Written Answers Nos. 1-21
1. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the assistance the Irish Government will provide to the civilians remaining in Oleshky, Ukraine who are facing severe shortages of food, medicines and other basic necessities. [69137/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation facing civilians remaining in Oleshky and surrounding communities in the temporarily occupied Kherson region of Ukraine.
We are particularly concerned by reports of severe shortages of food and medicines, the disruption of essential services and the difficulties faced by civilians seeking medical assistance or attempting to leave the area.
As far back as June, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported that civilians in Oleshky and neighbouring communities were facing severe risks to their lives, food shortages and a lack of medical assistance.
The humanitarian situation in territories temporarily occupied by Russia presents particular challenges. Humanitarian organisations cannot work in areas where the necessary security conditions do not exist and humanitarian access is not provided.
As the occupying power, Russia has a duty to provide food and medical supplies and to facilitate humanitarian relief to the people of Oleshky. I echo the call made by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, just last Friday for an immediate local ceasefire, for unhindered humanitarian access, and for the safe evacuation of civilians.
Ireland calls on Russia, as the occupying power, to comply fully with its obligations under international humanitarian law, including its obligations towards the civilian population under its temporary control.
More broadly, Ireland remains firmly committed to supporting the people of Ukraine. In 2026 Ireland is providing €65 million in humanitarian assistance and development supports in response to the Ukraine crisis and its regional dimensions, of which €26.5 million is flexible humanitarian funding. Our flexible funding is a critical lifeline, enabling humanitarian organisations to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable while navigating complex, and rapidly evolving, security and administrative restrictions.
Russia must immediately facilitate safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians in need, including in Oleshky, and ensure that food, medicines and other essential supplies can reach them.
Ireland will continue to tackle the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. We will also continue to advocate for the protection of civilians, respect for international humanitarian law and safe, unimpeded humanitarian access.
2. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the single statutory authority that is the authority with jurisdiction for the operational safety of energised grid-scale Li-BESS installation in the State. [69036/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of Government Departments, State bodies and public authorities have specific roles regarding the safety and regulation of lithium-ion battery electricity storage systems (Li-BESS) in Ireland and these agencies are best served to deal with the elements that are under their respective remits.
In July 2024, my Department published the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland. Chapter 4 of the Policy Framework provides an overview of the safety and regulatory regime in place for grid scale electricity storage systems, outlining the roles and remits of the relevant bodies.
In recognition of the wide-ranging nature of electricity storage safety and regulation, my Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment engage regularly regarding the safety and regulation of grid-connected electricity storage systems.
3. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to expedite the implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy in order to make Ireland less dependent on imported fossil fuels (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69069/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment has committed to ambitious delivery of indigenously produced biomethane per annum by 2030. In response, my Department, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, published the National Biomethane Strategy in May 2024.
Delivery of indigenously produced biomethane and its use within our energy system will have multiple cross-sectoral benefits for Ireland’s economy, energy security and emissions profile. As such, development of the industry will require a coherent and collaborative approach to policy implementation across all sectors, including energy, agriculture and enterprise.
The Biomethane Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy and the associated delivery of the 25 key strategic actions to ensure the necessary infrastructure and supports are in place to underpin development of an indigenous biomethane industry of scale.
Chaired by my Department, with close support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Group reports directly to the Heat and Built Environment Taskforce on on-going progress and is comprised of a number of focused sub-groups namely: Infrastructure; Sustainability; Industry; and Economic Issues. Membership of the Group includes key Government Departments and Agencies, and sectoral representatives.
Two key deliverables under the National Biomethane Strategy are the launch of a grant scheme to support the construction of anaerobic digestion facilities and the introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation scheme. Both are currently being finalised with the grant scheme expression of interest to be published shortly. Other recent deliverables include the connection policy for the national gas network, an interim solution for reverse compression requirements, and the opening of the Central Grid Injection facility in Mitchelstown by Gas Networks Ireland.
