Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:285. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for a detailed update in relation to actions taken on the rail project prioritisation strategy early intervention actions. [68512/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRail Network
Ceisteanna (285)
Freagraí scríofa
Following the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in July 2024, my Department 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.
The National Transport Authority has been designated as the day-to-day Approving Authority, under the Infrastructure Guidelines, for advancing the delivery of the Early Interventions identified in the Prioritisation Strategy, in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct, detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (286)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:286. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the delivery of the 127 bus route from Dublin city centre to Kildare, currently operated by a company (details supplied); and can he clarify if it is a 24-hour service. [68523/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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. 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, such as in this case, GoAhead.
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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (287)
Eoghan Kenny
Ceist:287. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to expanded the 215 bus service in Cork city to run later in the day similar to the 220 bus service, as of September 2026; if there are any plans to increase capacity on the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68566/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 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.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (288)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:288. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the statistics his Department has for collisions or road incidents along the N85 between Ennis and Ennistymon each year since 2016, in tabular form; if his Department or the TII have plans to address the number of collisions along the road; if his Department has plans to allocate funding to realign or improve the road in the interest of safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68666/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland. 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 (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 the N85 between Ennis and Ennistymon.
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.
National Transport Authority
Ceisteanna (289)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:289. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with the National Transport Authority to review the proposed public transport fare increases due to take effect from 2027, particularly in light of concerns regarding affordability, the impact on rural commuters in County Kerry, and the potential effect on public transport usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68608/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
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.
Additionally, as Minister for Transport, I secured a record €940m public service obligation (PSO) funding for 2026, a 43% uplift on 2025, to ensure the consolidation of the service improvements made in recent years, and in preparation for further planned expansion and enhancements.
Public transport requires this ongoing investment to maintain, improve and expand services. Fare revenue helps fund these measures, making it important to balance affordability with inflationary increases. The proposed fare changes support the Government's commitment to continued network growth, service enhancements and climate objectives by funding future improvements, while keeping public transport competitive and affordable.
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.
Public Service Obligation
Ceisteanna (290)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:290. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the amount the National Transport Authority has estimated would be required in 2027 to maintain public service obligation fares at 2026 levels; whether the Department has sought that amount in the Budget 2027 Estimates process; and if the Minister will make a statement on the matter. [68779/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As a Minister of transport, I have responsibility for over all funding and policy framework. 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.
On an overall basis, fare revenue covers approximately only 38% of the cost of operating PSO services nationally, with the remaining costs funded by the Exchequer. It is therefore imperative that there is a rebalancing of the critical equation in how we fund PSO public transport nationally, ensuring that fare revenue continues to make a sustainable contribution alongside significant levels of subsidy, while maintaining the affordability and accessibility of public transport. I would also highlight that this level of fare recovery is largely consistent with European averages, with our actual fares set at much lower rates.
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.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (291)
Aisling Dempsey
Ceist:291. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the NTA to identify towns and population centres in Meath west where current public transport provision does not provide a viable morning and evening commuting option to Dublin, Navan, Trim or Mullingar and whether these gaps will be considered for additional PSO or Connecting Ireland services during 2027. [68709/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 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 2026 allocation therefore focuses on maintaining and strengthening the existing network after several years of reliance on significant supplementary funding. This ensures that high-demand public transport services can continue to operate effectively, while supporting longer-term reforms to enhance capacity, accessibility, and efficiency across the system.
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 services in 2027 will be considered through the annual Estimates process, taking account of competing funding demands and wider public transport priorities.
Under Budget 2026, €31 million was secured for rural transport service provision – a significant 38% increase on last year’s funding. This investment underpins our ongoing commitment to Connecting Ireland, which has been a major success story. Since 2022, 185 new or enhanced services have been delivered, connecting over 240 towns and villages to the public transport network. These include 61 new healthcare connections, 41 links to higher education, and 71 connections to rail services.
