Malcolm Byrne
Question:98. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of plans to upgrade the Dublin to Rosslare rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9272/25]
Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions
Questions Nos. 96 and 97 taken with Written Answers.
Rail Network
I wish the Minister of State well in his role and welcome his commitment to investment in rail transport. I ask about the Dublin to Rosslare rail line specifically, in which there has been a lack of investment. If we are talking about providing a realistic alternative for rail users, there must be real investment in this railway line. In light of the Minister's previous comments about investment in rail, will the Minister of State outline what he plans to do with this much-forgotten service?
As the Deputy may be aware, a number of significant improvements are planned across Ireland's rail network over the coming years, including on the Dublin to Rosslare line. Last year, some changes to timetables on the line were introduced, including a new late evening service between Wexford and Gorey. I look forward to similar such timetable improvements bring introduced in the coming years. My Department is also working to pursue the recommendations in the all-island strategic rail review, including an increase in services between Wexford and Rosslare to at least one train every two hours by 2030.
As part of the DART+ programme, specifically the DART+ coastal south project, it is planned to increase service frequency between the Bray and Greystones portion of the Rosslare line from approximately every 30 minutes in each direction to every 20 minutes. Work is ongoing by larnród Eireann and the NTA to investigate the best way to achieve this frequency improvement, including any infrastructure needs, and it is currently anticipated that it can be delivered by around 2028. Furthermore, the NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, adopted in 2023, included a recommendation to extend the DART service to Wicklow town. I understand this extension can be facilitated through utilising the new battery-electric DART carriages which are currently arriving in Ireland and undergoing testing.
The new battery-electric DART carriages will first be deployed from Dublin to Drogheda next year. As more carriages arrive, it may be feasible to also deploy them to extend DART services to and from Wicklow, subject to funding and approvals for the required charging infrastructure. The NTA is examining this issue with a view to progressing the extension around 2029. This could increase service frequency along that portion of the Rosslare to Dublin line from circa six trains a day each way to up to one train every hour.
Overall, these plans offer the potential for a much higher level of train service on the Dublin to Rosslare line, which I look forward to progressing.
I love how the Minister of State described as a significant changes the addition of one "late evening service", as he described it.
The late evening service left 45 minutes ago so I cannot avail of it. I am not sure what time the Minister of State regards as late evening. He mentioned the six services available to people I represent in Rathdrum, Arklow and Gorey. Equidistant from Dublin is Carlow, represented ably by the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, from which there are 11 services daily. Commuters travelling from Dundalk have 16 services while those coming from Portlaoise, equidistant from Dublin with Arklow or Gorey, have 32 services. I do not believe six daily services, in competition with a clogged-up M11, could be regarded as significant investment.
I hear the Deputy's frustration when he suggests there should be better and more frequent services. This is where the all-island rail review comes into focus. Improvements in the line to Wexford and Rosslare are part of the overall plan. Some of the infrastructural investment that has to go in will be a challenge, considering where the line is and the infrastructure that will be required. It is important we have connectivity to the regions, including Wexford and Rosslare, and to have it equal to every other part of the country. It will take time but it is something we are looking at. We need more improvements and more infrastructure and the all-Ireland rail review sets out the pathway by which we do that. We will also be looking at the national development plan to ensure we have the funding to do it.
With respect, the only thing being suggested is forcing commuters to change in Wicklow or Greystones. If they are on a train early in the morning and it is wet and cold, commuters from Gorey, Arklow or Rathdrum to the city are expected to change trains. It is not acceptable. The Minister of State needs to be talking about a significant investment.
There is discussion as part of the all-island rail review of doubling the number of tracks between Dublin and Belfast to four. I welcome and support that. We ask for the same doubling of the number of tracks, simply from one to two, so more services are available. The M11 is completely clogged up and if we are going to provide an alternative, we need serious investment.
Deputy Byrne has brought up the issue of the Dublin to Belfast rail line and we want to see the four-track solution. I brought up previously, including last week, the issue of capacity on the Enterprise service from Dublin to Belfast. Anybody getting on, particularly at peak times, talks about it being incredibly uncomfortable and there not being enough space. We need greater capacity in the sense of a greater number of carriages or whatever. Even when people have booked tickets, they cannot necessarily get their seat. It has become a real issue for many in my constituency, particularly in Dundalk. Could something be looked at?
We are on the same wavelength here. We need proper investment and to deliver infrastructure that suits people's demands.
On the Dublin-Belfast issue, the popularity of the train service has created additional demand. That is a good thing. It means it is working. We have to keep it working right across the country and put investment into it. We also have to provide a good passenger experience to retain long-term customers. We need to invest a lot of money in bringing the rail network up to a standard that will attract more people to it. We have to provide carriages, rail infrastructure and passing loops and to increase the number of rail lines we have. That is all to be done. It is in the all-island rail review. It is a big challenge but if we are to provide services, take cars off the road and so on, this is the way to do it.
Bus Services
Mairéad Farrell
Question:99. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the BusConnects Galway bus network redesign; and the timeline for the implementation of the project. [9474/25]
I would like an update on the delivery timeline for BusConnects in Galway.
I thank the Deputy. As she may be aware, the NTA published the final new bus network design 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.
