Written Answers Nos. 197-217
197. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the reasons for the delay in the roll out of the Bus Connects network redesign in Dublin and when the required additional current expenditure will be provided to the NTA and Dublin Bus to complete the network redesign roll out. [66602/26]
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, including the BusConnects Dublin programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for a direct and detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Pending a more detailed response, I note that BusConnects Dublin is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, with the aim to provide better bus services across the Greater Dublin Area with over 200km of enhanced bus and cycling infrastructure.
New bus services have already been delivered as part of BusConnects Dublin, with the first seven phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years. The most recent phase, Phase 7 which commenced in October 2025, saw the introduction of the F Spine connecting Finglas to Tallaght. The redesign of the entire network, including the B and D Spine will continue in the coming years, subject to funding and resources.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, which was published by my Department in November last year, has allocated funding to progress BusConnects across the cities. The NTA will publish a more detailed plan later this year of what elements of the programme will be advanced within the funding available up to 2030.
198. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the NTA to examine the feasibility of establishing a dedicated shuttle bus service along the emerging preferred route for the proposed Navan rail line, serving Navan, Kilmessan and Dunshaughlin and connecting passengers with the existing rail services at M3 Parkway-Dunboyne; and if consideration will be given to operating such a service as an interim public transport measure pending the delivery of the Navan rail line, with timetables coordinated with train departures and arrivals to facilitate commuting to and from Dublin. [67573/26]
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 establishment of a dedicated shuttle bus service along the proposed Navan rail line 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.
199. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the roll out of light rail; to provide an update on the delivery over the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter . [67301/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including light rail.
There are four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the lifetime of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2022 - 2042. These are proposed expansions of the Luas network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg and Bray. Other possible projects, identified in the Transport Strategy, for delivery in the period after 2042.
Luas Finglas is the most advanced Luas expansion project, having secured a Railway Order in October 2025. With legal challenges resolved, the project now has full planning permission. 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 the coming months. 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.
The development of a Luas red line extension to serve Poolbeg is another of the proposals in the NTA's Transport Strategy. The Luas Poolbeg Pre-Feasibility study has been completed by TII. TII have submitted the Project Outline Document (POD) to the NTA, as required under the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework.
An extension of the Luas Green Line to Bray is identified as a medium-term project under the Transport Strategy, with delivery envisaged during the 2031-2036 period as part of wider Luas network expansion plans. The NTA have commissioned a a pre-feasibility study to assess the viability of the scheme.
TII and the NTA are advancing Luas Lucan through the project development process. Work is ongoing to identify the emerging preferred route, with a non-statutory public consultation expected to take place in 2026.
Outside of the GDA, Luas Cork has progressed through two rounds of public consultation, with the Preferred Route published in April 2026. Earlier this month, TII published the post-consultation report, the findings of which will inform ongoing route design. The project is currently advancing through design development and preparation of a Preliminary Business Case, which will be required before planning approval and future construction can proceed.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA, I have referred the 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.
200. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport to outline the current status of the M20 Cork–Limerick motorway; the anticipated timeline for the project to go to planning, CPO of lands associated with the project and ultimate construction. [67000/26]
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.
201. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an overview of the soon-to-be-launched Ennis town public bus service; the hours of operation; the extent of bus stops; the range of vehicles; the expected price fares for all ticket and concessionary passengers; if there are plans to provide further public bus routes across County Clare, including the potential to provide more on-demand TFI Anseo services in rural parts of the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67332/26]
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 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.
202. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the timeline for the long awaited restoration of the Derry to Dublin airlink. [67365/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for his continued interest in this matter.
This Government is fully committed to establishing a new Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between Dublin Airport and City of Derry Airport. This will deliver the Programme for Government commitment to establish air connectivity between the two cities.
Last year, Government decided that pending progress on the A5 Motorway upgrade, preparatory work to reintroduce a Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service to establish air connectivity between Dublin and Derry airports in 2026 would be progressed.
As City of Derry Airport is outside of the European Union, the PSO air service will operate outside of Regulation (EC) 1008/2008, which provides for the common rules for the operation of air services in the Community. My Department has had extensive engagement with the Chief State Solicitors Office (CSSO) and the Office of the Attorney General in recent months, in relation to the appropriate legal framework to underpin the procurement. Detailed work is being undertaken to ensure that the Request for Tenders (RfT) is compliant with the appropriate Regulations as well as EU State aid rules.
My Department anticipates being in a position to publish the RfT very shortly, with a view to a contract being awarded this year and services commencing on the route as soon as operationally feasible by the successful operator.
203. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on double-decker buses due to be deployed across the State in 2026 and 2027; when they will be deployed in Galway specifically; and if he will advise on the routes that will be deployed. [67591/26]
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, 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.
There are 90 zero-emission battery-electric buses awaiting deployment pending the bringing on stream of charging infrastructure, of which 36 are destined for the GDA and 54 destined for Galway. Plans are in place for all Dublin-bound buses to be in service by the end of this year, while all buses destined for Galway will enter service across late 2026 and early 2027.
204. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to outline the analysis undertaken by his Department regarding the impact of the recent NTA announcement on public transport fare changes and the effect of this on rural commuters; and the steps being taken to ensure public transport is affordable and accessible for rural commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67593/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State, I have responsibility for rural 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.
On 3rd September 2026, the National Transport Authority (NTA) announced changes to the national fare structure for PSO services, effective from January 2027. These changes are the first major revision since 2018 forming part of the NTA’s National Fare Strategy. While adult fares will increase, many child fares will be reduced and young adult fares will remain discounted at 50%, helping to improve affordability for families and young people. The Free Travel Scheme, which is run separately by the Department for Social Protection, will continue for everyone eligible.
The NTA has identified approximately 140 new service initiatives and capacity enhancements as part of its 2027 budget submission to the Department of Transport. Subject to the outcome of the annual estimates process, this represents the biggest enhancement of services in many years.
The adjustments to fares are required to help offset the cost increases in recent years, improve fare revenue recovery and ensure the sustainability of the PSO funding while ensuring public transport is affordable and accessible for commuters.
The additional revenue generated through this determination together with continued Exchequer investment, will help the NTA manage rising operating costs, improve capacity and reliability on existing services, and continue the rollout of new services. This includes investment in BusConnects in Dublin, Cork and other cities, the completion of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Programme, and continued development of commuter rail services to increase the connectivity outside our major cities and towns. Within its allocated resources, the NTA will continue to prioritise operational enhancements, such as increased frequency or capacity improvements, where possible.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
205. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure funding for the N24 and N25 upgrades. [67606/26]
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 funding has been allocated in 2026 for a number of major projects on the N24 and N25:
• €1,000,000 for the N25 Midleton to Youghal scheme
• €500,000 for the N25 Carrigtwohill to Midleton scheme
• €700,000 for the N25 Waterford to Glenmore scheme
• €500,000 for the N24 Waterford to Cahir scheme
• €2,700,000 for the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction scheme
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding these projects. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
207. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the proposed enhancement of the NX Navan-Dublin service; the date on which the proposed 24% increase in peak-time service levels is expected to commence; and if additional capacity will be provided where passenger demand continues to exceed available capacity following implementation of the revised timetable. [67578/26]
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.
208. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport for the latest update and timeline of construction for the Finglas Roundabout projects at St Margaret's Road and McKee Avenue, given there are reported delays to the projects. [67519/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
209. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on progress towards the establishment of a transport security force; and the anticipated timeline for its establishment and commencement of operations. [67413/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I can assure you that my Department is actively progressing the necessary steps to deliver on the commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. Considerable progress has been made in recent months, and this work remains a top priority for all parties involved.
This work centres on developing a well-considered and informed approach to identifying the most suitable model for the Transport Security Force. In this regard, a proposed model is currently under detailed consideration, with all key stakeholders fully engaged, including the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána, and the Department of Justice.
In addition, my Department and the NTA are actively advancing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force. The introduction of this Force will require the development of primary legislation, which can have a significant lead time, but it will be expedited, with a view to making progress on its foundations during 2026.
In the meantime, we are committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the Transport Security Force is in place.
210. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the fact that public transport connections to Dublin Airport are being significantly increased and improved, his plans to increase public transport accessibility to Shannon Airport, including the provision of a long-heralded rail spur to Shannon Airport. [67282/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, my Department, published the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy in December 2025. The Strategy 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, including on the Limerick to Limerick Junction line a second platform at Limerick Junction station. This will support through-services between Cork and Galway via Limerick, and more through movements for Cork to Limerick. It will also reduce the journey time between Limerick and Waterford by approximately 10-minutes. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the National Development Plan (NDP).
The Prioritisation Strategy also identifies 'Major Projects' with longer lead-in and development timelines. Among these are line speed and capacity improvements and electrification of the Limerick to Limerick Junction line.
Building a rail spur from to Shannon Airport is a longer-term recommendation in the Rail Review, to be progressed following delivery of the Early Interventions and initial Major Projects under existing plans.
