Parliamentary questions

Bus Services

Fergus O'Dowd

142. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to seek an update on the plans to increase the number of wheelchair-accessible public buses within County Louth in the coming years to provide greater independence to wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23746/24]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

254. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update with any engagement his Department has had with Louth County Council in respect of progressing phase 2 of the port access northern cross route in Drogheda; if he supports this vital infrastructure; if he will commit to fast-tracking and/or assisting any discussion to allow for its progression, including any funding required to complete an over/under passage of the main Dublin to Belfast rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15281/24]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

256. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if the REPowerEU funding of €56 million that will be allocated to the electrification works at Drogheda train station to facilitate the charging of battery electric trains, has been drawn down yet from the European Union; if so, when; if he will seek a detailed description on what the funding will provide in Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15287/24]

Driver Test

Fergus O'Dowd

257. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek an update from the CEO of the Road Safety Authority on the progress/lack of progress on the long-awaited driving test centre for Drogheda; what sites have been considered or investigated; the expected timelines for the opening of the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15294/24]

Waterways Issues

Fergus O'Dowd

259. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene and insist that Louth County Council, as a responsible party, that action is taken to remove the hebble dredge from the River Boyne in Drogheda following its original sinking in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15314/24]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

262. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on progress to introduce the new DART hybrid fleet on the northern line to Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15322/24]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

264. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed Ardee by-pass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15339/24]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

265. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to provide a full update on the funding requirements and allocations required to advance the N2 Ardee to Carrickmacross road project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15340/24]

Electric Vehicles

Fergus O'Dowd

23. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any consideration has been given to extending the low emissions vehicle toll incentive since it ceased at the end of December to continue to incentivise the transition to EVs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9545/24]

Driver Licences

Fergus O'Dowd

185. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider reviewing a proposal (details supplied) further in relation to driver licence exchange agreement with the USA, considering the precedent which has already been agreed with Canada,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7962/24]

Road Tolls

Fergus O'Dowd

169. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in respect of the ongoing and frustrating campaign to remove the M1 tolls which consistently causes serious congestion in the largest town of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7178/24]

Disability Services

Fergus O'Dowd

187. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised by a local organisation and service users (details supplied) in respect of the difficulty in securing disability-adapted taxis in County Louth; what measures are being, or could be, considered to increase the number of disability-friendly taxi units in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6435/24]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

202. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if a response will issue to queries raised in correspondence (details supplied) in respect of InterCity rail price increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6233/24]

Ports Policy

Fergus O'Dowd

27. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on any discussion within his Department in respect of the ongoing and urgent need to remove the Hebble Dredge from the River Boyne in Drogheda following its original sinking in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4441/24]

Driver Test

Fergus O'Dowd

32. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he and his Department can ensure that any and all resources are provided to ensure that an appropriate site is found to recommence driver testing in Drogheda, which is the largest town in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4440/24]

Haulage Industry

Fergus O'Dowd

187. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to comment on a health initiative concept for haulage drivers (details supplied) and advise on the best way to progress such a concept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3868/24]

Road Safety Authority

Fergus O'Dowd

182. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to provide a full update from the Road Safety Authority on the need to progress a new temporary or permanent driving test centre for Drogheda, County Louth, the largest town in Ireland; if, considering the unacceptable driving test wait times in the Louth and east Meath area, he will seek full clarification on the list of sites which have been assessed since the decision was taken to close the temporary site in March 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2783/24]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

304. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to provide a full update on the funding requirements and allocations required to advance the N2 Ardee to Carrickmacross road project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2049/24]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

305. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on TII roads funding for 2024; the reason for the delay in announcing the final allocations; when he expects the announcement to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2078/24]

Road Tolls

Fergus O'Dowd

236. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55359/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

54. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the status of funding for the Ardee by-pass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54029/23]

Bus Services

Fergus O'Dowd

188. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the increased investment being made on LocalLink services in counties Louth and Meath, including future plans for such extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53914/23]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

189. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any further consideration has been given since the publication of the draft all-island rail strategy to extending services to include passenger services along the existing Navan-Drogheda rail line, thereby providing a rail link to Dublin from Navan in a relatively inexpensive and fast manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53915/23]