This new Galway network redesign involves extensive analysis and public consultation. The NTA carried out a detailed review of the bus network in collaboration with Galway City Council, Galway County Council and local bus operators, and with the specialised expertise of transport designers. In April 2023, a draft new network was published, and the feedback and submissions received have informed the final new bus network published that December. The new bus network will result in increased access to more schools and workplaces across Galway city, Barna and Oranmore. Once implemented, approximately 67% of residents will live within 400 m of a high-frequency bus route, that is, buses running every 15 minutes or better. The NTA is currently working closely with Galway city and county councils to progress key infrastructure required for the roll-out of the redesigned services. The redesigned services are expected to commence in 2027, subject to operational readiness and funding.
Other elements of BusConnects Galway are under development, including the cross-city link project, which was approved by An Bord Pleanála in September 2024 and is currently subject to judicial review, and the Dublin Road scheme, which the NTA is due to submit to An Bord Pleanála shortly. The Salmon Weir pedestrian and cycling bridge was officially opened to the public in May 2023, helping to improve existing bus services.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably. I look forward to the full implementation of BusConnects in Galway, no more than the Deputy.
Go raibh maith agat, a Aire Stáit. It is good to be talking to a Galway Minister on these issues. The latest I have on this states the dates for implementation of the new service have not yet been set but it is anticipated the changes would happen in 2027. I thank the Minister of State for his response but it is disappointing to hear that the BusConnects network changes have been pushed back again. What is causing the delay? I was previously told the changes would start to come in during 2025. More recently, I was told 2026 and now I am hearing about 2027. Will the Minister of State clarify how the 2027 date is compatible with the contracts in place? If there is a two-year gap between the end of the current City Direct contracts and the network changes, would that mean the NTA intends to implement new contracts with City Direct between 2025 and 2027?
I, too, question why we have to wait two years to get it implemented. It is something I will be going back on because it is important that we deliver infrastructure faster. The Government's approach is to implement things rather than strategise them. We have enough of the paperwork done. We need to get it going.
We have a huge problem with traffic in Galway city. We need to push on with the projects we need in the city, which will affect the county in its entirety. At the moment, we are developing Ceannt Station, bringing in four platforms. We have a passing loop in Oranmore, which has planning permission and which will bring more people into the city by public transport. We will also be looking at development of the western rail corridor from Athenry heading north to Claremorris. All of that will mean more people and fewer cars coming in.
I agree with the Deputy that the pace at which we are carrying out these infrastructure projects leaves a lot to be desired. I will be taking it up with them.
We all understand how difficult the traffic situation is in Galway and how it impacts people's lives every day when they are commuting, but my questions are specific because I have been dealing with it for a while. Does the NTA intend to implement new contracts with City Direct between 2025 and 2027?
I am aware the new network will replace all current services. Does the Minister of State mean that the new network will be run by Bus Éireann alone or will other contractors play a role?
I am concerned because this is something we have been waiting for for quite a long time. The 15 minutes he mentioned is extremely welcome as long as we keep our bus stop in Mervue. It is essential. I have raised that on numerous occasions. As the new Minister of State is from Galway and understands the importance of the Mervue bus stop, I want to highlight it here.
The Deputy is not the first public representative to talk to me about Mervue, so I am well aware of it.
I am sure.
On the detail the Deputy is looking for as regards the running of the bus service and the contracts that will be in place, that is information I do not have now.
I will come back to the Deputy because it is something I need to know about myself. As I said, I am just into the job so I will be finding out.
Thank you.
Public Transport
Roderic O'Gorman
Question:100. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the poor performance of many bus services provided by a company (details supplied) recently; the way he and the NTA will ensure a better, more reliable service for travellers in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9417/25]
In recent weeks the performance of one company, Go-Ahead, which operates bus routes across Dublin, has been widely criticised. At the same time Go-Ahead is being rewarded. It has successfully tendered to operate new bus routes. Does the Minister understand the frustration commuters feel at not getting the service that should be delivered, and at new services being awarded to that same company? Will the Minister tell us what tangible actions he and the NTA are taking to improve the commuter experience?
I am aware of the poor performance issues on certain routes operated by Go-Ahead in the greater Dublin area. I highlighted this myself. It was brought to my attention my many commuters.
As the Deputy knows, public transport service obligations are provided by both State and commercial operators under contract with the National Transport Authority. I assure the Deputy that the performance of all these public transport operators is closely monitored by the NTA as part of contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. I reassure the Deputy that I recently met with the NTA to discuss a range of public transport issues, including specifically these recent performance issues. The NTA fully acknowledged that an inadequate level of service was provided on certain routes operated on their behalf by Go-Ahead Ireland in recent weeks and it has been working closely with that operator to rectify the situation. The Deputy probably knows this already, but I understand that the issues arose due to a shortage of mechanics within the Go-Ahead operations. Upon the occurrence of the issue, various remedial measures were taken by Go-Ahead, including bringing in additional mechanics from Britain and obtaining additional support from other sources.
I have been advised that the situation has improved significantly and fleet availability within the Go-Ahead operations has now been restored to sufficient levels. I understand that the company has an ongoing mechanics recruitment campaign recruitment campaign and is continuing to invest in an apprenticeship program to train new mechanics and it is considering further recruitment initiatives to strengthen their mechanic resources.
Fundamentally the reliability of our bus services requires the type of bus priority measures we will introduce under BusConnects. This year will see construction start on the first of the BusConnects Dublin core bus corridors, with Liffey Valley and Ballymun-Finglas both expected to commence, and I look forward to the support of the House as we implement this transformative programme.