It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
In relation to the provision bus services at the Airport, I note that as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
I am aware of a number of Public Service Obligation (PSO) and commercial bus services to Shannon Airport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
211. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will support funding for an orbital bus route for residents of Kinsealy in order that they can access Portmarnock and Malahide train stations while reducing congestion. [67228/26]
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
213. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with the Minister for Justice; Home Affairs and Migration and An Garda Síochána on the urgent strengthening of dedicated roads policing units; whether roads policing should operate within a dedicated command structure; and whether Garda allocations should better reflect factors such as the scale and length of the road network in each county. [63673/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, matters relating to the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the allocation and deployment of Garda personnel and resources, the organisation of roads policing units, and internal command structures, are matters in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is the lead Government Department in respect of An Garda Síochána.
Accordingly, decisions on strengthening dedicated roads policing units, the appropriate command structure for roads policing, and the basis on which Garda allocations are determined, including any consideration of the scale or length of county road networks, are matters for the Garda Commissioner and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Road safety is, however, a key priority for my Department, and I continue to engage with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and with An Garda Síochána on road safety matters through established structures and bilateral engagement, with a focus on co-ordinated policy, legislation, communications and enforcement.
My Department centrally co-ordinates Phase 2 of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy Action Plan. Delivery of the Plan requires close collaboration among all road safety partners, including An Garda Síochána, and is overseen by the Road Safety Leadership Group, which I chair. The Group is attended by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and the Assistant Commissioner in An Garda Síochána with responsibility for road safety.
I also met on 28 August with officials from the Department for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and the Assistant Commissioner with responsibility for Roads Policing and Community Engagement to discuss current road safety challenges and priorities.
Following publication of the independent Crowe review into An Garda Síochána’s roads policing function, I met with the Garda Commissioner to discuss its findings. I am informed that, as lead Department, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is continuing to engage with Garda management in relation to the matters arising from that review.
While the implementation of recommendations relating to Garda organisation, deployment and roads policing structures is a matter for Garda management and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, my Department will continue to engage with relevant partners to support improved road safety outcomes.
214. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on BusConnects Galway; when the new network will be implemented; if it is still on track for 2028; and if not, the delays that are impacting the rollout. [67598/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities, including Galway. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
Pending this detailed response, I note that the NTA published its final new bus network for Galway in December 2023. The redesign of the bus network is one of the key elements of BusConnects Galway, which aims to transform the city's bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.
Good progress has been achieved with Galway City and County Councils to date in progressing new terminal locations and bus stop locations. Preliminary design has been significantly progressed on these items and once this is concluded, the stops and terminals infrastructure packages will be progressed through public tender from 2027 and then proceed to construction phase.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, which was published by my Department in November last year, has allocated funding to the NTA to progress BusConnects Galway. The NTA will publish a more detailed plan later this year setting out the elements of the programme to be advanced within available funding to 2030.
215. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport the funding that has been made available to local authorities to install, replace and update speed limit signage arising from changes to speed limits; and whether he is satisfied that local authorities have sufficient resources to carry out this work. [67260/26]
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.
As part of the Speed Limit Review implementation process, local authorities were invited to make applications for funding with regard to the installation, replacement, and updating of speed limit signage. Between 2024 and 2025, in line with the implementation of the first phase of the Speed Limit Review, approximately €10 million was allocated to local authorities.
In relation to the sufficiency of resources available to local authorities, this is a matter solely for each local authority to implement in consultation with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
216. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that increased funding will be provided in 2027 for the non national road network taking into account the urgent need for road improvements and upgrading work in County Cavan and County Monaghan, given the huge dependency in both counties on this road network with a small percentage of the road network having a national road status. [67604/26]
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.
217. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the efforts being made to safeguard motorists from wild deer on our roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67582/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe safety of all road users is a priority for me and my Department. I am aware of concerns regarding the risk posed by stray deer, particularly on rural roads and during periods when deer are more active.
The Deputy should note that management measures in relation to deer do not come under the remit of my Department nor its agencies.
The Irish Deer Management Strategy Group (IDMSG) was set up in 2023 with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Coillte. .
The role of the IDMSG was to develop initiatives to ensure sustainable deer numbers while achieving the objectives of landowners ranging from biodiversity, forestry, agriculture, animal health and road safety.
I would encourage the Deputy to contact these bodies for any further detailed information.
In relation to road safety, appropriate road signage including hazard warning signs regarding deer or other wild animals is the responsibility of the local authorities.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) advises motorists to stay alert and reduce speed when driving in areas with known deer populations and particularly where deer warning signs are in place. I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA and requested that they advise if there is any further relevant information they can provide in relation to this matter.
