Parliamentary questions

Road Projects

Pádraig O'Sullivan

17. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he has an update on the funding for Mallow relief road and the Cork city north distributor road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4557/24]

Road Projects

Cathal Crowe

18. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progression of phase 1 of the Limerick northern distributor road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4244/24]

Road Safety

Aindrias Moynihan

19. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the cost of roadside safety barrier installations along the N22 for 2022 and 2023; the rationale for selecting the locations for their installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4534/24]

Public Transport

Paul Murphy

20. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his views on the proposed €96 monthly Leap card ticket and €960 annual ticket for Dublin public transport in light of the climate and cost living crises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4417/24]

Bus Services

Darren O'Rourke

21. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the deteriorating public bus services in County Meath; the level of bus cancellations; how he plans to improve these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4448/24]

Driver Test

Brian Stanley

22. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update regarding the number of driving testers recruited in the past 12 months and for those testers on short-term contracts to be retained. [3929/24]

Bus Services

Claire Kerrane

23. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport to advise if Local Link buses have permission to collect passengers along routes rather than passengers having to drive to stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4468/24]

Road Projects

Alan Dillon

24. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the N17 Collooney to Knock scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4491/24]

Park-and-Ride Facilities

Bernard Durkan

25. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which passenger capacity is being or can be improved on the north Kildare commuter lines such as Naas-Sallins, Hazelhatch, Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey; if park and ride facilities are likely to be provided or extended on these very busy routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4544/24]

Road Network

Brendan Smith

26. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure a substantial increase in funding for the non-national road network for counties Cavan and Monaghan for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4616/24]

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]

Bus Services

Paul Murphy

28. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if local and on-demand bus services will be introduced in areas losing local connections as a result of BusConnects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4416/24]

Regional Airports

Violet-Anne Wynne

29. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport his view on Shannon Airport becoming a permanent member of the Regional Airports Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4613/24]

Public Transport

Richard Boyd Barrett

30. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to act on the motion passed by Dáil Éireann in October 2022 in favour of free public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4625/24]

Rail Network

Violet-Anne Wynne

31. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the future of rail transport in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4612/24]

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]

Road Safety

Brendan Griffin

33. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if data exists in relation to the experience of and effectiveness of raised pedestrian crossings or junctions in built up areas on busy regional and national secondary roads such as the N86 in Annascaul, County Kerry or the R577 at Kishkeam, County Cork; if a funding stream will be provided to replicate these measures in other locations such as the N70 in Castlemaine village or the R561 in Boolteens village; the average cost for such interventions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4554/24]

Road Tolls

Martin Kenny

34. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of plans to increase toll charges again in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4575/24]

Road Projects

Matt Carthy

35. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided in budget 2024 to progress the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney road project; the projected completion date of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4532/24]

Road Projects

Colm Burke

36. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport what action his Department is taking to progress the Mallow relief road project; what level of funding will be allocated for 2024, given that €100,000 was allocated in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4614/24]

Road Projects

David Stanton

37. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport to report on the current situation with respect to proposals to develop transport projects in east Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4452/24]

Rail Network

Pádraig O'Sullivan

38. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if the necessary electric locomotives will be provided when the Cork line is fully electrified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4558/24]

Bus Services

Peadar Tóibín

39. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the enormous number of bus cancellations on the NX and 109 bus services through Navan, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4167/24]

Road Projects

James O'Connor

40. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the allocation of funding towards road projects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4566/24]

Bus Services

Patrick Costello

41. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport to address the gaps in bus service emerging in the Chapelizod area of Dublin. [4429/24]

Departmental Funding

Alan Dillon

42. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide match funding alongside the Department of Rural and Community Development for the local improvement scheme, LIS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4492/24]

Public Transport

Pauline Tully

43. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement regarding the National Fares Strategy. [4540/24]

Road Network

Brendan Smith

44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if funding for the non-national road network will be increased for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4617/24]

Road Projects

Maurice Quinlivan

45. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport what progress has been made in the construction of the Coonagh-Knockalisheen road; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4383/24]