The reputation of this company has taken a real pounding because it is not meeting the services it committed to. The commuter experience is a key part in determining demand for public transport. People are telling their friends and family that they cannot rely on route X or route Y. It is negative in terms of encouraging people to make that shift to public transport. I have always felt the NTA needs to put a greater focus on the issue of the commuter experience. That is why in our recent manifesto we proposed the idea of an office of punctuality and reliability in the NTA that would have the ability to look route by route to get into the micro issues of the blockages on individual routes. Will the Minister consider resourcing an office of punctuality and reliability in the NTA so we can get a better focus on good quality journeys? The issues we are talking about now are not just once off and are not recent. They are long term, and they need a long-term response.
I have impressed on the NTA the real importance of being customer and user focused. A lot of time is spent, and rightly so, on expanding our bus network and investing in infrastructure. However, existing routes need to be supported. I agree with the Deputy. The passenger or customer experience is critical to ensuring other people use public transport. Thankfully, because of the work done by the previous Government and the former Minister, Eamon Ryan, supported by the Deputy, and by me, in Cabinet, we are seeing significant increases in those using public transport. We want to see more, and we want to build on that success. Certainty around reliability is critical and so is real-time information. The TII live app has been a frustration for people too. They are dependent on the bus operators to key into their own apps and then it is fed into one. There will be a new system coming in early next year of one combined real-time data. That is a massive frustration because people cannot make a decision as to whether a bus is turning up or not, or on whether to try to change their journey.
Sticking on that idea of the commuter experience, one proposal I welcome in the new programme for Government is the proposal for a transport security force. Many of us who have had a negative experience on public transport, particularly because of the location as you can be isolated in a train or Luas carriage, know it can be hard to get out of those situations. That is why we need a transport police. That is something the Green Party suggested in its manifesto. Will the Minister tell us about his ambition for this particular force? When does he expect to first see officers in trains or on buses? What scale of force is he thinking about, and is it just for buses or does he see it on all types of services around the country?
I thank the Deputy for giving me the opportunity to update him on this. It was a Green Party commitment in its manifesto. It was a Fianna Fáil commitment as well that we have a transport security force and transport police supported by colleagues in the programme for Government. Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Regional Independents have agreed that measure, and it is an important step forward that that be done. We are already working on it. We will require legislation. The transport security force will sit under the NTA. I will establish it. I have already had discussions with the Minister for Justice, Deputy O'Callaghan. I am waiting for options papers on that, but we have commenced the work already. The sooner it is the better, frankly. There have been changes made by the previous Minister for Justice as well with regard to Garda hubs in transport areas and that has been welcomed. That will be expanded. To answer the Deputy's question on where the transport security force would operate, I would see it operating initially on our rail and Luas lines. It will operate on buses, but we will need to scale it up. We will have to look at how we scale it up. We need to underpin it by legislation. Recruitment will also have to happen and An Garda Síochána will be a crucial part of it, but we are working on the establishment of the transport security force as we speak.
Rail Network
Catherine Connolly
Question:101. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on the roll-out of light rail for Galway, following the publication of the feasibility study on 30 October 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9456/25]
Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Aire agus leis an Aire Stáit nua. Guím gach rath orthu ina róil nua. Baineann mo cheist go sonrach le córas iarnróid éadroim do chathair na Gaillimhe. Cén dul chun cinn atá déanta? I congratulate the new Minister and Minister of State and I wish them the best of luck. My specific question is about what progress has been made relating to the roll-out of light rail in Galway, as one essential part of the solution to traffic congestion in Galway.
I thank the Deputy for her kind words. As she is aware the National Transport Authority published a light rail feasibility study for Galway last October for information. The study was prepared as part of a mode-specific analysis undertaken for the development of the Galway metropolitan area transport strategy, which the NTA is developing, in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council. A strategic roads feasibility study is also being undertaken. The findings from both studies will be used to inform the development of a new multi-modal strategy, alongside recommendations for active travel, bus services, rail, road and demand management measures.
The light rail feasibility study has shown that there could, under the right conditions, be a case for developing a light rail system for Galway. It should be noted that any future rail project in Galway will only be advanced subject to funding and securing relevant Government approval under the infrastructure guidelines. The feasibility study is not intended to specifically identify a preferred alignment of a light rail corridor in Galway. Instead, it explores key issues and potential feasibility. Route options will need to be explored in more detail during any subsequent process of options assessment and development. The feasibility study will form part of the evidence base used as an input into the development of the new Galway metropolitan area transport strategy, which will be subject to a full environmental analysis and a public consultation process in due course. Implementation of any recommendations identified in the new strategy will be subject to the availability of funding as might be available under the relevant national development plan.
This plan-led, long-term and multi-modal approach to transport infrastructure delivery is in line with international best practice. It is important we consider a metropolitan area's transport requirements in the round rather than through the narrow prism of one specific mode. I accept what the Deputy's question asked and I look forward to working with her to improve transport in Galway.
I think the Minister of State would agree that transport could not get any worse in Galway with traffic congestion.
