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]