Investment Plan, the main construction works will commence by 2029, and some enabling works may commence beforehand.
I understand that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is currently preparing the Approval Gate 2 documentation, which is expected to be submitted to my Department and the NTA in Quarter 4 2026.
Noting the NTA's responsibility the Luas Finglas project, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office within 10 days.
140. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann regarding proposed future service patterns on the Howth DART branch under DART+ Coastal North; and whether the Government will require that direct DART services between Howth, Sutton, Bayside and Dublin city centre are retained when future timetables are developed. [66990/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 continuation of direct services to Howth, Sutton, Bayside and the city centre, this is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
Pending a more detailed response I note that, DART+ Coastal North will provide for electrified DART trains between Dublin city and Drogheda and an improvement to the existing DART services between Dublin city and Howth/Malahide. The project will significantly increase the peak hourly capacity and frequency on the Northern route between Dublin city and Malahide, Howth and Drogheda.
The infrastructural changes proposed by DART+ Coastal North will permit both direct and shuttle services to operate from Howth. The implementation of a shuttle service is an operational matter, to be decided on in the future and implemented following the delivery of relevant infrastructure as part of the DART+ Coastal North project.
141. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport the current status of an application under the road haulage transport supply scheme (RTFF2026) submitted in March 2026 by a person (details supplied); when a decision on the application is expected to issue; and whether any further information is required from the applicant. [67051/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application referred to by the Deputy was one of approximately 600 applications that required additional verification of the financial information submitted during the initial application window.
My Department has received the information sought in respect of this application, and it is now being processed along with the other applications that required further verification of financial information. While not commenting on the outcome for this particular case, I expect that this group of applicants will receive payment in the coming days, where payment is due.
144. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road; the anticipated timeline for the project to go to planning, CPO of lands associated with the project and ultimate construction. [67002/26]
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 latest status of the N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road.
I can confirm that €600,000 has been allocated for the N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road scheme 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.
145. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport his views on the decision by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) not to extend the proposed greenway beyond Clonmacnoise to Ballinasloe and County Galway; the reasons for TII’s decision to terminate the greenway at Clonmacnoise; to address the concerns regarding the exclusion of Ballinasloe and County Galway from the proposed route; and to clarify whether any further assessment of extending the greenway to Ballinasloe and County Galway will be undertaken. [67031/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
My officials have advised that TII are not funding any schemes beginning or ending in Clonmacnoise in County Offaly. Officials have confirmed that they are aware of a walking and cycling trails network being progressed by BnM which is being funded by the Just Transition Fund.
In relation to the proposed Athlone to Galway Greenway, a phasing report was completed in late 2025 that split the schemes into six distinct sections and evaluated the merits, risks and constraints of each scheme as standalone projects. Criteria applied included engineering, economic and environmental factors. In late June 2026, it was announced that the Athlone to Shannonbridge would be advanced, having been identified as a priority standalone scheme.
Noting the above position, I have referred your remaining question in relation to the exclusion of Ballinasloe and County Galway on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
146. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport Is there currently a mechanism by which an Irish category B licence holder can obtain code 96; and if so, the process. [67039/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra149. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered the Great Britain approach of extending BE trailer entitlement to Category B licence holders without requiring a separate test. [67043/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra150. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider introducing a training-based B96 entitlement similar to France, allowing combinations up to 4,250 kg without requiring a separate driving test. [67042/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra151. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if there is no practical route to obtaining Code 96 in Ireland, the reason the entitlement is provided for in Irish legislation and listed by the RSA and NDLS. [67041/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 146, 149, 150 and 151 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that all aspects of driver licensing, including requirements for permission to use trailers, are open to review, subject to the requirements of EU driver licensing legislation, and my officials will consider the current position in relation to legislation relevant to the use of code 96 on Irish licences.
The operation of the driver licensing system in Ireland is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. Accordingly, I have referred enquiries on processes concerning code 96 to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if you have not received a reply within 10 days.
147. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport the numbers of applications received for the eSPSV26 scheme this year; and whether the scheme will reopen in 2026. [67038/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Electric Small Public Service Vehicle Grant Scheme supports the uptake of EVs in the SPSVs sector (taxis, hackneys, and limousines).The scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by the National Transport Authority of Ireland (NTA).