National Car Test

Fergus O'Dowd

145. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider changing the policies in respect of NCT certification, in that any vehicle which passes an NCT should receive a minimum of 12 months roadworthiness from the date of any given test, which will reduce waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50741/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

156. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the discussions which have taken place with Meath County Council in respect of progressing the proposed Julianstown bypass which aims to deal with the relentless congestion experienced in the village and separately, the Julianstown traffic calming scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51027/23]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

26. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised about the efficacy of the rail services on the northern line (details supplied); if he can engage with Irish Rail to ensure that these issues are addressed into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48904/23]

Waterways Issues

Fergus O'Dowd

52. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide any further details with regard to the projected dates of removal of the Hebble Dredge from the River Boyne in Drogheda; the details in relation to the application and certification that is required prior to release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43467/23]

Semi-State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

125. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport for a breakdown, figures and details of semi-State CEO remuneration and benefit details, broken down under five specific headings (details supplied) for each of the years 2020 to 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [41556/23]

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

131. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any chief executive of a State/semi-State body or other public body under the aegis of his Department received any benefit from taxable benefits being paid on their behalf by the body/organisation for each of the years 2019 to date; if so, the amount and details, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40769/23]

Transport Costs

Fergus O'Dowd

74. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek defined timelines on when the new distance-based fare structures announced in April 2023 will be implemented by the NTA for the Drogheda and east Meath area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39538/23]

Road Safety

Fergus O'Dowd

77. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing curve warning signs with recommended speed limits, as used in New Zealand (details supplied), for Irish roads to improve general road safety on a phased basis to offset costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39562/23]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

274. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to the publication of the All Island Strategic Rail Review, if he will seek an urgent update on the feasibility and long-term need to reopen Dunleer train station to reduce vehicles, improve connectivity in mid-Louth and reduce commuting costs for mid-Louth residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37718/23]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

275. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to the publication of the All Island Strategic Rail Review, if he will seek an urgent update on the feasibility and long-term need to open a new rail station in north Drogheda to adequately deal with the exponential growth and development on the north side of Drogheda and reduce the town's carbon footprint and congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37719/23]

Bus Services

Fergus O'Dowd

292. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider an extension of the 20% fare discount to private operators to not only boost the numbers using buses but also to reduce the number of cars using the roads in the context of the upcoming budgetary discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37877/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

312. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline if any engagement has taken place between TII and Louth and or Meath County Councils in respect of the closure of the Obelisk Bridge for much needed redevelopment works, considering the expected ten month traffic impact this will have on the already over congested town of Drogheda; if any further consideration has been given by the Government to provide a temporary waiver on the Drogheda M1 slip tolls that would alleviate the said traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38067/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

319. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will respond regarding the actions that he and his Department have taken to date to offset the devastating impact the closure of the Obelisk Bridge will have on local persons and businesses in Drogheda (details supplied), notwithstanding that the project responsibilities lie with Louth and Meath County Councils; if he will take a lead role to find a solution to a situation that will essentially cause further congestion to an already congested town and impose significant additional costs to people at a time of a cost of living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38213/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

180. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 5 July 2023, and the details provided in respect of Shannon Foynes Port Company; if he can provide further clarity and a breakdown on the requested information (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35590/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

181. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 5 July 2023, and the details provided in respect of the Dublin Port Company; if he can provide clarity and a breakdown of the requested information (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35594/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

182. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 5 July 2023, and the details provided in respect of the Port of Cork; if he can provide clarity and a breakdown of the requested information (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35595/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

183. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 5 July 2023, and the details provided in respect of TII, if he can provide clarity and a breakdown of the requested information (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35597/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

184. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 5 July 2023, and the details provided in respect of the RSA, if he can provide clarity and a breakdown of the requested information (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35614/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

185. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 5 July 2023, and the details provided in respect of the NTA, if he can provide clarity and a breakdown of the requested information (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35615/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

186. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 5 July 2023, and the details provided in respect of the Commission for Railway Regulation, if he can provide clarity and a breakdown of the requested information (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35616/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

210. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 5 July 2023, if he will seek clarity on the response (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36030/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

211. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 5 July 2023, and the details supplied in respect of the Commissioner of Irish Lights, if will seek clarity on the pension figure disclosed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36040/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

212. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 5 July 2023, and the details supplied in respect of the Commission for Aviation Regulation, if he will seek clarity on the pension figure disclosed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36041/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

224. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 13 July 2023, in respect of the Iarnrod Éireann returns (details supplied), the reasons the benefit-in-kind section was nil on the initial response but benefit-in-kind was subsequently added to the most recent response; the details of the car in question, by make and model; whether it is leased or purchased by the State company; if it is changed each year; if there are other employees that benefit from a car allowance; if so, if they pay benefit-in-kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36337/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

225. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 13 July 2023, in respect of the Bus Éireann returns (details supplied), if the car was purchased or leased; the cost of the purchase or lease; if it is changed each year; the car type and cost and so on; the reason question marks are evident in the other benefit-in-kind section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36338/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

226. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 13 July 2023, in respect of the Bus Átha Cliath returns (details supplied), if the use of a company car would mean that a benefit-in-kind is received and should be therefore paid to the Revenue Commissioners; the details of the car in question, by make and model; whether it is leased or purchased by the State company; if it is changed each year; if other employees benefit from a car allowance; if so, if they pay benefit-in-kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36347/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

227. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 13 July 2023, in respect of the DAA returns (details supplied), whether the vehicle under the benefit-in-kind is leased or purchased by the DAA; if it is changed each year; if further information will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36348/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

228. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 13 July 2023, in respect of the Shannon Airport returns (details supplied), if he will seek further details as to the reason the benefit-in-kind health payments are so high; if the State then pays an additional amount towards that health cover in addition to the personal payment made by the CEO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36350/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

250. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the total amounts paid for State bodies (details supplied) for each of the years 2020 to date, to include benefit-in-kind payments and any other benefit, similar to the table provided for the DAA returns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34985/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

251. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if the benefit-in-kind payments (details supplied) that is paid for by the individual; if not, if it is paid for by the State hence it's inclusion in the final total yearly amounts; the type or types of vehicles used that equates to a payment in 2020 and 2021 of €677 per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34986/23]

Ports Policy

Fergus O'Dowd

261. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek an update from the MSO on whether access has been granted to board a ship and carry out the necessary examinations, if he will undertake to write to the Drogheda port authority urging action on this matter, considering the anger of the people of Drogheda at the lack of progress to date since it first sank; and if he will seek a finite expected date of removal of the ship from the River Boyne. [35249/23]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

262. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will write to Irish Rail, Louth County Council and the NTA to seek if a feasibility study can be undertaken to look at the provision of a new Drogheda north railway station to prepare for the introduction of DART services to Drogheda in the coming years given the phenomenal population growth in the town and the need to reduce the significant number of commuter vehicles; the carbon footprint travelling from the north of Drogheda to the south Drogheda railway station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35266/23]

Bus Éireann

Fergus O'Dowd

265. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport what the specific benefit-in-kind payments within Bus Éireann relate to (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35381/23]

Dublin Bus

Fergus O'Dowd

266. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide clarity on six points concerning data provided (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35408/23]

Airport Policy

Fergus O'Dowd

268. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he can seek further details on whether the BIK payments for both vehicles and health in a company (details supplied) were paid for by the employee or if it was in addition as part of the employment contract and added into their total remuneration; if he will provide more details on health payments of nearly €12,000 per annum; what this relates to at such a high cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35463/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

271. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 5 July 2023 and the details provided in respect of the IAA and Irish Air Navigation, if he can provide clarity on matters (details supplied). [35521/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

272. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 5 July 2023, if he can provide further clarity and a breakdown on the requested information (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35585/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

84. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of a report received by Meath County Council recommending the progression of the Julianstown bypass; if so the details of same; if he can seek a full update on the status on the draft appraisal of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34743/23]

