Written Answers Nos. 283-303
283. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will implement a reduced fare or flat daily fare for public transport users who are residents of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1828/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
284. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will commit to making all public transport fully accessible to all users, without the need for notice to be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1829/25]
View answerAs 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 promoting the development of accessible public transport services and infrastructure. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Irish Rail, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities, I have forwarded your question to it for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
285. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if a review will be conducted of the Signs Manual with a view to reducing the proliferation of unnecessary signage on roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1830/25]
View answerThe 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.
This Traffic Signs Manual provides details of the traffic signs which may be used on roads in Ireland, including their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which each sign may be used and rules for positioning them. Only traffic signs which are in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual or associated Regulations shall be provided on public roads.
Legal responsibility for public roads is vested in the County Councils and City Councils. These local authorities, in discharging their road functions, are referred to as ‘Road Authorities’. The statutory duty of Road Authorities includes responsibility for the specification, construction and maintenance of road signs and markings. The minimum amount of signage consistent with the use of the road should be provided in any situation.
Road Authorities should avoid sign clutter and should remove all unnecessary or unauthorised signage from the roadside. It is recommended that Road Authorities undertake a periodic review of the signs within their jurisdiction. The review should be comprehensive, considering the need for signs, their design and location, and also consistency in signing.
286. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to allowing a left turn on red for road traffic in certain circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1831/25]
View answerTraffic signs on Irish roads are regulated through the Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations 2024 (SI 200 of 2024) and the Traffic and Parking Regulations 1997 (SI 182 of 1997) (as amended), as well as the Traffic Signs Manual. Currently my Department is undertaking a major update of these documents. Phase 1 of this update was carried out in 2024, with each of the above being revised. Further updates are due in the next year.
As part of the updates, a proposal to allow a left turn on red for road traffic in certain circumstances is being examined and background research and draft proposals are currently being worked on. The outcome of this process will determine whether this proposal will be considered for adoption. However, road safety, for all road users, would need to be the paramount concern and no such measure could be envisaged if it might increase the potential risks for road users.
287. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure greater accessibility to DART and other rail stations through multiple access points, to reduce the need for rail users to take circuitous routes to access platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1833/25]
View answerAs 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 issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
288. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will set minimum standards for the installation of cycling infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1834/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities are responsible for the development and delivery of individual projects.
In support of the quality of infrastructure, and in particular the standard of cycling infrastructure, there is much work underway in terms of core standards to support this. Both the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are updating relevant documents on cycling and Greenways and urban cycle lanes.
Any new Active Travel infrastructure funded by my Department must be designed in compliance with the guidance and standards set out in the Cycle Design Manual. This work is geared to reflect best practice including improving design standards. In support of this, the Department of Transport is also working on updates supporting the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS).
In addition to the above, a National Guidelines and Standards Group has been established to oversee and coordinate all guidelines and standards (including cycling and other Active Travel projects) which have been developed by TII, the NTA and Department of Transport. This group comprises of members from each of these bodies as well as the City and County Management Association (CCMA). It also covers the areas of quality control, training and implementation monitoring. Progress to date includes:
- Circulars setting out a framework for guidelines and standards, as well as improved quality control measures;
- Updates to DMURS Guidelines and supporting training on these guidelines, including online workshops and graduate programmes.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have forwarded your query to that agency for a more detailed response. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
289. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will invite Iarnród Éireann to revise its ban on electric scooters on its services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1835/25]
View answerAs 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 matter raised by the Deputy is a matter for Irish Rail in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
290. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will take steps to ensure that bicycles can be carried on public buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1841/25]
View answerAs 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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including the PSO bus fleets, and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
291. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will take steps to ensure that bicycles may be carried on the Luas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1842/25]
View answerAs 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 issue raised by the Deputy in relation to bicycles on the Luas is a matter for Transdev. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Transdev for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
292. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will increase railway provision to all parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1843/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published on the 31st of July 2024.
The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero 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, higher service frequencies and new routes.
The Final Review Report will inform the development of rail on the island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050. It should be noted that individual projects referred to in the Report will be subject to funding and relevant approvals as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines in Ireland.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies north and south, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. This includes a more detailed identification of rail priorities to pursue over the next decade. A report on this matter is expected to be published at some stage. Progress in following-up on the Rail Review will be reported on as appropriate through the North South Ministerial Council.
