Niall Collins
Question:242. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport when retired CIÉ workers will receive the payment due to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1396/25]
View answerCóras Iompair Éireann
Questions (242)
Written answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ, Group and their employees.
Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the respective Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. For the first time in many years both CIÉ pension Schemes now meet the Pensions Authority’s Minimum Funding Standard (MFS), but the scheme deficits are still significant. The MFS indicates both schemes ability to ‘wind-up’ as it currently stands, as opposed to the ability to fund an increase in pension benefits.
Any proposal to increase pension benefits would be dependent on the advice of the Schemes Actuary at the time an increase is proposed and must be done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes. Awarding discretionary pension increases remains a goal of the CIÉ Group, but it is not envisaged that any such increases can be awarded from the Schemes in the near term.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Road Network
Questions (243)
Louis O'Hara
Question:243. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the criteria for installation of ‘cat’s eyes’ on rural roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1402/25]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Criteria for Cats Eyes are contained in the Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 7 “Road Markings” , at published by the Department of Transport in December 2024, and in particular section 7.10, set out below for ease of reference:
7.10.1 Road studs shall comply with EN Standards and should be of a type approved for use by Transport Infrastructure Ireland for national roads, or the Department of Transport for other roads.
7.10.2 In urban speed limit zones, where street lighting is provided, studs will not generally be necessary. However, in the case of higher speed urban and rural roads and rural national roads, lit and unlit, all centre lines, lane lines, edge of carriageway lines and hatching should have reflecting road studs on the mainline and on all associated road links such as slips, interchange links and loops.
Road Safety
Questions (244)
Louis O'Hara
Question:244. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has concerns related to difficulties caused by high-intensity LED headlights on new cars for oncoming drivers; if this matter has been discussed with the European Commission which is responsible for regulation of this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1403/25]
View answerWritten answers
All new vehicles are required to meet European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) standards before they can be driven on Irish roads. ECWVTA is based on the principle that vehicles are manufactured to conform to an approved type. Vehicles with ECWVTA are issued with an EC Certificate of Conformity, allowing them to be registered in any EU Member State. Type approval removes barriers to trade for manufacturers and ensures that new vehicles are manufactured to uniform safety and environmental standards.
The use of HID and LED headlights in the EU is regulated by the European type-approval system, under Regulation (EU) 2018/858, eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/858/oj/eng, transposed by SI 556/2020 www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2020/si/556/made/en/print,- European Union (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval and Market Surveillance) Regulations 2020. This system establishes the technical and safety standards required for the sale or use of a vehicle or vehicle component in EU Member States. To gain type-approval, headlight components and technology must meet specific safety standards. Accordingly, if a headlight has been type-approved and entered into service it is considered safe to use in the EU.
Factors which can contribute headlamp glare include misaligned headlamp aim, dirty or damaged headlamps or incorrect bulbs. During roadworthiness testing (NCT and CVRT), the lighting system is checked for working order and correct alignment, for the safe performance of the vehicle.
As headlight standards are regulated at EU level, my Department currently has no plans to carry out any study on their use in the State. However, I understand that the UNECE Working Party on Lighting and Light-Signalling unece.org/transportvehicle-regulations/working-party-lighting-and-light-signalling-introduction is planning on establishing a task force to investigate this issue.
Bus Services
Questions (245)
Paul Donnelly
Question:245. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers are needed to reach a full complement in both Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus; and the number of mechanics needed to reach a full complement for these companies. [1415/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The question raised by the deputy in relation to how many drivers are needed to reach a full complement; and how many mechanics are needed to reach a full complement, are operational matters for both Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus respectively.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
School Transport
Questions (246)
Matt Carthy
Question:246. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with Bus Éireann regarding that company’s rule that prevents drivers over 70 years of age from driving school buses, considering that this rule often results in the cancellation of school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1442/25]
View answerWritten answers
Official from my Department, the Department of Education and Bus Éireann have been engaging for some time on this issue.
As the Deputy will be aware, the new Programme for Government commits to the carrying out of an independent assessment on the feasibility of removing this rule. I will be discussing with the Minister for Education and Bus Éireann how best to fulfil this commitment as quickly as possible.