Road Tolls

Fergus O'Dowd

177. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the most recent cost to the State to buy out the operator of the M1 toll at Gormanstown; the number of years left to run in the contract and, separately, to buyout the Drogheda interchange ramp tolls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33227/23]

State Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

72. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the pay and any other benefits, including any loyalty payments/bonuses or other benefit-in-kind, of each chief executive of State/semi-State body or other public body under the aegis of his Department for each year since 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33062/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

183. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will urgently engage with Louth County Council and Meath County Council to investigate whether any additional funds can be provided to fund a temporary dolly bridge at the site of the Obelisk Bridge in Drogheda, given the expected closure dates of this key transport link outline a ten-month closure timeline and its key position adjacent to one of the areas key tourism sites in Oldbridge House and Gardens; if any option could be considered that would allow the temporary cessation of toll charges for local residents on the M1 to alleviate what will be additional congestion pressures in an already over-congested town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32026/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

184. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32044/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

185. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised with respect to the imminent closure of a transport link in Oldbridge, Drogheda, which is essential for bridge refurbishment works; if he will examine whether any supports can be put in place with regard to a dolly bridge or slip toll reductions for residents affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32050/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

176. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any discussions have taken place within his Department in respect of the future provision of an additional road bridge to the east of the rail viaduct in Drogheda to address the major congestion experienced in Drogheda both north and south of the River Boyne; if so, if he will provide the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31754/23]

Public Transport

Fergus O'Dowd

154. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will respond or seek responses to concerns raised by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30500/23]

Road Tolls

Fergus O'Dowd

180. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he has held any further consultation with stakeholders in respect of the increase in toll charges from 1 July 2023; if he will revisit the issue with a view to a further postponement until 2024 to allow for cost of living in other sectors to drop in the intervening timeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31236/23]

Marine Accidents

Fergus O'Dowd

182. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on a load line survey application for the Hebble Sand dredge ship in Drogheda and if a certificate or exemption has been issued; and if so, the expected date of removal of the ship from the River Boyne. [28906/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

299. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the current status on the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney Road scheme which is due to be progressed this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28034/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

300. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the status of the proposed Ardee bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28036/23]

Greenways Provision

Fergus O'Dowd

301. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Boyne Greenway project, in particular the 'Drogheda to Mornington scheme'; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28037/23]

Maritime Jurisdiction

Fergus O'Dowd

124. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on whether a load line survey application has been applied for with respect to the Hebble Sand dredge ship, which is long overdue to be removed from the River Boyne in Drogheda following its sinking in 2022; if he will provide any further details with regards to the projected dates of removal and any details around the application and certification that is required prior to release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20923/23]

Driver Test

Fergus O'Dowd

125. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any further progress has been made to source and secure an appropriate site to recommence driver testing in Drogheda, the largest town in Ireland, with the largest waiting time in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20924/23]

Public Transport

Fergus O'Dowd

207. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in respect of enterprise services on the Irish Rail northern line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20048/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

305. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update in respect of the Ardee bypass, which is a central project in the Government’s National Development Plan; the targeted timelines for the commencement of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17521/23]

Road Tolls

Fergus O'Dowd

306. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any discussions have taken place within his Department and-or Transport Infrastructure Ireland to look at the possibility of removing the M1 toll for heavy goods vehicles to significantly reduce congestion and pollution in Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17528/23]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

307. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any consideration has been given with respect to the possible reopening of the general rail line between Drogheda and Navan, given the infrastructure is in place, and with consideration to the planned expansion of the DART services to Drogheda by 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17529/23]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

308. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the full publication of the All-Ireland Rail Review; if he will provide an update on the progression of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17530/23]

Road Network

Fergus O'Dowd

224. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will address concerns raised by a person (details attached) in respect of the N2 development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15265/23]

Maritime Safety

Fergus O'Dowd

182. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on whether a load line survey application has been applied for with respect to the hebble dredge ship which is long overdue to be removed from the River Boyne in Drogheda following its sinking in 2022; if he will provide any further details with regard to projected dates of removal and any details regarding the application and certification that is required prior to release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14379/23]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

271. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if the NTAs review of bus and rail fares (detail supplied) will finally end the current rip-off rail commuters are experiencing on the Northern Line from east Meath, Drogheda and Dundalk; if funding for a reviewed fare structure is agreed; if other details will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13078/23]

Airport Policy

Fergus O'Dowd

181. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if all projects undertaken by the airport authorities nationally have been processed through the public procurement process in each of the years 2019 to 2022 and to date in 2023 by location, project details and the total amount spent; if there were projects that did not proceed through the public procurement process; if so, the details of same, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12051/23]

Airport Policy

Fergus O'Dowd

182. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to detail the salaries of all chief executives of airport and port authorities nationally who fall under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12054/23]

Driver Test

Fergus O'Dowd

75. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to issues raised by a person (details supplied) in relation to the Drogheda driver test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11769/23]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

45. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on whether a feasibility study can be commissioned to look at the impact the reopening of Dunleer train station would have in terms of reducing vehicles, improving connectivity in mid-Louth and reducing commuting costs for mid-Louth residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10439/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

79. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update from his Department on the discussions that have taken place with Meath County Council in respect of progressing the proposed Julianstown bypass, which aims to deal with the relentless congestion experienced in the village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10438/23]

Pension Provisions

Fergus O'Dowd

188. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will address concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9704/23]

Departmental Schemes

Fergus O'Dowd

207. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if she will advise on a situation where a family who have a severely disabled person cannot access the specially adapted vehicle due to insurance prohibitions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10185/23]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

60. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport with consideration to the Port Access Northern Cross Route Phase 1 in Drogheda advancing to construction at present, if any discussions have taken place between his Department and Irish Rail to ascertain the viability of opening a Drogheda north railway station to prepare for the introduction of DART services to Drogheda in the coming years given the phenomenal population growth in the town and the need to reduce the significant number of commuter vehicles, and the carbon footprint travelling from the north of Drogheda to the south Drogheda railway station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7561/23]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

61. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to seek an update on when it is expected that DART services will commence in Drogheda; if the hybrid diesel units will be in place and in operation in advance of electrification of the line; the frequency of expected DART services and any other relevant details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7562/23]

Maritime Safety

Fergus O'Dowd

62. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 198 of 13 December 2022 and 160 of 18 January 2023m to detail if any State body is responsible to compel ship owners to progress survey application to the MSO, in particular in situations whereby the ship is causing environmental and general safety concerns as the Hebble Ship continues to cause as it lies on the Boyne River in the centre of Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7569/23]

Third Level Education

Fergus O'Dowd

78. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek an update from a company (details supplied) as to whether it will be providing the 50% reduction to students in the Louth and Meath area on their route to Maynooth University, which, to date, has seen no reduction in price since the Government’s announcement last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5601/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

15. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the Meath County Council draft appraisal for the proposed Julianstown bypass, which aims to deal with the relentless congestion experienced in the village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1343/23]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

71. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will commit to engaging with Iarnród Éireann in respect of the urgent need to reopen the Dunleer train station in County Louth, which lies between the main Drogheda and Dundalk stations, in order to reduce the significant number of commuters using vehicles in the mid-Louth area for their daily commute and to provide much-needed choice to residents of the area at a time when the cost of living is greatly affecting commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1342/23]

Maritime Safety

Fergus O'Dowd

160. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 198 of 13 December 2022, if he will outline the established survey application procedures that are referred to in his response; the process the owners of the hebble ship will need to undertake; the expected timeline for such a process if there is a risk of further deterioration of the recently refloated ship and the obvious pollution and environmental concerns that are associated with any further sinking incidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63366/22]

Public Transport

Fergus O'Dowd

188. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if a response will issue to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in relation to taxpayer-funded services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63839/22]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

231. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the current status of the Meath County Council draft appraisal for the proposed Julianstown bypass which aims to deal with the relentless congestion experienced in the village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1241/23]

Transport Policy

Fergus O'Dowd

265. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the progress which has been made since both Drogheda and Dundalk were included in the 35 exemplar transport projects announced as part of the Pathfinder programme in October 2022; the expected timelines for the commencement of both projects respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1705/23]