Additionally, under Budget 2025, a funding package of circa €652 million has been secured for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and Local Link services in an effort to improve public transport affordability and accessibility. Funding has been provided under the PSO programme for the continued roll out of new and enhanced bus and rail services this year.
In view of the Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in relation to rail services, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
293. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will implement strict rules for the protection of mobility devices, including wheelchairs by passenger airlines, requiring a guarantee that the user will be able to access the device on arrival at their destination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1844/25]
View answerIrish airports and airlines must comply with European Union Regulation (EC) 1107/2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air (“Regulation 1107”). The objective of this Regulation is to ensure “high and equivalent levels of protection and assistance throughout the Member States and to ensure that economic agents operate under harmonised conditions in a single market.” The Irish Aviation Authority ("IAA”) is the National Enforcement Body for Regulation 1107.
In respect of the carriage of mobility and health aids, each airline has individual ground handling policies regarding the carriage of baggage and other items. Airlines must also comply with national legislation regarding safety. With regards to Regulation 1107, airlines are obliged to carry, in addition to medical equipment, “up to two pieces of mobility equipment per disabled person or person with reduced mobility, including electric wheelchairs subject to advance warning of 48 hours and to possible limitations of space on board the aircraft, and subject to the application of relevant legislation concerning dangerous goods.” The Regulation further specifies that “where wheelchairs or other mobility equipment or assistive devices are lost or damaged during handling at the airport or during transport on board aircraft, the passenger to whom the equipment belongs should be compensated, in accordance with rules of international, Community and national law.” As part of its inspection process, the IAA ensures Irish airports comply with the above element of Regulation 1107 and that they have a policy in place should mobility equipment become lost or damaged.
294. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the provision of electric car charging infrastructure. [1845/25]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
A significant challenge to EV uptake by consumers is perceptions around availability and suitability of charging infrastructure. While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, which will address most users charging needs, there is an absolute need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.
To date this has been led by private sector investment, and the number of publicly available charge points in Ireland has increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to 2,400 in 2024. In order to achieve Ireland’s EU targets under the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally by 2025, depending on the level of power supplied at each.
Government therefore needs to act to deliver a wider range of public charging infrastructure, as well as to provide clearer information to non-EV users about the practicality of EV use and the importance of home charging for everyday needs.
The EV Charging infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025 sets out the Government’s ambition regarding the delivery of this network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade.
Arising from this strategy, the National Road EV Charging Network Plan, published May 2024, will see chargers installed every 60km on major roads. In addition, the draft Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan focuses on neighbourhood and destination charging locations and will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.
A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed which will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging, including:
• A motorway infrastructure scheme, administered by TII - in July 2024, it was announced 131 new high-powered recharging points for electric vehicles to be built across 17 recharging pools along major roads.
• A second high powered scheme, to be administered by TII, to provide banks of high powered chargers along the primary and secondary national road network.
• A Shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which will install up to 200 fast chargers in sports clubs on the island of Ireland.
• An EU Just Transition Fund supported scheme, which is planned to install 60-80 chargers in the midlands.
• Local Authority pilot schemes, funding the roll out of EV charging in Local Authorities who have already developed local EV network plans, while supporting the development of local EV Network plans in other areas.
295. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will implement a single mode of access for electric and hybrid car users, to avail of national car charging infrastructure, in order to avoid the necessity for multiple apps and accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1846/25]
View answerThe EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy is a pathway for the delivery of EV charge point infrastructure to support Ireland’s Climate Action Plan target to have an expected 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
The Strategy addresses EV infrastructure standards required to meet user needs as mandated through European regulations, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), and Irish legislation and regulations. These include interoperability; ease of payment; reliability; and accessibility standards and safety.
Under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), all Charge Point Operators (CPOs) have had to provide ad-hoc payment options on all installed new infrastructure since April 2024. All new charging infrastructure funded either privately or by the government will have to conform with this regulation. This ad-hoc payment capability will negate the requirement for users to hold an account with a CPO or access an app to pay for charging. In addition, all charging infrastructure with a capacity of greater than 50kW will have to retrospectively install this ad-hoc payment technology retrospectively by 2027.