The Group continues to engage with action owners and key stakeholders to monitor implementation, and a full progress report on delivery of actions within the National Biomethane Strategy is now published on the biomethane policy information page on the Gov.ie website. It is anticipated that a second progress report on delivery of actions will be published later in 2026.
4. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the progress has been made towards the Climate Action Plan target of delivering up to 2.7TWh of district heating by 2030; and the current projected level of district heating demand that will be met by that date. [69328/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraNational policy in Ireland has recognised the contribution that district heating can make to Ireland’s energy and climate goals and is underpinned by the findings of the SEAI’s National Heat Study 2022.
The deployment of district heating at scale is a key Government objective under the Climate Action Plan and a component of meeting the built environment sectoral emissions ceiling. The Climate Action Plan 23 committed to implementing the recommendations of the Steering Group Report and to reach a district heating delivery target of up to 2.7TWh by 2030.
The future potential for district heating has been updated in the 2025 Comprehensive Heating and Cooling Assessment. This analysis identified the potential for approximately 4.6 TWh of heat in Ireland to be cost-effectively delivered by district heating, compared to alternative renewable heat sources.
Although district heating, as a sector in Ireland, is in its infancy, progress is being made. The first efficient district heating project operational in Ireland is in Tallaght. It was developed by South Dublin County Council and supported through the Climate Action Fund. Phase 2 of this project is now being planned and evaluated by South Dublin County Council.
Dublin City Council have also been progressing the Dublin District Heating Project which will use waste heat from the Dublin Waste to Energy Facility in Poolbeg to heat public sector, commercial and residential buildings in the adjacent area.
Funding to support the development of efficient district heating has been allocated through the Climate Action Fund and the Infrastructure Climate and Nature Fund, while Local Authorities can avail of Pathfinder funding for feasibility studies. In tandem, my Department is working on the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to introduce a regulatory framework for district heating.
5. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when he expects the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to be published and introduced to the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69325/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will provide a regulatory framework to enable the roll-out of district heating, contributing to the decarbonisation of Ireland's heating sector and helping to meet national climate targets. The enactment of this legislation is a commitment of the 2025 Programme for Government, as part of the Government’s commitments relating to “Futureproofing Ireland’s Built Environment”.
Subsequent to the Government decision of 30 October 2024 to approve the drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill, my Department engaged with relevant Government Departments, the Office of the Attorney General, State Agencies, and other key stakeholders in drafting the Bill. These engagements identified a number of issues that were addressed by means of revisions to the Heads, approved by Government in July of this year.
The revised Heads underwent pre-legislative scrutiny before the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy on 23 September. Officials from my Department are currently engaging with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to advance drafting of the Bill. It is expected that the Bill will be published and introduced to the Oireachtas in the first quarter of 2027.
6. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the Department has estimated the price reductions on household bills through the expansion of district heating under the proposed Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69312/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has not undertaken estimates of the potential price reductions that may arise from the expansion of district heating. However, the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is intended to provide the statutory underpinning for the development of a vibrant district heating sector and includes establishing a comprehensive regulatory regime that ensures consumer protection. Specifically, Head 7 of the Bill provides for a principles-based approach to customer tariffs that will be developed over time as the market grows and matures.
Under the provisions of the Bill, it is proposed that district heating operators will be required to submit their tariffs to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). The CRU will monitor the heat network market and step in where the pricing principles established in Head 7 are not being adhered to by heat network operators.
For the purposes of monitoring and assessing compliance with the principles set out in Head 7, the CRU may carry out comparative or benchmarking assessments of charges, costs or performance across Heat Networks or classes of Heat Networks, taking account of scale, technology, location and customer characteristics. Heat network operators will be required, under the provisions of Head 7, to disclose to the CRU all data requested relating to charges, pricing and costs.
The provisions of Head 7 provide flexibility for additional or more detailed pricing regulation to be introduced at a later stage if this proves necessary in light of the future development of the sector.