Road Traffic Accidents
Questions (247)
John Brady
Question:247. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the number of collisions involving e-scooters in the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1449/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a statutory remit to report on fatal, serious and minor injury collisions on public roads. The RSA receives collision data from An Garda Síochána for this purpose and produces official statistics to help develop evidence-based road safety interventions.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Bus Éireann
Questions (248)
Niamh Smyth
Question:248. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to review correspondence regarding the new Bus Eireann route 30 timetable (details supplied); if he will have the changes to the new timetable reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1450/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this instance Bus Éireann.
Further, Bus Éireann's Expressway services, including route 30/X30, are commercial bus services and responsibility for the operation of those services is a matter for the company.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann and the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Driver Test
Questions (249)
Paul Murphy
Question:249. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the delays for those waiting to take their driving test (details supplied); the reason for these delays; and if his Department will take steps to ensure that waiting times are reduced. [1462/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, this includes all application and scheduling matters. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten days.
Pending this detailed response, to address the issue of driver testing waiting times, in September 2024 my Department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent positions for driver testers. This increases the total permanent sanction for driver testers to 200, which represents a doubling of the comparable sanction of 100 posts in June 2022.
As a condition of sanction for these additional resources, my officials have requested that a plan is put in place to restore waiting times to 10 weeks as soon as possible. I understand that recruitment is well underway and additional capacity will enter the service in the coming months, helping to progressively reduce waiting times.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Driver Licences
Questions (250)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:250. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport regarding a person who had a full Irish driving licence which became lost (details supplied), if he agrees that this person should receive a replacement licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1487/25]
View answerWritten answers
All enquires relating to Irish driving licences and driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. My Department does not have access to individual applications.
As this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Bus Éireann
Questions (251)
Thomas Gould
Question:251. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers currently in training; and the current deficit in Bus Éireann in Cork. [1502/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
As the issues raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Bus Éireann, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Bus Services
Questions (252)
Thomas Gould
Question:252. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether reduced timetables in Cork have increased reliability of buses; and when full timetables will return. [1503/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this instance Bus Éireann.
In light of the NTA and Bus Éireann's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them both for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Coast Guard Service
Questions (253)
John Connolly
Question:253. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the details of all capital projects currently progressing under the Irish Coast Guard building programme. [1508/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Coast Guard building programme is aimed at ensuring accommodation facilities for Coast Guard Units along the coast are fit for purpose. The programme is managed through the Office of Public Works (OPW) from planning design to build and on-going maintenance, with legal assistance as necessary from the Chief State Solicitor’s Office.
There has been good progress on the Coast Guard Building Programme in recent years with the completion of the new station building at Bonmahon Co Waterford in December 2023.
The Westport station building project in Co. Mayo commenced construction in March 2024 and the project has been making steady progress in line with expectation. Stonework, mechanical and electrical works are currently underway. Project completion is on target for October 2025.
The Greystones station building project in Co. Wicklow has also advanced significantly, with the tendering process due to commence imminently. This project is expected to commence Q2 2025 with an estimated project timeframe of 14 months.
There are a number of other station building projects which are currently at preliminary design stage and preplanning stage which are being progressed in conjunction with OPW.
Coast Guard Service
Questions (254)
John Connolly
Question:254. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the details of the level of investment in capital works undertaken at each Coast Guard station throughout the country over the past ten years. [1510/25]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested has been noted and will take some time to collate, a response will be provided as soon as possible.