In May 2024, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland published the Universal Design Guidelines for EV Charging Infrastructure.
These Guidelines encourage anyone associated with the installation or operation of EV charging infrastructure to adopt the Universal Design principles and present recommendations for charging station design, site design, and information and communications. While they are not legally binding, the Guidelines do provide technical assistance to help entities design, install and operate EV charging infrastructure that is inclusive and easy to use.
296. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will give urgent consideration to the realisation of the Sutton to Sandycove coastal promenade and cycleway (S2S); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1848/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
297. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will safeguard trees in Shankill village that are under threat from BusConnects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1849/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered, with the first five phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years. I understand that Phase 6a of the BusConnects Network Redesign roll-out, including the local L routes in Wicklow and the E-Spine connecting north Dublin to Wicklow, is scheduled to launch on 26 January 2025. The Network Redesign for the entire network will continue in the coming years.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.
The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's specific question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
298. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the extension of the Luas Green Line to link to the DART line in Shankill. [1850/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
The NTA published the GDA Transport Strategy 2022-2042 in January 2023, following Ministerial approval. The strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
Implementation of the strategy has been divided into three phases – short-term up to 2030 to align with the National Development Plan, medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042. The GDA Transport Strategy 2022-2042 identifies a number of proposed extensions to the Luas network in Dublin. While the Strategy does not include plans to extend the Luas Green Line to the Shankill DART station, it includes the intention to extend the Luas Green Line southwards in order to serve (nearby) Bray during the medium term (2031-2036).
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
299. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a schedule of all foreign travel undertaken by him and their accompanying officials in 2023 and 2024, including flight, hotel, transfers and other miscellaneous costs. [1871/25]
View answerGiven my dual role as both the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Environment, Climate & Communications, my expenses undergo processing through the Department of Environment, Climate & Communications. My officials in The Department of Environment, Climate & Communications will reply to you in the near future with this information.
300. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will carry out a review of the Swinford to Sligo 922 bus route following the withdrawal for the route during the response to Covid; if the National Transport Authority will carry out an assessment on the impact of the withdrawal of this service, to bring back a much-needed service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1874/25]
View answerAs 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. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for integrated local and rural transport in Counties Mayo and Sligo, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
301. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if he has identified a depot to support the DART+ programme; and if he will provide an update on the sites being considered. [1980/25]
View answerAs 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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects, which includes DART+ West.
A Railway Order application for DART+ West was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in July 2022, following which an Oral Hearing took place in September/October 2023. A Railway Order was granted by An Bord Pleanála in July 2024 for DART+ West subject to certain conditions, notably that the proposed depot west of Maynooth not be constructed due to concerns about flood risk. Iarnród Éireann are currently exploring other options for the construction of a depot, in collaboration with the NTA, to progress the project into the procurement process and enter into construction stage. Iarnród Éireann and the NTA are also considering responses to legal issues with respect to the project's planning decision.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
302. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport to provide a report on the provision of electric powered trains and infrastructure for Irish Rail in Cork. [2018/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is a key project in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 and the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. The Programme will provide a more efficient and decarbonised transport service for the area to help facilitate population and economic growth over the coming decades.
The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme will be delivered on a phased basis. Phase 1 of the Programme, ‘Enable future electrification of Cork Commuter Rail’, was included in Ireland’s National Recovery & Resilience Plan as submitted to the European Commission in 2021. Phase 1 works are ongoing and are scheduled to be completed by Quarter 3 2026 as required by the European Commission.
In May 2024, Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) awarded a contract to TYPSA and Roughan O’Donovan, appointing them as multi-disciplinary consultants for the design of Phase 2 of the Programme, which includes the potential electrification of the network and a new fleet maintenance depot to cater for a new electrified fleet. Subject to securing funding and achieving the relevant approvals, Phase 2 of the Programme will progress after Phase 1 works have been completed.
Noting IÉ's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a more detailed reply in relation to the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
303. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the bus service to and from Cork city to Cork Airport, and on an increased frequency, extended to cover later flights. [2020/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
