Micheál Carrigy
Ceist:177. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the bypass for Granard and Ballymahon. [66933/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWritten Answers Nos. 177-196
177. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the bypass for Granard and Ballymahon. [66933/26]
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 regarding bypasses of Granard or Ballymahon on the N55.
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.
178. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Transport if he has authority over the National Transport Authority, NTA; and if the NTA is accountable to his Department. [67016/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is a non-commercial State body operating under the aegis of the Department of Transport. While the Authority exercises its functions independently, it is fully accountable to my Department for its performance, governance and use of public funds. This is established through both legislation and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, which is implemented through a number of formal oversight mechanisms.
Firstly, under the Code of Practice, an Oversight Agreement (OA) and a Performance Delivery Agreement (PDA) are in place between my Department and the NTA. These agreements clearly define:
• the statutory and policy framework within which the NTA must operate;
• the respective roles and responsibilities of the Authority and the Department;
• key outputs, performance indicators and reporting requirements; and
• the governance, compliance and assurance obligations placed on the NTA.
Secondly, the Department exercises ongoing oversight through a structured programme of engagement, including:
• monthly meetings between NTA senior management and senior Department officials to review operational issues and emerging risks;
• quarterly corporate governance meetings which examine compliance, performance against the PDA, financial management, and risk management;
• regular day-to-day engagement at working level on policy, project delivery, legislation, and programme implementation; and
• direct engagement with me as Minister, as required, on strategic or topical matters.
Additionally, the NTA is also required to submit annual reports, strategy statements, financial accounts, and other documentations that enable the Department to assess its performance.
In summary, while the NTA operates with operational independence, it is fully accountable to the Department for its performance, governance, and use of public funds through a robust set of statutory, governance and reporting mechanisms.
179. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport the number of schools that will be included in round 5 funding under the Safe Routes to School programme. [66977/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 932 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the initial rounds will be selected at a later date with no requirement to apply again. Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently.
Applicant schools enter the Programme in tranches and across the first four rounds 525 schools are now either active in the programme or have had projects completed. Round 5 is due to be launched in the coming weeks, and all details around the selected schools will be announced at that time.
180. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney road scheme; and when it is envisaged that this project will be completed. [66617/26]
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 €500,000 has been allocated for the N2 Ardee to South of Castleblayney Bypass 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.
181. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he could outline what actions are being taken to improve the reliability of the Dublin Bus Network in light of serious issues of 130 bus service including repeated cancellations and inconsistencies between scheduled and operated services; the number and percentage of scheduled 130 services that were cancelled or did not operate in each month of 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; the reasons for these cancellations; and the measures that are being taken to improve reliability on the route. [67398/26]
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.
182. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the hourly train to Wicklow; and steps being taken to ensure the promised 2029 deadline is achieved. [67657/26]
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.
Pending a more detailed response, I am pleased to note that three orders of 285 battery-electric and electric carriages have been placed to date as part of the DART+ Fleet project. The first order of 90 electric and battery-electric carriages are currently undergoing safety testing, prior to being rolled out on the Northern Commuter line serving Drogheda next year. It is planned that the second order of 95 battery- electric carriages will start entering services in 2028 and will facilitate the extension of DART services to Wicklow Town around 2029.
With regard to the Deputy's specific questions, this is a matter for the NTA 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.
183. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if his Department can outline how they liaise with the NTA on introducing new bus routes and schedules in areas of growing population and if it is based on need for the service of funding made available by his Department. [67548/26]
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.
In this context, the NTA continues to keep public transport connectivity under ongoing and active review as part of its wider network planning responsibilities. Within the constraints of the resources available for PSO services, the NTA are responsible for prioritising its service plan, taking into account operational readiness, demonstrated and anticipated passenger demand, and the need to deliver value for money.
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 challenge is to therefore balance affordability for passengers with the long-term financial sustainability needed to expand and improve public transport services.
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.
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.
184. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the rollout of new DART carriages; and the additional capacity each individual carriage provides. [67544/26]
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 specific details of the new DART+ carriages and additional capacity each carriage provides, this is a matter for the NTA 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 this more detailed reply, I am pleased to note that safety testing is progressing and trains from the first order of 95 electric and battery-carriages, will start rolling out on the Northern line next year, extending DART services to Drogheda. The second order of 90 carriages are planned to enter service in 2028, which will allow the extension of DART services to Wicklow around 2029.
185. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding greenways; to provide an update on the Listowel to Tralee delivery; to report on a projected timeline for delivery; and whether this will be delivered in the next 12 months. [67306/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. I note that there has been significant investment in Greenway schemes in County Kerry, with €9,950,000 allocated in 2026. €500,000 has been allocated to the Listowel to Tralee greenway scheme.