Local Authorities

Martin Browne

46. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport if the maintenance of roads on housing estates that have been taken in charge by local authorities are the responsibility of the local authorities under the Local Improvement Scheme; his views on whether it is appropriate for local authorities to advise residents to apply for funding to repair those roads under the Community Involvement Scheme which involves contributions from the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53750/23]

Road Network

Mairéad Farrell

47. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport how he intends to address regional imbalance in the quality of road infrastructure, particularly in the west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4582/24]

Bus Services

Bríd Smith

48. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will heed the call of local residents and act to restore a bus service between the Armagh Road, Cashel Road and Clonard Road areas and Crumlin Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4412/24]

Road Projects

Mattie McGrath

49. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reason the proposed N24 upgrade does not include a dual carriageway for the entire route in the interests of safety and forward planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4490/24]

Road Projects

Matt Carthy

50. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided in budget 2024 to progress the N2 Clontibret to the Border road project; the projected completion date of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4531/24]

Bus Services

Aindrias Moynihan

51. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position on the Connecting Ireland plan for Macroom to Bandon buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4535/24]

Bus Services

Paul McAuliffe

52. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport if a review will be carried out of the BusConnects plans for the new No. 19 route which will result in an hourly service for the Wadelai estate area of Dublin 11 rather than the current 20-minute frequency relied on by residents. [4627/24]

Park-and-Ride Facilities

Catherine Connolly

53. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 6 of 30 November 2023, the status of the roll-out of park and ride in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4380/24]

Public Transport

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

54. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the rollout of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in County Carlow. [4450/24]

Greenways Provision

Marian Harkin

55. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport to outline Government policy on the Sligo Mayo Greenway; to give an update on progress of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4533/24]

Rail Network

Éamon Ó Cuív

56. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the capital funding he intends to provide this year for the upgrade of the rail line from Athenry in County Galway to Collooney in County Sligo so that work can continue on the reopening of this vital rail link; the purposes for which the funding will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4539/24]

Climate Action Plan

Darren O'Rourke

57. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the Climate Action Plan for 2023 in respect of the transport sector; what actions are still outstanding from 2023; the timeline for delivery of these delayed actions; how he thinks delayed actions will impact on rising emissions in the sector; his plans to address rising emissions in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4449/24]

Ports Policy

David Stanton

58. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if the OWDT has been issued with the Minimum Irish Port Capacity Report; if so, to outline the main findings of the report and actions arising as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3350/24]

Regional Airports

Cathal Crowe

59. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to complete his Departmental review of the Regional Airports Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4245/24]

Bus Services

Mark Ward

60. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the curtailment of the No. 13 bus service in the Bawnogue area in the evenings; what measures are in place for replacement services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4600/24]

Public Transport

Catherine Connolly

61. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question 41 of 30 November 2023, the status of the feasibility study for light rail in Galway, which is being undertaken as part of the development of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4381/24]

Road Network

Rose Conway-Walsh

62. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the total funding for local and regional roads in County Mayo; the breakdown of the details of the investment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4592/24]

Bus Services

Maurice Quinlivan

63. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport what steps are taken to ensure local intra-city bus services are reliable; the checks made to ensure they conform to timetable; what remedial actions are taken to ensure a punctual and reliable service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4384/24]

Taxi Licences

Robert Troy

64. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the criteria for awarding taxi plates. [4597/24]

Bus Services

Richard Boyd Barrett

65. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport to outline how he intends to address the impact of the shortage of drivers on the delivery of bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4626/24]

Road Safety

Ruairí Ó Murchú

66. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the work plan for 2024 by his Department, in conjunction with other agencies, to improve road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4580/24]

Rights of People with Disabilities

Pauline Tully

67. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that his Department and the bodies under its aegis are aware and in compliance with article 4(3) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4541/24]