As part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, the programme continues to strive to deliver the following benefits:
- Over 70% of those living outside of cities will have access to public transport services that provide at least three return trips each weekday to a nearby town.
- Improved mobility options for those in remote areas with the provision of Smart Demand Responsive Transport (SDRT) and other innovative transport services.
- Over 100 new county town connections from all settlements around county towns. Over 60 new regional centre/city connections from all types of settlements around these centre/cities.
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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (292)
Aisling Dempsey
Ceist:292. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Transport if he will ask the NTA to review the frequency and reliability of route 115 serving Enfield and Dublin, with reference to peak commuter demand; and whether additional peak services or capacity are planned for this corridor. [68708/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 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 light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, and as the operational delivery of the service in question is a matter for Bus Éireann. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA and Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (293, 294)
Aisling Dempsey
Ceist:293. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to enhancing the frequency and capacity of direct public transport services from Athboy and Trim to Dublin, particularly during morning and evening commuting periods, in view of population growth and the dependence of these communities for access to Dublin. [68707/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAisling Dempsey
Ceist:294. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Transport if the NTA has carried out a recent capacity demand assessment of direct commuter bus services between Trim and Dublin; whether additional peak-time services on routes serving Trim are being considered; and if he will provide details of any planned service enhancements. [68705/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 294 together.
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 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.
The NTA are informed by a balanced assessment of operational requirements, resource availability, and service performance when conducting transport planning. Their decisions are underpinned by detailed analysis of existing services, including operational metrics, performance trends, and customer feedback, and also take account of competing funding pressures, affordability considerations, and broader public transport priorities to ensure resources are targeted where they deliver the greatest benefit.
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.
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.
Question No. 294 answered with Question No. 293.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (295)
Aisling Dempsey
Ceist:295. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Transport if either the NTA or Bus Éireann record the number of occasions on which passengers on the NX Navan-Dublin route are unable to board due to buses reaching capacity; the number of such instances recorded in 2025 and to date in 2026; and the measures being taken to ensure sufficient capacity for commuters from Navan and surrounding areas. [68704/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 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.
Haulage Industry
Ceisteanna (296)
Niall Collins
Ceist:296. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport when the appeals process will open for the road transport operators scheme. [68793/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department received approximately 4,400 applications for support under the Road Transporters Support Scheme, in respect of approximately 31,500 vehicles. As of 24 September 2026, approximately 3,900 applications have been assessed and approved for payment.
This week, officials in my Department are processing the remaining 500 applications in batches. The remaining applications have faced delays as they contained errors, were incomplete, or included duplicate information. All remaining applicants will receive an assessment outcome email in the coming days.
Once all remaining outcome emails have issued the appeals process will open, either towards the end of this week or early next week. Officials from my Department will be in contact with applicants with details of the appeals process once it goes live. Further information regarding the appeals process will also be published on the Department’s website.
Córas Iompair Éireann
Ceisteanna (297, 298, 299, 300)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:297. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of the legal and statutory basis upon which the decision taken by the CIÉ board in 2009 not to provide increases to pensions in payment was made; whether that decision constituted an amendment to an existing superannuation scheme within the meaning of section 44 of the Transport Act 1950; whether any Ministerial order or other statutory instrument was made in connection with that decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68804/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:298. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether he will provide copies or details of all Ministerial orders, statutory instruments, approvals or other formal authorisations made between 2008 and 2010 concerning amendments to CIÉ pension schemes or the payment of pension increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68802/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:299. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of the legal and statutory basis upon which the decision taken by the CIÉ board in 2009 not to provide increases to pensions in payment was made; whether that decision constituted an amendment to an existing superannuation scheme within the meaning of section 44 of the Transport Act 1950; whether any Ministerial order or other statutory instrument was made in connection with that decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68794/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:300. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether he will provide copies or details of all Ministerial orders, statutory instruments, approvals or other formal authorisations made between 2008 and 2010 concerning amendments to CIÉ pension schemes or the payment of pension increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68806/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 297, 298, 299 and 300 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Decisions regarding the administration of pension increases are ultimately a matter for the CIÉ Board as informed by actuarial advice and are subject to requirements imposed by statute and scheme rules. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's queries to CIÉ for further information. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Question No. 298 answered with Question No. 297.