Under 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, 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.
186. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his work to improve transport connections in north Louth. [67412/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSignificant work has been undertaken to improve transport connections in County Lough, in line with our strategic documents like the Programme for Government and our National Development Plan, specifically the Transport Sectoral Investment Plan.
The DART+ Coastal North project will significantly increase the peak hourly capacity and frequency on the Northern route between Dublin city and Malahide, Howth and Drogheda, with the section between Malahide and Drogheda, as part of the service between Dublin city and Drogheda, nearly doubling capacity from about 4,800 to 8,800 passengers at peak hour/direction when complete.
In June 2026, it was announced that €93 million would be provided from Shared Island Funding to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure as part of DART+ Coastal North, in particular the turnback facility at Malahide Station and a track loop at Clongriffin and signalling upgrades. These will allow help address issues of congestion on the busy Northern rail line and will help Enterprise trains to seamlessly pass DART trains at both stations.
Three orders of 285 new rail carriages have been placed with the supplier Alstom, the majority of these being battery-electric carriages. The first order for the purchase of 95 additional DART carriages, which compromise of 65 battery-electric carriages and 30 electric carriages, have started arriving and are currently undergoing certification and safety testing.
It is planned that the new battery-electric sets will be initially deployed on the Northern Commuter Line serving Dublin to/from Drogheda from 2027.
Under Budget 2026, the Department of Transport secured €940 million of funding for Public Service Obligation and TFI Local Link services providing a significant 43% uplift from 2025.
In relation to specifics for County Louth, below is our current plan for new or enhanced services:
• Enhancement of TFI 161 (Dundalk - Carlingford - Newry) bus service, including Sunday services and improved operation hours;
• Enhancement of TFI 162 (Dundalk - Monaghan) bus service. This includes significant uplift in frequency and hours of operation (Monday to Sunday); and
• Ongoing reviews of operation of existing services in County Louth, including a review of the TFI 177 bus service and a review of bus service between Ardee - Dunleer;
• A proposed new route DN1, which will operate between Ath Lethan, Dundalk, DKIT and Haynestown/Marlmount. The implementation date is subject to confirmation of funding, so a firm date cannot be confirmed.
• Currently, there are ten town bus services in Ireland; Dundalk, Drogheda, (Athlone, Balbriggan, Carlow, Clonmel, Kilkenny, Navan, Portlaoise and Sligo.) The National Transport Authority (NTA) are assessing demand for enhanced bus services in Dundalk.
• Passenger numbers on Rural Regular Service (RRS) routes in Louth also increased by 72% from 2024 to 2025.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has allocated €4,000,000 to Louth County Council in 2026 to fund walking and cycling infrastructure projects around the county.
This funding includes allocation for a number of active travel projects in Dundalk, including the R132 Inner Relief Road, Mill Street, and the AT link between the Bus Station and the Rail Station.
In addition, the funding will contribute to the delivery of a number of projects at schools that are part of the Safe Routes to School programme, including at St Louis Secondary School and Scoil Phadraig Naofa in Dundalk, Mullaghbuoy NS, and St Peter’s NS in Dromiskin.
I can confirm that €75,000 has been allocated for the N52 Ardee Bypass 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.
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.
In February, Louth County Council was allocated €10,810,650, with €10,040,650 of this allocated for the protection and renewal of Louth's regional and local roads. This includes the funding of three Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience works schemes, sixteen Bridge Rehabilitation Works schemes and fourteen Safety Improvement Works schemes.
187. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the proposed development and introduction of safety measures on a road (details supplied). [67599/26]
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 these projects.
I can confirm that €500,000 has been allocated for the N25 Carrigtwohill to Midleton scheme and €1,000,000 has been allocated for the N25 Midleton to Youghal 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.
188. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport If he will provide increased funding to Cork County Council for the restoration and maintenance of regional and local roads in Cork as part of Budget 2027, particularly where roads were damaged by severe weather in early 2026. [66999/26]
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.
For 2027, regional and local road grant allocations will be finalised after the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume and will take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year.
Within the budget available, the objective of my Department is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible, taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme continues to be protection and renewal.
189. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to reduce road collisions and road fatalities. [66587/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy. Road safety is a top priority for me and for this Government. Every death or serious injury on our roads is one too many.