I welcome that there is going to be a plan, but I will tell the Minister of State about my experience. The transport plan that became law in 2016 was already dated and outmoded in light of the increase in the population, the promised increase in the population and our obligations under climate change legislation. With a small team on the streets of Galway - we did not take one signature online - I gathered 24,000 signatures in 2018 from people crying out for a feasibility study. That was eventually done by the previous Government. I welcomed that. It was finally published and it indicated that this was eminently doable. While it will not be reached tonight, I have a question further down the question paper on park-and-ride facilities. The sustainable solutions in Galway have never been rolled out. A park-and-ride facility still remains up in the clouds even though it was enshrined in the city development plan on 1 February 20 years ago. Will the Minister of State give me some dates in respect of the promised metropolitan area plan?
I understand the Deputy's frustration when she talks about this particular problem we have in Galway. I hope we will be able to find solutions. One of the frustrations is that we spend a great deal of time on strategies and plans when we need to spend a little bit more time on implementation so that we can actually see the improvements reaching people on the ground. The light rail feasibility study was published for information last October. It was prepared by experts in international transport. It is a study for information but also to inform planners on the best way forward. However, we have to wait for the roads strategy feasibility study to be completed as well. As we all know, the outer ring road project will be going back to An Bord Pleanála with the further information from Galway County Council. I expect that to happen next month or the month after. That will take another year. There is great frustration among those who come to Galway or work there. It is important that we get some measures in place to try to help.
The Minister of State knows my views on the N6 project. There are sustainable solutions to the traffic congestion in Galway. We are under an obligation. The Minister of State may have listened to the radio interview this morning regarding the billions we are going to pay in fines for failure to comply with our obligations. Galway is one of five cities that is destined to grow. We have no park-and-ride facilities even though it was put into the city development plan and became law on 1 February 2005. I have to keep repeating this because the people of Galway, through the councillors, put forward suggestions but they were never implemented. You have to ask yourself why this park-and-ride proposal was never implemented over those 20 years. I know exactly how long the light rail feasibility study took. I thank the Minister of State for mentioning it and looking on it as a possibility. It has taken a very long time. The Minister of State is behind the western rail corridor and I fully support him on that. These are all sustainable solutions that will allow us to comply with our climate obligations.
The Deputy is right. I mentioned earlier that rail infrastructure in Galway is being developed with the development of Ceannt Station and the granting of planning permission for the passing loop at Oranmore. It is important that we create better connectivity into the city but also that we create a city in which you can move around in comfort. On the issue of the park-and-ride facilities that were planned and approved by councillors, I will check that out. I will be meeting with the executive in both the city and county in the coming weeks to see exactly where we are as regards implementation.
Public Transport
Barry Ward
Question:102. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any initiative his Department is progressing to improve passenger safety on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8931/25]
Déanaim comhghairdeas leis na hAirí. Go n-éirí an bheirt acu leis na poist atá acu. Baineann an cheist atá agam le sábháilteacht phaisinéirí ar iompar poiblí. What plans or measures are in place to protect passengers' safety on public transport?
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as ucht na ceiste tábhachtaí faoi shábháilteacht phaisinéirí ar iompar phoiblí. As he will be acutely aware, antisocial behaviour is a broad societal issue to which public transport is unfortunately not immune. I have witnessed, as the Deputy will have in talking to his constituents, that this is a matter that really does need to be addressed. It is those passengers and staff who regularly use and work within the public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network.
To help tackle this critical issue, the programme for Government contains a strong commitment from the Deputy's party, my own and the regional Independents to create a transport security force under the national transport authority that would operate with similar powers to airport police and customs officers. I assure the Deputy that it is a priority. We have already started work in the Department to identify the legislation that will need to be brought forward and the powers this force will have.
We continue to work closely with industry stakeholders to identify measures to improve passenger safety across the public transport network. In this regard, a public transport safety working group with representatives from all operators, the commercial bus sector, the NTA, unions, An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice and passenger representative groups has been established. The work of this group will be closely linked to the implementation plan to improve safety for passengers travelling on the network that was developed by the NTA from its annual safety and security report. The 2024 report is expected to be published in the coming weeks. I will read it with interest.
In my supplementary response, I will outline some other measures that are being taken. The previous Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, took some specific measures regarding transport hubs that are still in place.
I do not have to ask my constituents about this because I get the bus myself. The lack of a ministerial car means I have to get the E2. I was about to say the 46A but it is the E2 now. I appreciate what the Minister said. I presume it is not planned to have a transport security force person on every bus, DART or Luas. Are there other measures that could be put in place? I think of DART stations. In many DART stations, there is only one entrance. In Dún Laoghaire, you have to enter at the south end of the platform despite the fact that there is easy access at the other end. It is the same at Sandycove and Glasthule. There could be an access point at the Eden Road Upper end. It means that passengers, particularly people on their own and especially women on their own, have to go through a particular point as they come in and out of the DART station. I have asked this question and it has been referred to Iarnród Éireann. I have not had a satisfactory answer. It seems to be a very easy way to ensure personal safety if people do not have to be channelled through a particular port every time they use a service.
I was looking at the previous safety report and I was taken by the fact that 84% of respondents who were asked said that they felt safe on public transport. I am not disputing the numbers but I was quite surprised by that. It depends on the route. I use public transport. I am in the Dublin commuter zone. There are many other things that need to be done. On DART stations, I was pleased to see that there are 576 cameras on the network. There are 110 cab cameras that are monitored in real time at Howth Junction. On trains, Iarnród Éireann's security budget is €11.3 million in 2025. That has nearly doubled since 2023. That is good. I have seen that. I have also seen that Dublin Bus is operating a pilot programme in respect of private security on some Dublin Bus routes. It is without doubt that we need the transport security force. It will take some time to legislate for that. We also need to continue to work with An Garda Síochána and to support the units within it because there is still an issue. I firmly believe that.