Question No. 299 answered with Question No. 297.
Question No. 300 answered with Question No. 297.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (301)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:301. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport further to parliamentary question No. 65444/26, to reconcile the figures provided, in circumstances where 1,195 parliamentary questions referred less 919 resolved leaves 276 rather than the 261 stated as open; the number of referred parliamentary questions outstanding for more than 30 and more than 60 working days; whether compliance with circular 25/2016 is a measured indicator in the performance delivery agreement with the National Transport Authority; and the number of occasions on which it has been raised at quarterly governance meetings in 2026. [68780/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 NTA 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.
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 set out the statutory and policy framework within which the NTA operates, the respective roles and responsibilities of the NTA and the Department, key outputs and performance indicators, and governance, compliance, and assurance obligations.
The Department also exercises ongoing oversight through a structured programme of engagement, including monthly meetings between NTA senior management and Department officials, quarterly corporate governance meetings to review compliance and performance, regular day-to-day engagement on policy and programme delivery, and direct engagement with me as Minister on strategic or topical matters. The NTA is also required to submit annual reports, strategy statements, financial accounts, and other documentation that enable the Department to assess its performance.
My Department also has a dedicated Governance Division which oversees compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies including compliance with Department of Public Expenditure Reform Circular 25/2016, setting out a protocol for the provision of information to members of the Oireachtas by State bodies. Adherence to this protocol is part of the Department’s OA with the NTA.
In keeping with the requirements of circular 25/2016 all agencies under the aegis of my Department have a dedicated Oireachtas email address which is accessible to all, of which the NTA's is oireachtasliaison@nationaltransport.ie. The Oireachtas Liaison function in the NTA processes all queries received from public representatives, local authority motions, departmental queries and also questions submitted to the Department via the Parliamentary Question (PQ) process.
As of 14th September 2026, the NTA have received approximately 4,300 cases this year across these areas which includes approximately 2,600 queries from public representatives (sent directly to the NTA outside of the PQ process). At this point, they received 1,195 PQs, of which 919 have been answered. This left 276 PQs outstanding. Of these, 83 were received within the last two weeks and remain within the standard response timeframe. Consequently, 193 PQs were overdue, having exceeded the 15-day response target.
The NTA remains committed to responding to all queries received through the political process and is currently managing a record number of requests. While delays can arise at times, every effort is made to minimise these and to issue responses as promptly as possible within available resources.
Disability Issues
Ceisteanna (302)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:302. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the development of the vehicle adaptation scheme; when the details of this scheme will be published; and when the scheme will be open for applications. [68734/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Transport has been tasked with developing a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS) to provide financial assistance towards the cost of adapting vehicles for drivers and passengers who require assistance to enter, exit, or operate a vehicle.
Over the past twelve months, the Department has made significant progress towards the implementation of the VAS. Through extensive stakeholder engagement and consultation, the Department has established the key principles and parameters underpinning the Scheme. This has facilitated the development of a high-level framework for its operation. However, some elements of the Scheme, including aspects of its administration and delivery, remain under development and have yet to be finalised. Full details of the Scheme will be published once these arrangements have been agreed.
Subject to timely approval and the completion of the necessary preparatory work, it is expected that the VAS will open for applications in 2027.
National Transport Authority
Ceisteanna (303)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:303. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of a service issue (details supplied); and if he will ask his officials to engage with the NTA about improving services and provide an update. [68738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 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.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (304)
John Connolly
Ceist:304. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport whether Irish Rail collects data on passengers left behind due to full trains; and if so, to provide the details for the past year at the Oranmore station, in tabular form. [68850/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 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.