Under the Heat Bill, the CRU will be charged with promoting cost-efficiency and competition through ensuring that the only principle for selecting one renewable energy source over another is that it is the most economically efficient renewable energy source in that specific network's context.
International experience demonstrates that district heating does not necessarily deliver significant reductions in heating costs immediately. However, as networks expand and integrate lower-cost renewable and waste heat sources, they can offer increasingly competitive pricing to consumers.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's most recent Comprehensive Heating and Cooling Assessment found that district heating represents the most cost-effective way of providing at least 17% of Ireland's buildings' heat demand. This is expected to increase as the sector develops.
7. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to reassure the people of Clare that international investor courts in CETA cannot be utilised by companies in relation to prospecting or mining in County Clare. [69289/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt should be noted that at present Ireland has not ratified the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Investment protection afforded under CETA can only be invoked strictly in accordance with the criteria contained therein, and furthermore, can only be enforced subject to the commencement of the Arbitration (Amendment) Act 2026, and also subject to the consent of the High Court in Ireland.
However, I have been advised that Article 8.10 of CETA does not restrict/impact the seeking of remedies before domestic courts.
8. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the assessment that has been made of the potential impact of the proposed Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill on local authorities, including any additional staffing, planning, regulatory or financial responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69344/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is intended to provide the statutory underpinning for the development of a vibrant district heating sector, including the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory regime that ensures consumer protection.
The Bill does not prescribe a particular ownership or delivery model for district heating. It is intended to facilitate participation by both public and private sector entities.
Head 25 specifically provides Local Authorities with the legal powers necessary to participate effectively in the district heating sector should they choose to do so. It will provide Local Authorities with the powers to acquire or sell heat, construct, develop, operate, maintain and improve heat networks, distribute heat and enter into collaborative agreements with the private sector or other Local Authorities. Engagement with Local Authorities during the development of the Bill highlighted the need for these enabling powers to support the successful planning and delivery of district heating projects.
Importantly, Head 25 is an enabling provision and does not impose any obligation on Local Authorities to participate in the district heating sector. Decisions regarding whether, and to what extent, a Local Authority chooses to engage are likely to be informed by the findings of Local Heating and Cooling Plans, which municipalities with populations exceeding 45,000 will be required to prepare under the Energy Efficiency Directive.
Where a Local Authority decides to pursue district heating activities, responsibility for determining the associated organisational, staffing, regulatory, planning and financial arrangements will rest with the Local Authority, working as appropriate with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
9. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the progress that has been made in developing district heating networks that utilise waste heat from data centres; whether further projects similar to the Tallaght district heating scheme are under development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69342/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment policy is supportive of the expansion of district heating and recognises the contribution it can make to Ireland’s energy and climate goals. The District Heating Steering Group Report was approved by Government in 2023, and a Working Group has been convened to oversee implementation of the Steering Group recommendations.
The Programme for Government prioritises waste heat capture from data centres for district heating systems. My Department is focussing on the expansion of efficient district heating based on the use of renewable energy and waste heat, including waste heat from data centres.
The first efficient district heating project operational in Ireland is in Tallaght. It was developed by South Dublin County Council, supported by the Climate Action Fund, and has been in operation since April 2023. This project uses waste heat from the nearby Amazon data centre to supply the heat to the network. The first phase of this project supplies heat to existing and new Local Authority buildings, the Technological University Dublin, Tallaght campus and 133 residential apartments. Phase 2 of this project is now being planned and evaluated by South Dublin County Council.
Through the District Heating Pre-Construction Fund, the Department is aware of a strong pipeline of further potential district heating projects, with a third proposing to use waste heat, of which a number are investigating or expected to use waste heat from data centres as a source of heat.
10. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the allocation of between €50 million and €100 million for district heating infrastructure under the Infrastructure, Nature and Climate Fund is considered sufficient to meet projected demand; and if further funding will be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69335/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment policy supports the expansion of district heating and recognises the contribution it can make to Ireland’s energy and climate goals. The District Heating Steering Group Report was approved by Government in 2023, and a Working Group has been convened to oversee implementation of the Steering Group recommendations. These recommendations are being actioned by my Department.
The report identified that as a newly emerging market, the district heating sector will require support to stimulate early growth in the sector. Government is supporting this sector through both capital grants and the introduction of legislation.
Funding to support the development of efficient district heating has been allocated through the Climate Action Fund (CAF) and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (ICNF), while Local Authorities can avail of Pathfinder funding for feasibility studies.
The Tallaght District Heating Project was developed by South Dublin County Council and supported through the CAF. Additionally, €50 million has been allocated from the CAF to support the Dublin District Heating Project.
I have allocated €5 million from the CAF to support pre-construction costs for pilot efficient district heating projects in Ireland. The fund attracted a strong level of interest from across the sector, resulting in a highly competitive application process. This level of competition demonstrates the growing maturity of the district heating market and will help ensure that projects are well-positioned to avail of future funding opportunities.
Under the National Development Plan, for the period 2026 to 2030, up to €100 million has been allocated to support the full development of efficient district heating networks. My Department is working closely with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to establish this scheme and ensure it provides meaningful support to projects as they progress.
This level of funding demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to district heating as a core component of Ireland’s decarbonisation strategy. State funding will likely continue to be needed for projects beyond 2030, including depending on the project implementation models utilised.
11. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the criteria will be used to determine whether connection to a district heating network is technically feasible and economically cost effective for a public sector building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69334/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recommendations of the District Heating Steering Group, established as an action of the 2021 Climate Action Plan, included a mandate for public sector buildings to be connected to district heating networks where technically and economically feasible. The 2023 Climate Action Plan committed to implementing the Steering Group’s recommendations, and this mandate is included in Head 29 of the General Scheme.
The mandate applies only to buildings owned by the State and to efficient district heating and cooling networks as defined by the Energy Efficiency Directive (EU) 2023/1791. It also contributes to fulfilling the requirement under Article 5 of that Directive to ensure a reduction in final energy consumption of public bodies by 1.9% per year when compared to 2021.
A methodology will be developed through consultation to establish the technical and economic feasibility criteria and process for determination of mandatory connections. As the district heating sector is still emerging, it is not yet possible to capture the guiding principles to be set out by the Heat Network Authority. However, data on existing heat networks is being collated and will provide for an informed set of principles to be developed. In the meantime, buildings in public ownership can connect to district heating networks in line with existing appraisal guidelines and procurement rules. They do not have to await any further guidance before doing so.
12. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the amount of Exchequer funding that will be provided to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to prepare for its role as heat network regulator once the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is ratified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69333/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will take up the role of heat network regulator following commencement of the Heat Bill, which is anticipated to happen in 2027. My Department will be looking to make an allocation from voted expenditure to meet expenses incurred by the CRU in carrying out functions specifically deriving from that role over the course of 2027. Similar funding will be sought in subsequent years. However, the provision of Exchequer funding will be subject to review to ascertain the ongoing necessity for such funding to continue, especially as the district heating sector grows and matures.
13. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment what role the Commission for Regulation of Utilities will have in regulating tariffs charged by district heating operators under the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69332/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe General Scheme of the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill provides for the regulation of tariffs charged by district heating operators. Under the Bill, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) shall develop a principles-based, step-in approach to pricing. This will require that all charges are in keeping with the following principles:
• non-discriminatory;
• transparent;
• cost-reflective;
• cost-efficient;
• allow for fair and reasonable returns; and
• take account of consumer impact and affordability.
The CRU shall publish guidelines on the interpretation and application of these principles by heat undertakings. The CRU may also advise the Minister on the necessity of additional pricing regulation for the application of its framework.