I agree with what the Minister said. There is an ancillary issue. Obviously, my question contemplates personal safety in the context of the antisocial behaviour and criminality the Minister referred to, but a lady in Glasthule raised an issue with me today regarding the difference in the style of driving between different bus drivers depending on whether they were trained by Bus Átha Cliath or Go-Ahead. I do not know if the Minister has any information about the training regimes that are in operation but if the anecdotal evidence is to be believed, Go-Ahead bus drivers have a more cavalier attitude to speed and things like that. I have not seen this but the matter was raised with me today. From being on buses, I certainly know that some drivers can drive in ways that endanger passengers on board. Do the Department or the NTA have any guidelines for the training of bus drivers or can anything be done to ensure the physical safety of passengers and those outside the buses?
The training to secure a licence for a vehicle such as that is standardised and obviously involves road testing and so on.
I have not had any complaints about different driving styles across Bus Átha Cliath, Go-Ahead Ireland or Bus Éireann, but that is obviously the experience the Deputy's constituent had.
On safety, Dublin Bus took the bull by the horns in running its pilot programme. We have expanded services. For example, Dublin Bus is running 24-hour buses in the city. I would like to see that expanded further. Transdev and Dublin light rail have 50 permanent security staff on our trains, but we have to be honest. While all of Go-Ahead's buses have cameras, as do all Dublin Bus buses and Bus Éireann, more people are using public transport than ever. That is good but they deserve to feel safe on those journeys. Sometimes, it is about particular routes, which are being focused on by the operators, and particular times. My main focus will be, with the Deputy's support, on establishing a transport security force and rolling that out throughout the country.
Road Projects
David Cullinane
Question:103. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport his position on funding for transport infrastructure upgrades in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8754/25]
My question relates to the Minister's plans to fund public transport infrastructure upgrades across Waterford city and county.
I appreciate the question. The Government’s position on this issue is clear – we look forward to delivering improved transport and an improved transport network for the people of Waterford, and to continue that over the coming years.
In the city area, those improvements will be introduced in line with the Waterford metropolitan area transport strategy, which sets out a plan-led, evidence-informed basis to improve active travel, public transport and road networks across the metropolitan area in the years ahead. A key component of the strategy will be rolling out BusConnects Waterford in the coming years, and I look forward to seeing that commence, which will build on the improvements introduced a few years ago.
In the wider county area, the Deputy will no doubt acknowledge the substantial progress already made in improving public transport under the Connecting Ireland programme. Connecting Ireland is introducing public transport to towns and villages in Waterford that have never had services before and enhancing service levels in those towns and villages that have services. I look forward to his continued support in that and seeing that progress over the coming years.
On roads, we are supporting the council in the protection and renewal of the existing network and in delivering a new and improved network for the future. An area I will be looking at in the context of the review of the NDP will be to see how we can increase funding towards protection and renewal works, including climate adaptation. This is an area we can improve upon and I will look to accommodate that in the NDP review.
It would be remiss of me to discuss transport infrastructure in Waterford without discussing the north quays project. I have no doubt the Deputy shares my belief - I know he does from our discussions on this - that this will be a truly transformative project for Waterford. From my perspective, it also highlights the type of projects that can be delivered through joined-up thinking and co-ordination across different Government funding sources.
I agree with the Minister on the transformative nature of the north quays project, which we all want to see progressed as quickly as possible.
I will raise the issue of upgrading the N24, which is the Waterford to Limerick road. I spoke to the Minister privately on this a number of weeks ago. I know he received a letter from the three CEOs of the local authorities in Carlow-Kilkenny, Waterford and Tipperary. He will know that the project was funded up to phase 1. We now need phases 2, 3 and 4 to be fully funded. My understanding is that there is an ask of approximately €8 million over the next three years and €2.2 million is needed to advance phases 3 and 4 in 2025. The CEOs of the local authorities are looking for that commitment. The Minister will know that the preferred transport route has been agreed and has gone out for public consultation. That will include bypasses for Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir, Kilsheelan and, I think, Mooncoin. Is he committed to providing that €2.2 million in 2025?
The Deputy is correct; we have discussed this privately. A number of Deputies are interested in this important project. In 2024, approximately €4.8 million was allocated to Waterford City and County Council, under the national roads network, for national roads in Waterford. Two major road projects of importance in Waterford are in the NDP, namely, the N24 and the N25, which is Waterford to Glenmore. I recently received a submission on national roads and future funding for that. I will assess that in the coming weeks. I see Deputy McGrath is coming in on this issue as well and I am aware many others are particularly focused on this project. I will certainly give it due consideration. I have received contact from the chief executives as well, and from Deputies across all parties and none on this road infrastructure and the advancement of these projects, but no decisions have been made on these yet.