Ireland is consistently among the stronger performers in Europe on road safety, ranking in the top five EU countries in recent comparative data. But there can be no complacency. Strong performance is not enough while lives are still being lost
The fifth Road Safety Strategy is our framework for action. It targets a 50% reduction in deaths and serious injuries this decade. The Phase 2 Action Plan for 2025 to 2027 sets out 12 transformative actions and 77 supporting actions to get us there.
I chair the Road Safety Leadership Group, which drives delivery at ministerial level and brings together Transport, Justice, An Garda Síochána, the RSA and the other key delivery bodies.
We are acting on legislation, enforcement and data. The National Vehicle and Driver File, Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2026 will allow local authorities to resume processing collision data along with a number of other provisions to enable improved road safety outcomes. The next Road Traffic and Roads Bill is under development and will advance graduated speeding penalties and camera enforcement of mobile phone and seatbelt offences.
I am working closely with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and An Garda Síochána on any further legislative interventions needed to tackle the dangerous behaviours seen recently on our roads.
We are progressing delivery of the speed limit review. That includes the introduction of a default 30 km/h limit in urban areas, where lower speeds can make the greatest difference for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
We are also addressing repeated learner permit renewals. New regulations will come into effect this November to tackle the long-standing issue of multiple learner permit renewals and to encourage progression through the driver licensing system.
We are tightening rules where risks are emerging. E-scooter regulations now set clear requirements on speed, power, weight and use. Further regulations are signed to raise the minimum age to 18, require helmets and high-visibility clothing, and increase penalties.
We have also strengthened the law on scramblers. Their use is now explicitly banned in public places, except in appropriate circumstances on private land with consent. That gives Gardaí clearer powers to act against dangerous and antisocial use.
We are increasing enforcement and using technology to deliver better road safety outcomes. The National Safety Camera Strategy assists An Garda Síochána to deploy more speed cameras and provides the framework for wider deployment of cameras targeting speeding, red-light running and bus lane infringements, with scope to support enforcement of other offences in future. Better use of data and technology will help us target interventions where they can have the greatest impact.
We are making roads safer by design. This year, €14 million is allocated under the Low-Cost Safety Improvement Scheme for targeted engineering measures at identified risk locations.
We are also investing in behaviour change. The RSA has ringfenced €18 million this year for road safety awareness, education and campaigns aimed at all road users, including vulnerable road users.
So the approach is clear: stronger laws, better data, smarter technology, tougher enforcement, safer speeds, safer road design and focused education.
My focus as Minister, the focus of my Department and of all the road safety stakeholders who we work with, is on the delivery of the Phase 2 Action Plan. This Action Plan was developed by experts, based on Irish experience while considering best practice in other countries and our focus is on the delivery of these agreed actions.
190. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of concerns of severe overcrowding on the Oranmore to Galway train part of the Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail Dublin Heuston to Galway InterCity line; whether he accepts this shows the need for additional capacity and if he would make correspondence with Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail to ensure additional carriages would be made available to ensure public safety. [67610/26]
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.
191. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the proposed development of a road (details supplied). [67590/26]
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.
Cork County Council submitted an initial project appraisal to the Department in 2019 regarding the upgrade of the R624 Cobh Road, a Strategic Assessment Report in 2022, and a Project Outline Document in 2024.
Work is now underway by the local authority on the appointment of consultants to deliver the scheme through options assessment, design and planning, starting with the commencement of a Preliminary Business Case.
In 2026, an allocation of €250,000 was made to Cork County Council for the development of the Preliminary Business Case for the scheme.
192. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the status of the Glanmire to Cork city cycle route phase 2; and the progress made to date since the Public Consultation in 2024. [67552/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra212. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the status of the Dunkettle Road AT Scheme (Phase 2); and when it is envisaged that same will be completed. [67555/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 212 together.
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.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, 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.
193. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider adding a stop on the 126 route in Athgarvan considering that the village is poorly serviced by public transport in the evening time. [66893/26]
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 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’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.
195. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport the immediate actions being taken to address severe overcrowding on Galway commuter rail services, particularly between Athenry, Oranmore and Galway city, where passengers are routinely forced to stand in overcrowded conditions, raising concerns regarding passenger comfort, accessibility and health and safety; and if he will outline a timeline for increasing capacity on the route. [67393/26]
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.
196. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the proposed expansion of the Luas network to Poolbeg. [66690/26]
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 in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
There are four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within lifetime of the GDA Transport Strategy 2022-2042. These are proposed expansions of the Luas network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg, and Bray.
The Luas Poolbeg Pre-Feasibility study has been completed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), who have submitted the Project Outline Document (POD) to the NTA, as required under the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework.
Noting the NTA's responsibility with regard to light rail, I have referred Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.