The Bill will also empower the CRU to require heat undertakings to provide information relating to charges, tariffs, costs and revenues, in such manner and frequency as it may specify. Heat undertakings will be obliged to comply with CRU decisions, and to notify the CRU of any proposal to amend charges or any failure to supply heat. For the purposes of monitoring and assessing compliance, the CRU will be enabled to carry out comparative or benchmarking assessments of charges, costs or performance, having regard to differences in scale, technology, location and customer characteristics.
Where the Commission determines it to be necessary, it shall:
• examine charges for heat and the costs underlying such charges;
• examine any proposal by heat undertakings to alter charges for the supply of heat;
• issue directions or approvals in relation the nature and amount of any charge, or proposed charge, for the supply of heat, to such class or classes of final customers as the Commission may specify; and
• take any actions on foot its monitoring powers that it determines to be necessary to prevent market distortion or anti-competition practices in the supply of heat to final customers.
Officials from my Department are engaging with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to advance drafting of this Bill, which will introduce a regulatory framework enabling the expanded use of efficient low-carbon district heating while introducing consumer protection measures, including price regulation.
14. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the Interim Heat Network Authority is expected to be established within the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; the staffing and budget allocations envisaged for the body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69329/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is intended to provide the statutory underpinning for the development of a vibrant district heating sector, including establishing a comprehensive regulatory regime that ensures consumer protection and a Heat Networks Authority charged with overseeing the orderly development of the sector nationally, in line with EU principles of energy efficiency.
During an initial period, this role will be partially taken on by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), whose National District Heating Centre of Excellence is already in operation and conducting studies that will feed into its role as Interim Heat Network Authority. The SEAI National District Heating Centre of Excellence will take on the added functions of the Interim Heat Network Authority upon commencement of the Heat Act, once the Bill has been enacted.
Any additional staffing and funding requirements arising from the implementation of the Bill will be considered by my Department through the established corporate governance and budgetary oversight processes as the legislation progresses and, subsequently, following enactment of the Bill.
15. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the Department has estimated the greenhouse gas emissions reductions that could be achieved through the expansion of district heating under the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill; if he will provide the relevant figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69346/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not estimated the potential greenhouse gas emissions reductions that could be achieved through the expansion of district heating. The Environmental Protection Agency has overall responsibility for compiling, monitoring, and reporting on the country's national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory. However, the Agency does not maintain data that could be disaggregated to provide an estimate specifically on the impacts of district heating with regard to GHG reductions.
Academic research published in October 2025 by the Energy Policy and Modelling Group at University College Cork did, however, find that putting in place 2.5TWh of district heating capacity, a figure broadly in line with the Climate Action Plan projection for the delivery of 2.7TWh, could deliver annual carbon reductions of around 0.6MtCO2.
16. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps his Department is taking to ensure that micro-businesses, sole traders and SMEs are supported in the implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation; and the steps he has taken at EU level to ensure harmonisation across the EU. [69053/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions 133, 143, 163, 164 and 217 of 7 September 2026 https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2026-09-07/133/speech/108/.
The position is unchanged.
18. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if a storage site has been identified for the new armoured vehicle fleet for the Irish Army; if a charging facility has been constructed in advance of the vehicles being delivered; if there will be one central charging facility or if facilities will be built across all or several Army locations; and the funding that will be provided for training on the new vehicle fleet. [69221/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022, the Government approved a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’.
A key recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces which has been accepted in principle is the “replacement of the existing APCs with a larger and enhanced fleet equipped with sufficient firepower for future overseas missions, and with ‘level 4’ armour across armour platforms where required”.
A joint civil / military programme team are continuing their work on this programme in line with the Public Spending Code Infrastructure Guidelines. The Programme is being progressed in line with the updated Detailed Implementation Plan.
Earlier this year, I announced the approval of the Strategic Assessment Case for the Armoured Fleet Programme. Following an assessment of the available delivery options, and in line with the recommendations of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, a government-to-government approach with France was identified as the preferred option for delivering the programme.