Active Travel
Questions (255)
John Connolly
Question:255. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if active travel funding has been sought for enhanced pedestrian facilities along the R336 at locations (details supplied). [1512/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 167 schools form Round 1 of the SRTS Programme while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme was launched in November 2024. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the Rounds to date will be selected for forthcoming rounds.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
Bus Services
Questions (256)
John Connolly
Question:256. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if, as part of the bus shelter enhancement programme, suitable locations had been agreed and funding provided for the provision of bus shelters in Bearna and in An Spidéal, Contae na Gaillimhe. [1514/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Noise Pollution
Questions (257)
Pádraig Rice
Question:257. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to ensure that noise level limits for car exhausts are adhered to; to outline the current process for monitoring adherence; if his Department has any further plans or proposals to address the continued flouting of these limits by some motorists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1531/25]
View answerWritten answers
Robust legislation is in place in Ireland to regulate the maintenance and upkeep of vehicle exhaust systems. The Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 (SI 190 of 1963) require vehicles to be fitted with a silencer or other device suitable for reducing exhaust noise to a reasonable level and they prohibit use of a vehicle that causes excessive noise in a public place.
Under Section 29 of the Regulations, all combustion engine vehicles must be fitted with an exhaust silencer or other suitable device to reduce exhaust noise. Section 34(2)(e) states that such silencers must be properly maintained in good and efficient working order. Section 85(1)(a) states that a person shall not use, or permit to be used, a vehicle that causes excessive noise as a result of defect, lack of repair or adjustment of the vehicle or its equipment.
Limits for exhaust noise are set down in the EU type-approval system for motor vehicles, under Regulation (EU) 2018/858 and related regulations for specific components. New cars must meet Europe-wide noise limits under Regulation 540/2014 (EU). These limits depend on the type of vehicle, but have been progressively reduced from 82 decibels (dB) in 1978 to 72 dB in 2016. Incremental decreases will bring the limit for most new passenger cars to 68 dB by 2026. Cars may also be approved under regulation 51 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (UNECE), with similar limits.
In the National Car Test (NCT), a 99dB noise limit is advised in the NCT Tester Manual, accounting for older cars still present in the fleet. A noise test is carried out during the NCT where vehicle exhaust noise is excessive.
Enforcement of noise pollution, as with all road traffic legislation, is a matter for An Garda Síochána. Gardaí are empowered to stop cars with removed or faulty silencers and penalties apply under the Road Traffic Acts. This does not include the power to seize a vehicle. However, legislation is in place providing alternatives to the specific action of seizure with applicable penalties. The penalty on conviction is a fine which, depending if there have been previous similar convictions, may not exceed €2,000 and/or, at the discretion of the court, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months.
Officials from my Department meet regularly with An Garda Síochána to discuss matters of road safety and noise pollution legislation has been raised in that context. An Garda Síochána has committed to further consider the matters raised.
Question No. 258 answered with Question No. 216.
Road Safety
Questions (259)
John Connolly
Question:259. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if adequate additional resources will be provided to local authorities to enable them carry out essential road gritting works on all local and national routes during extreme weather conditions as experienced recently (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1539/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
Exchequer funding is allocated to local authorities through TII on an annual basis for the maintenance of the existing national road network, including winter maintenance. The allocations for 2025 will be announced in the near future.
With regards to Regional and Local roads, under the Department's Discretionary Grant, Councils have the discretion to use grant funding for eligible winter maintenance works. In this context it is a matter for each Council to determine its winter road treatment programme including the prioritisation of routes for salting/gritting.
Road Projects
Questions (260)
John Connolly
Question:260. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if the phase 3 design and preliminary business case for the M20 Cork to Limerick motorway has been submitted; and the timeframe for the assessment of the preliminary business case. [1554/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that the preliminary business case for the M20 Cork to Limerick project has not yet been submitted to my Department.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Planning Issues
Questions (261)
John Connolly
Question:261. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if he will support Galway County Council in making a formal request to An Bord Pleanála to modify the planning consent conditions in order to remove the requirement for the National Parks and Wildlife Service agreement of method statements for the improvement works on the N59 in County Galway from Bunnakill to Claremount. [1555/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
Matters relating to planning consent conditions are part of the statutory planning process and must be addressed by the relevant parties. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on a specific case.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply on the current status of plans for the N59 from Bunnakill to Claremount. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Road Projects
Questions (262)
John Connolly
Question:262. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if the improvement works on the N84 Galway to Curraghmore have progressed to phase 2 options [1556/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding the N84.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.