Rail Network

Éamon Ó Cuív

68. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to follow up on work carried out by Iarnród Éireann on line clearance on sections of the rail line from Collooney to Athenry by providing funding in 2024 for the design work on the upgrade of the line from Athenry to Claremorris to a suitable standard to reopen it for freight and passenger travel; if he supports the statement by Iarnród Éireann (details supplied); the discussions he has in relation to TII reinstating the railway bridge in Ballyglunin, County Galway as it has committed to doing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4538/24]

Rail Network

Paul Murphy

69. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to provide further details on the increase in frequency and capacity for the red line Luas promised by the National Transport Authority, including when it will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4413/24]

Bus Services

Thomas Gould

70. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the plan to resolve issues with bus services in Cork city. [4601/24]

Road Traffic Accidents

Ruairí Ó Murchú

71. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the mechanisms available to a resident in north Louth (details supplied) whose home has sustained over €50,000 worth of damage following three serious RTAs on the road in the past 12 months, including one fatal RTA, when Louth County Council is not minded to install a crash barrier or other traffic mitigation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4579/24]

Rail Network

Alan Farrell

72. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to facilitate the DART+ Coastal North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4003/24]

Road Projects

Rose Conway-Walsh

73. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the N17 road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4593/24]

Transport Policy

James O'Connor

74. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the most recent progress on the implementation of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4565/24]

Road Projects

Colm Burke

75. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport what action his Department is taking to progress the North Ring Road in Cork city; what level of funding will be allocated for 2024 in view of the large volume of traffic which is now forced to travel through Mayfield including traffic heading for the port facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4615/24]

Driver Test

Brian Stanley

76. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport what actions are being taken to address the long waiting times in many driving test centres. [3928/24]

Bus Services

Claire Kerrane

77. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport his plans to develop Local Link services in counties Roscommon and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4469/24]

Bus Services

Mairéad Farrell

78. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if ongoing capacity issues with the No. 424 bus following the implementation of the new timetable have been brought to his attention; and if his Department is working with the National Transport Authority to address these issues. [4581/24]

Electric Vehicles

Brian Stanley

172. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport when the legislation will be enacted to regulate the use of electric scooters; and to outline what is causing the delay. [2900/24]

Road Safety

Martin Kenny

173. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he can outline what measures he has put in place for local authorities to support road gritting plans in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54235/23]

Tax Code

Michael Healy-Rae

174. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4685/24]

School Transport

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

175. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport when the application process will open for the Safe Routes to Schools Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4698/24]

Dublin Airport Authority

Paul Murphy

176. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of issues of unanswered complaints from the DAA (details supplied); the body that can investigate the DAA; if he agrees that a new external body needs to be created to handle this process for the DAA; and what actions will he take in relation to this. [4735/24]

Rail Network

Duncan Smith

177. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport how many DART carriages have been ordered over the past three years; how many have been ordered to date for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4738/24]

Rail Network

Duncan Smith

178. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport how many train carriages have been ordered over the past three years; how many have been ordered to date for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4739/24]

Rail Network

Duncan Smith

179. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport what the previously announced €300 million earmarked for the Luas in September 2023 will be used for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4740/24]

Air Services

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

180. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if he has concluded his consideration of Derry City Airport’s economic assessment and supporting materials for a Dublin to Derry air route submitted to his Department in December 2022; and the progress he has made in delivering on the air connectivity review commitment under the New Decade, New Approach agreement since taking up office in 2020. [4744/24]

Driver Licences

Peter Burke

181. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he could advise on a driving licence (details supplied). [4745/24]

Road Projects

Brendan Griffin

182. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport for a record of all applications from Kerry County Council to his Department for any works in respect of a bridge in Kerry (details supplied) since 2009; if a record of all funding granted in that period in respect of the bridge will be provided; if a record of all funding drawn down in respect of the bridge will be provided; if the most recent correspondence between his Department and the Council will be provided; if an explanation will be provided as to the precise stage the project is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4775/24]

Airport Policy

Niall Collins

183. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport his views on a submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4779/24]

Bus Services

Seán Sherlock

184. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport to itemise the estimated cost of a six-month trial for a free bus service in Cork city and county on Fridays and Saturdays, by all cost factors. [4782/24]