A total of 1,642 applications were received for the scheme this year. There is no plan to reopen the scheme in 2026.
148. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the assessment that has been made of the number of BE driving tests carried out; and whether a B96 training route could reduce demand on an already heavily used driving-test system. [67044/26]
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, including all operational 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.
152. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of WTE staff, by job title currently, working within the marketing department of CIE. [67076/26]
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 regarding Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) staff in CIÉ Holding Company; 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.
153. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers carried on each morning peak service between Wicklow and Dublin in the most recent month for which data is available; the seating capacity of each service; and the extent to which passenger numbers exceeded seating capacity. [67134/26]
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.
154. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update regarding the funding requested by the NTA to provide for the updated timetable and additional frequency for the 410 and 411 bus routes in Galway city; and if this funding will be included in Budget 2028. [67133/26]
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.
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.
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.
Transport planning and strategic decision-making are guided by a balanced assessment of operational and resource considerations. These decisions are also made following operational and performance analysis of existing services, including customer feedback.
Funding for new or enhanced services in 2027 will be considered through the annual Estimates process, taking account of competing funding demands and wider public transport priorities.
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.
155. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport if he would support the inclusion of a feasibility study into the viability of a Shannon airport to Limerick rail link using the Western Rail Corridor. [67125/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, the Department of Transport 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 investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the National Development Plan (NDP).
The Strategy also identifies Major Projects, generally targeted for delivery between 2030 and 2040, such as intercity electrification and significant capacity upgrades on the rail network, including on the Dublin to Cork and the Limerick to Limerick Junction rail lines. Among these Major Projects, the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry is funded to commence construction in the coming years under the NDP.
All-Island Strategic Rail Review projects not included in the Strategy, including the spur to Shannon Airport, are intended to be progressed in the longer-run.
156. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport the total amount of capital and current transport investment allocated and drawn down by region (including NUTS 2 regional assemblies: Northern and Western, Eastern and Midland, and Southern) in each of the years 2023, 2024, 2025, and to date in 2026, broken down by transport mode (such as national roads, regional and local roads, public transport, active travel, and greenways), in tabular form. [67124/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapital and current investment in the transport sector is reported on at programme level and nationally rather than by specific region, such as the NUTS regional framework.
• Programme A - Sustainable Mobility - Active Travel and Greenways,
• Programme B - Sustainable Mobility - Public Transport
• Programme C - Road networks and Road Safety
• Programme D - Civil Aviation
• Programme E - Maritime Transport and Safety
• Programme F - Information Technology, Engagement and Research Delivery
The funds allocated under each programme are published in the annual Revised Estimates at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/collections/the-revised-estimates-volumes-for-the-public-service/.
The overall expenditure by programme is available through the annual publication of the Appropriation Account for Transport, Vote 31, available at www.audit.gov.ie/en/publications/appropriation-accounts/.
A summary of the outturn over the years 2023 and 2024, by programmes and taken from the Appropriation Account for that year, is summarised below, with 2025's Appropriation Account not yet published and with 2026's to be prepared after December 31st.
|
Year* |
Active Travel and Greenways |
Public Transport |
Roads |
Aviation |
Maritime |
ICT, Engagement and Research |
|
2023 |
400,888 |
1,486,0500 |
1,462,723 |
45,078 |
113,252 |
56,622 |
|
2024 |
402,172 |
1,737,451 |
1,372,248 |
32,454 |
110,938 |
47,817 |
*EUR 000s
The National Development Plan Construction Pipeline outlines the scale, type and location of infrastructure projects committed to under the National Development Plan. Information can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/collections/myprojectireland-interactive-map-and-tracker/
The pipeline does not report directly on Active Travel allocations. Information on Greenways investment,. Information on these allocations may be obtained from Transport Infrastructure Ireland at www.tii.ie/en/tii-library/reports-accounts/ and from the National Transport Authority on active travel allocations at www.nationaltransport.ie/publications/active-travel-investment-grants-2026-allocations/.