This is important from a road safety perspective. Approximately 60% of the improvements that will be carried out are improvements to the existing road network. The three bypasses form approximately 40% of the project, as the Minister will know. That is in line with the Department's guidelines. This is very important economically because it concerns the connectivity of two major cities, namely, Waterford and Limerick. It is an opportunity for Waterford to have an improved road network and improved transport connectivity with the west of Ireland, so it is important. I agree there is also a need to upgrade the N25, which is the Waterford to Cork route. Colleagues across the Waterford and Cork area have lobbied extensively for this over the past number of years.
I was in contact with the Ballymacarbry road action group. Ballymacarbry is a village in County Waterford. People there have worked with the local council, which has put in a funding request for traffic-calming measures outside the school. These are also important issues. Will the Minister look into that and look favourably on it? It is a very important improvement for people who live in the Ballymacarbry area and parish.
Notwithstanding what the Minister and my colleague Deputy Cullinane said, Waterford feels like the poor relation when it comes to roads funding if we consider active travel in the county, moneys for road maintenance across the city and county, the N24 and the R672 that Deputy Cullinane also mentioned. The N25 is widely regarded as the most dangerous national road in the State and is in dire need of funding for safety works. Will the Minister ensure that it is prioritised for funding under the NDP as a matter of urgency? There have been too many accidents with loss of life and great injury. We need to see action on it sooner rather than later.
I thank the Minister for his engagement on this, including with Councillor Máirín McGrath and me, and with Deputy Murphy from Tipperary South. This project has got so far. It is small money in the overall context to keep it alive and to have it progressed from the stage it is at now. This very important route goes from Waterford to Rosslare right up to Foynes, including all the towns and villages in counties Tipperary, Kilkenny and Port Láirge it passes through. I support my colleagues. Deputy Cullinane was speaking about my parish when he mentioned the national school in Contae Phort Láirge. Traffic calming is badly needed there. It is an excellent school with excellent students. I am glad that the Deputy knows where it is.
Gabhaim buíochas leis na Teachtaí. I am aware of how important this is. We will have national roads announcements in the coming weeks. I mentioned €4.8 million was allocated in 2024. Just two weeks ago, on 14 February, €23.6 million was also allocated to Waterford as part of the regional and local roads allocations. I am aware of the importance of the N25 and the N24, which Deputy McGrath mentioned and about which I spoke to him directly. That is a very significant road improvement scheme in the context of the whole network, involving approximately 60 km. It requires significant funding to move this on. There will be many competing projects within this year's programme. Within the past few days, I received a draft submission, which I intend to review in detail. I expect to make announcements in the coming weeks in this regard.
Specifically on the action group Deputy Cullinane mentioned, I would be happy to interact with them if he forwards any correspondence he has to me.
Road Projects
James O'Connor
Question:104. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the funding available for the national roads in 2025; if there will be funding for a project (details supplied) to take it through the next gateway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9325/25]
I congratulate the Minister on his appointment. I will ask about the very important issue of the upgrade of the N25 between Midleton and Youghal. This is one of the most dangerous sections of national road in the country. It has a long record of multiple, fatal and serious road traffic accidents causing lifelong injuries for those who have been sadly impacted.
I have been very passionate about raising with the Government the matter of bypassing Castlemartyr and Killeagh villages. With funding due in the coming weeks, will the Minister fund the appointment of a design consultant, which has been promised, through TII funding?
I thank the Deputy very much. I am aware that the progression of this project is of great interest to him and the local community. Indeed, I visited the area with him not so long ago and met community groups.
The Government has earmarked €5.1 billion for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. While the greater portion of this funding is to become available from 2026 to 2030, many road projects continue to be progressed. Projects already delivered in County Cork include the N22 from Baile Bhuirne to Macroom and the upgraded Dunkettle interchange.
The N25 Midleton–Youghal scheme includes bypasses of the villages of Castlemartyr and Killeagh, which the Deputy mentioned. The project would improve connectivity along the N25 corridor for all road users, including for freight traffic to the ports of Cork and Waterford and Rosslare Europort. The Deputy has advocated this very strongly. The project would also deliver quality-of-life improvements to the residents of Killeagh and Castlemartyr, reducing congestion, pollution and noise. This is in addition to the improvement in safety that would be provided for both villages.
In 2022, my Department provided an allocation to Cork County Council to progress a strategic assessment report for the N25 Midleton–Youghal scheme. This was submitted to the Department in January 2023. The concept and feasibility phase is now approaching completion. Cork County Council is preparing tender documents for the procurement of technical advisers to take the project through its next phases. This will include the selection of a preferred route option, along with detailed design and environmental evaluation. In 2024, this project received an allocation of €450,000.
I assure the Deputy that the delivery of this project remains an absolute priority of the Government. As I have discussed with him directly and as I know he appreciates, I will be announcing the funding for 2025 very shortly.
I thank the Minister. I welcome his words on this and, as he has mentioned, the fact he came with me to visit the east Cork area, particularly the town of Youghal. Economically, Youghal needs a serious lift. People there have lost all faith in the Government. I do not believe the majority of the community there would have any issue with me stating that. As a local TD who lives there and who was born and raised in the area, I understand why. The lack of industry, jobs and investment and recent decisions on the large-scale IPA centre have led to a confluence of events in respect of which people are crying out for Government investment. A turning point in this regard will be the upgrading of the N25 corridor between Midleton and Youghal. More cars go through the village of Castlemartyr than travel on the Limerick–Galway motorway. This is a staggering statistic for a small, beautiful rural village. It goes to show how the lack of investment has had an effect. We have tailbacks and congestion stretching several kilometres in either direction morning and evening and this is having a huge impact on the quality of life. Does the Minister see why there is a need for the design consultant to be appointed urgently?