Officials from my Department are in detailed negotiations with France on a potential agreement for the delivery of capability requirements under the French SCORPION Programme of vehicles. A whole-of-capability approach will be adopted, to ensure that vehicle procurement is fully integrated with doctrine, training, infrastructure, personnel, and interoperability requirements. This complex programme is in the initial assessment phase and under development. As such, the specifications and role, fleet size, timelines and costs are to be determined and are dependent on the ongoing negotiations and the completion of the necessary approval and sanction steps. Issues relating to infrastructure, training and support arrangements will be addressed as part of the programme. Further details are not available at this time.
The Armoured Fleet Programme represents a significant step in addressing critical capability gaps and will ensure that the Defence Forces are equipped with a modern, integrated armoured fleet capable of meeting current and future operational requirements, both at home and on overseas missions.
19. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of the funding allocation provided to date for the development of the DART+ depot in Drogheda; if this funding allocation has been amended in 2026; and the impact of any funding changes on functionality improvements for DART+ Coastal North. [69025/26]
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 DART+ Coastal North, 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 response, the DART+ Coastal North project remains a major priority for myself and my Department. It is planned that, beginning next year, battery-electric multiple unit carriages will enter service on the Northern Line serving Drogheda.
In addition, in June it was announced that €93 million was being provided via the Shared Island initiative to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure as part of DART+ Coastal North, in particular a new turnback facility at Malahide Station and a new track loop at Clongriffin. These interventions will help alleviate congestion on the busy Northern line, by allowing cross-border Enterprise trains to seamlessly pass DART and commuter trains at both stations.
20. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when a grant be provided to a haulage operator (details supplied). [69044/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received approximately 4,400 applications for support under the Road Transporters Support Scheme, in respect of approximately 31,500 vehicles. As of 29 September 2026, approximately 3,750 applications have been assessed and approved for payment. Officials in my Department are working to process the remaining applications promptly.
The applicant referred to by the Deputy received an assessment result on 01 September. A clarification email reaffirming the application assessment outcome was sent to the applicant on 04 September.
If an applicant believes a vehicle has been incorrectly excluded from the scheme, they will have the opportunity to appeal their assessment. My Department will announce the date for the opening of the RTSS appeals process in the coming days. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the RTSS webpage for updates on the appeals process.
Only applicants that have a valid RTSS Application ID will be permitted to submit an appeal. Applicants may request an appeal if an application has been refused or if support was not provided for one or more vehicles included on an application. Submitting an appeal does not guarantee that it will be successful, and each appeal will be assessed on its own merits and in accordance with the appeals eligibility criteria.
Applicants are encouraged to review the appeals process terms and conditions and eligibility criteria in full once they are publicly available and gather any relevant supporting documentation before the appeals portal opens. All appeals must be supported by evidence. My Department will not consider an appeal submitted without supporting evidence.
21. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will commit to ringfencing the funding required to progress the Four North rail capacity enhancement project through its statutory processes, including detailed design, environmental assessment, public consultation, and preparation of a Railway Order; in view of the AllIreland Strategic Rail Review identifying the Connolly–Malahide section of the Northern Line as a critical longterm capacity constraint that must be addressed before any meaningful improvements in service frequency or peak capacity can be delivered under DART+ North. [69116/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
Given Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Pending this response, I note that FourNorth has been co-funded by the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and my Department to help advance its design, with these studies now progressing through their final stages. These studies will help support the preparation of appraisal documents required under the Infrastructure Guidelines. A public consultation on the Emerging Preferred Option for FourNorth is planned to take place later this year. The further development of FourNorth will be considered as part of the update of the GDA Transport Strategy which is due to commence next year.
I also note that Iarnród Éireann intends to apply for the next round of CEF funding to further advance planning and detailed design for FourNorth, building on the work completed in recent years. If Iarnród Éireann is successful in this application, my Department will provide co-funding to support this work.