Electric Vehicles

Colm Burke

185. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the reason the regulations under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, which governs the use of e-scooters, have not come into effect; when they will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4800/24]

Bus Services

Duncan Smith

186. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to prioritise the delivery of the Bus Connects local routes services in Portrane and Donabate given the census figures from 2022 on bus travel are concerning (details supplied) in regard to our climate targets of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 by improving public transport travel and reducing car journeys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4849/24]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Bernard Durkan

187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of capital investment in the transport sector for the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4878/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects commuter rail passenger numbers to increase when the lines are upgraded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4879/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the number of carriages serving the north Kildare rail commuter routes, or alternatively increasing the frequency of trains, thereby improving the service for commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4880/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in the electrification of the Maynooth rail line, with particular reference to the need to ensure that car parking facilities are supplied to the west of Kilcock thereby facilitating Enfield, Kilcock, and the wider hinterland [4881/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport whether he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of health and safety adherence for the north Kildare commuter rail passengers given the necessity to remain standing for some journeys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4882/24]

Driver Test

Bernard Durkan

192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the actions being taken to address the long waiting lists for driving tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4884/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to encourage increased use of the commuter rail services in County Kildare with a view to alleviating road traffic congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4885/24]

Road Network

Bernard Durkan

194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the total number of vehicles currently using the M4 for commuting purposes on a daily basis; the future plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4886/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport to outline the progress to date in the enhancement and upgrading of commuter rail facilities from Sallins to Dublin, with particular reference to the need at peak times; the extent to which planning has advanced in this regard by way of increased frequency and capacity of commuter trains serving Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4887/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if any research has been done into the possibility of extending rail services throughout the commuter belt of north Kildare to towns currently not having access to services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4888/24]

Departmental Schemes

Brendan Griffin

197. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered requests from the Minister for Rural and Community Development and others for funding to be allocated from his budget towards the local improvement scheme programme; if he will state how much capital funding was carried over from his Department at the end of 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4889/24]

Road Safety

Brendan Griffin

198. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if safer protections will be put in place at a bridge in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4890/24]

Departmental Reviews

Brendan Griffin

199. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the anticipated timeline in relation to proposed speed limit reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4891/24]

Ferry Services

Brendan Griffin

200. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the number of new passenger ferry routes in and out of Ireland since 2022; if he will identify these routes and the seasons they serve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4892/24]

Departmental Data

Brendan Griffin

201. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the number of vintage cars registered for use on Irish roads each year since 2017, in tabular form; a breakdown per county of these; if the types and years of vehicles will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4893/24]

Public Transport

Paul Kehoe

202. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if there is any option to extend the Dublin outer commuter zone to include Gorey, County Wexford, which is the station from which the commuter train originates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4910/24]

Rail Network

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

203. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if it is intended to proceed with a Luas extension to Lucan; and if that will run through Bluebell. [4932/24]

Electric Vehicles

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

204. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport what the national strategy is to roll out more high-speed charging points at service stations or laybys along the State's motorways and national road network to facilitate electric car users and to encourage others to switch to EVs. [4933/24]

Road Safety

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

205. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport when measures will be taken to increase the visibility of users of electric scooters and powered bicycles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4934/24]

Insurance Coverage

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

206. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if a system of compulsory or voluntary insurance for users of electric scooters and powered bicycles is being considered to help address costs associated with injuries in the case of accidents to the users themselves or others or damage to the vehicles or other vehicles or property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4935/24]

Driver Licences

Paul Kehoe

207. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered introducing technology to allow drivers use an app or digital wallet to store their driving licence so they do not have to carry it and a valid copy can be shown off their phone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4938/24]

Aviation Industry

Brendan Griffin

208. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the expected number of air routes directly between Ireland and North America for 2024; if he will identify these routes and the airlines operating each; if they are seasonal or year-round; which routes are new for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4942/24]

Rail Network

Brian Leddin

209. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport his views on connecting Shannon Airport to the national rail network as a priority project under the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4947/24]