I do. I spent a fair bit of time with the Deputy in the region, including in Youghal and Castlemartyr. I met community groups too. I absolutely see the need for that. During the middle of the day, outside rush hour, you can see the level of traffic moving through. Colleagues and I have paid very particular attention to the submission I have received. I will be reviewing it. The Deputy has advocated extremely strongly on behalf of his community and constituents, and I want to see this project moving forward. I do not want to pre-empt any announcement because I need to consider the capital envelope we have in the round and how we will make the allocations, but the Deputy can be assured that the points he has made, not just this evening but continually and consistently, are well made and fully understood by me. I expect to be making announcements shortly in this regard, in a matter of weeks.
I thank the Minister and welcome his reply. I know from his time in the Department of housing that he has often faced down difficult challenges in respect of banging heads together to try to get results. It is not always achievable overnight; it takes years of hard work to make these things happen.
One of the positive decisions taken, for which I fought in the programme for Government submission I made, was on the need for multi-annual road funding to give certainty to contractors involved in capital projects. We had an outrageous system where, every six months, the process changed in some format. There was an issue around funding, weather had an impact, and there were public spending code issues. There are five or six administrative barriers that stop capital projects from progressing. I have great faith in the capacity of the Minister, who is new to his Department, to iron out the backlogs, but could he give me some insight into whether he intends to tackle the red tape associated with getting capital projects built in the area of road transportation?
Earlier, when answering other questions, both the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and I were talking about the genuine importance of delivery during the term of this Government. We have many plans and strategies. We have seen improvements in our road network but the focus has got to be on delivering on projects.
The point the Deputy made on multi-annual funding for roads is one I agree with. It is not within my gift alone or that of the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, to provide the funding but we want to determine how we can advance it. It would give certainty to the part of the construction sector concerned, such that it could see a pipeline of work and scale towards doing what is required. That was my experience in the Department of housing. Multi-annual funding is important because it gives certainty regarding investment. It means people have work and can take on people. It means they will see a pipeline of significant works. I am more than confident that we will see a very significant improvement in our road network over the term of this Government. We are determined to achieve this. I have already discussed with officials the need to examine the next phase of road projects with a view to funding on multi-annual basis.
Road Projects
Mattie McGrath
Question:105. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Tipperary town bypass; if the bypass can be fast-tracked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8898/25]
Ar an gcéad dul síos, déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Aire, an Teachta O’Brien, agus an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Canney. Gabhaim buíochas leo as labhairt liom faoi bhóithre Thiobraid Árann. I ask both of them, but particularly the Minister, for an update on the Tipperary town bypass. Can it be fast-tracked because people have literally been waiting for it for decades? We were a long way down the road with the N24 back 15 years ago and now we are at it again. We would love to see the bypass included as part of the footprint of the new N24.
Míle buíochas don Teachta as ucht a chomhghairdeas. I thank the Deputy for the question. This has long been a matter of concern to him and the people of Tipperary, particularly the residents of Tipperary town and those who use the N24.
This project forms part of a 35 km improvement scheme for the N24 between Cahir in County Tipperary and Limerick Junction. The proposed project would include bypasses of Tipperary town and Bansha, enhance regional accessibility and improve connectivity between Limerick and Waterford.
By removing through traffic from a number of towns, there would be greater safety for road users and increased capacity on the network for both public transport and freight traffic. There would also be scope for urban environment improvements and improvements to the public realm and facilities in towns and villages, particularly the Deputy’s own town in Tipperary. This would have a positive social benefit for residents and encourage walking and cycling in the area.
The project is currently progressing through the design and environmental evaluation phase, during which detailed design of the project is undertaken, along with the preparation of land acquisition documentation and surveys. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has advised my Department that it is anticipated that this phase will conclude in the second half of this year, after which a preliminary business case will be submitted to my Department, as per the infrastructure guidelines.
With regard to the fast-tracking of individual elements of the overall project, the delivery programme will be clearer once the current project phase has concluded. However, my officials will continue to engage with TII with regard to this project, including, I can assure the Deputy, on the feasibility of fast-tracking elements of the project such as the Tipperary town bypass.
Subject to the Government's approval of the preliminary business case, the project will then proceed through the statutory processes, which will include an application for planning approval to An Bord Pleanála. It is expected that this application will be made in the first half of 2026.
I thank the Minister for his very in-depth reply. It is a long way to Tipperary and I hope one of his first visits will be to Tipperary town to note the anguish, trauma, noise and pollution that are experienced daily owing to hundreds of trucks travelling bumper to bumper. The people of Tipperary town are wonderful. Some years ago, 5,000 of them took to the streets with March4Tipp, along with Jobs4Tipp and County Tipperary Chamber.
Tá siad ar fad ag lorg an bóthar nua. We need it. The people need the infrastructure. This is the main thoroughfare from Rosslare Port to the Port of Foynes. As the Minister said, we are going to bypass Bansha, Monard and Limerick Junction in County Tipperary and Oola in County Limerick. It is a vital project.
Before TII was dreamt of or conceived, we in Tipperary had form. We built the Cashel bypass on the footprint of the N8. We linked up afterwards when the funding came along. We have the model and it is a no-brainer to do this section and bypass the town. It is such a necessity.
I thank the Deputy. He has strongly and passionately argued for this project. We will engage with TII around the feasibility of fast-tracking elements of the project, particularly the Tipperary town bypass. Other elements will require planning permission and to go through the process. We are committed to it, as the Deputy is. It will make a massive difference to residents in the area. If we can bypass Tipperary town, we can make the improvements I have mentioned to the public realm within the town. There will be opportunities for businesses and people to consider new enterprises in the area. We can improve the quality of life in the town centre.
I assure the Deputy that I will stay engaged directly with him on the issue. I have taken on board what he said and will keep him informed of progress at each stage.
Tá spiorad iontach ag na daoine in Tipperary, daoine óga agus daoine aosta. It is a wonderful town with wonderful people. It has got many knocks over the years but there are many community and voluntary associations in the town. I could name them. They include Knockanrawley Resource Centre, the Canon Hayes Recreation Centre and the MooreHaven Centre. There are also sporting clubs, which is huge. All the people want is to get the heavy traffic amach as an baile, out of the town, and let normal traffic and normal commerce take place. Let the people work, live and play in the town. Is mór an t-áthas atá orm chun an bypass sin a fháil ar son na ndaoine i dTiobraid Árann. We must look at this model. As I said, it was done. I happened to be the Cathaoirleach of a county council the day the Cashel bypass opened. We did that on the footprint of the N8. We came along with the M8 and linked both sections of it, and away we went. Cashel has the bypass. Clonmel has a bypass. It is overutilised now and cannot cope. Tipperary town badly needs a bypass for industry, business and social activities, and for the people to live healthy and happy lives.
Aontaím le gach rud a bhí á rá ag an Teachta. Tuigim go bhfuil an scéim seo an-tábhachtach ar fad ar son na ndaoine i dTiobraid Árann. Tiocfaidh mé ar ais chuig an Teachta go luath nuair a bheidh nuacht nua agam faoi sin. Tá súil agam go mbeidh mé ábalta dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar son na ndaoine i dTiobraid Árann, go háirithe leis na bóithre. Caithfidh mé bualadh le TII agus an chomhairle contae faoin scéim seo. Tiocfaidh mé ar ais chuig an Teachta tar éis an chruinnithe sin.
Question No. 106 taken with Written Answers
Rail Network
Louis O'Hara
Question:107. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made towards reopening the western rail corridor; if a decision on reopening the rail line will be made in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8894/25]
I ask the Minister of State to outline the progress that has been made towards the reopening of the western rail corridor. Will a decision be made in respect of that rail line in the near future? As the Minister of State will know, it is a long-awaited project that is absolutely critical to the west of Ireland.
As the Deputy is probably aware, this is a project I have been pursuing for a long number of years. The final report of the all-island strategic rail review was published in July last year, following extensive public consultation. The report sets out 32 recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with decarbonisation commitments in both jurisdictions.
The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds and higher service frequencies, and new and reinstated rail lines. Included in these recommendations is the work on the reinstatement of the western rail corridor between Athenry and Claremorris, which should commence in 2030. However, the programme for Government commits to working collaboratively to act on the recommendations of the rail review. Assisted by the European Investment Bank advisory services, my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, and agencies north and south of the Border, are working to progress the rail review's recommendations in the years ahead.
This work will additionally inform my Department's engagement on the review of the current national development plan, which is planned to take place this year. It should also be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the rail review will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the infrastructure guidelines. The publication of the rail review provides a very useful evidence-informed basis for our engagement with the national development plan review later this year.
We are already investing in rail in Galway, with Ceannt Station being developed and with the passing loop at Oranmore, which gives us better frequency of services from Athenry to Galway.
I thank the Minister of State. The benefits of this project are clear and well-known. I know that the Minister of State knows the benefits very well. I recognise that he has been a long-time supporter of the rail line. I hope he will now deliver on it in government. It is critical for economic development in the west, people's mobility, taking cars off the road and addressing the chronic traffic problems in Galway. There are significant numbers of commuters in our constituency, including students and people attending hospital and so on, who are stuck in traffic for hours each day coming into and leaving Galway. This project would benefit them. It is critical for economic and balanced regional development, as the Minister of State knows well. We need State investment in our infrastructure to address that deficit.
Did I pick up the Minister of State correctly on the timeline? Did he say he expects the project to commence in 2030? Is there a clear timeline?
There is a timeline. I said that the all-island rail review mentioned a start date of 2030. However, with the review of the national development plan, and in view of the fact that the project does not need planning permission or a rail order, it is a project that can be implemented a lot quicker than that. I hope to talk to and continue to engage with officials. In the context of the national development plan, we hope to ensure that this project gets going as soon as possible.
As we said earlier, it is important that we are a Government of implementation rather than one that does strategies. We need to implement the plans we have. We have the money to invest. As the Deputy rightly pointed out, this is a project that will connect Ballina, Westport, Castlebar, Claremorris, Tuam and Athenry, and will run down into Limerick and Cork Port, over to Waterford Port, out to Foynes and into Galway. It is bringing back that link to give us connectivity along the Atlantic economic corridor. I will be working with might and main to achieve that in the shortest time possible.
Is féidir teacht ar Cheisteanna Scríofa ar www.oireachtas.ie.
Written Answers are published on the Oireachtas website.