Written Answers Nos. 81-100
81. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport his views on current disability services, specifically in relation to access to wheelchair accessible taxis in County Louth and east Meath; if this service is likely to deteriorate due to a shortfall in funding from the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9821/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry. My colleague, Stephen Donnelly, T.D., Minister for Health, is responsible for the allocation of funds to the HSE.
My Department is committed to making public transport accessible for all, and the NTA has informed me of a number of measures they have taken to improve the availability of wheelchair accessible taxis nationally.
In order to increase the wheelchair accessible vehicle penetration of the SPSV fleet nationwide (taxis, hackneys, and limousines), the NTA introduced S.I. No. 250 of 2010 - Taxi Regulation Act 2003 (Grant of Taxi Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 - in June 2010, to only issue new taxi and hackney licences for wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys. This S.I. has been supported by wheelchair accessible vehicle grants to assist the industry to convert to or purchase an accessible vehicle.
The NTA introduced a new fixed penalty (fine) for discrimination against service users with a disability, with effect from 1 January 2023. Where there is a refusal of a driver of an SPSV to carry a passenger in a wheelchair, they can be fined NTA's maximum statutory fixed penalty (fine) amount of €250, reflecting the gravity and nature of the offence. The holder of a wheelchair accessible taxi/ hackney licence is required to give priority to bookings in respect of persons with disabilities. As of 31st January 2024, there are 74 wheelchair accessible taxis and one wheelchair accessible hackney active in County Louth and a further 184 wheelchair accessible taxis and one wheelchair accessible hackney in operation in County Meath, according to NTA vehicle statistics.
82. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport when he will fund and encourage the Road Safety Authority roll-out a campaign on social media in particular aimed at tackling the dangers of users of escooters, motorised bicycles and bicycles (details supplied). [13272/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the promotion of road safety awareness, advertising, and the dissemination of road safety information. After legislation is passed and regulations put in place, the RSA will run a significant media campaign in relation to the legalisation of E-Scooters, setting out the rules, restrictions and technical requirements for their use on Irish roads.
They will also will run a separate information campaign in respect of e-bikes and e-mopeds, in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department. This will outline technical details and requirements in terms of registration, motor tax, driver testing and licencing for e-mopeds in particular. The Road Traffic Bill 2024, which is expected to be signed into law in early Q2 2024, is amending the definition of the new class of vehicles known as Powered Personal Transporters (PPTs) introduced by the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023. Once the Road Traffic Bill 2024 is signed into law, the relevant section can be commenced and from there the remaining sections relating to PPTs and E-Bikes from the 2023 Act will be commenced. E-scooters will only become legal to use on public roads when regulations are passed in Q2. I must be clear that all road users are obliged to follow the rules of the road in the same way as any other road user. For instance cyclists are subject to a range of cyclist-specific Fixed Charge Notice offences, including those of cycling without appropriate lighting, breaking traffic lights, and cycling without reasonable consideration of others. The enforcement of all road traffic legislation is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána.
83. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on the extension of the daily evening train service from Dublin which terminates at Carlow in order that it can service both Kilkenny and Waterford, enabling better regional connectivity particularly for those studying and working along the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12845/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Irish Rail.The issues raised by the Deputy are 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 replies within ten working days.
84. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to ensure that adequate resources are provided to the NTA in order that bus services on the main radial routes into and from Galway, including the services from Casla (route 424), Clifden, Headford and Kilcolgan can meet current demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13031/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of new and enhanced services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
The NTA works with the public transport operators who have responsibility for operational, day-to-day management of services. Neither myself nor my Department are involved in the planning or scheduling of public transport services, or the allocation of funding to individual routes.
From a policy perspective, my Department is strongly committed to improving public transport services in rural areas and to piloting new transport initiatives for people of all ages and abilities living there.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in Galway, 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.
85. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the level of engagement that the Department have had with local authorities regarding new rules which provide for zebra crossings without Belisha beacons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13171/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to facilitate the updated Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) to include the two new zebra crossing layouts, two pilot studies were undertaken which involved collaboration with the local authorities in those counties. One of the pilot schemes was undertaken by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with the Department of Transport and Active Travel teams in Limerick City and County Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The second pilot was undertaken by TII in collaboration with Donegal County Council.
As part of the process of introducing the new zebra crossings, the concept was presented to, and discussed with local authorities at various events, including the Road Service Conference and the TII conferences with the proposed signs being on display at these events. The proposals were also brought brought before various groups including the high level transport group with LGMA, CCMA and local authority representatives. The NTA and Department of Transport continue to have open lines of communication with local authorities on a regular basis.
It should be noted that the new layouts are optional depending on the particular circumstances applying to the crossing and the belisha beacon crossing still remains an option.
In summary, the new zebra crossing layout have been developed via pilot studies which involved direct input from three local authorities. Local authorities had also been informed through various forums including conferences and events throughout 2023.
86. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 23 of 15 October 2023, given that Louth County Council has indicated that if work was to be funded by his Department at this location (details supplied), it would have to be done under the locations of interest (LOIs) scheme, the locations for which are decided by his Department, if he will consider this or other solutions to the serious issue of crashes happening at this location, including incidents where the family home at this location has been hit by cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13270/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority. As outlined in the previous PQ response, the Department of Transport provides specific funding for safety improvement projects. Applications for funding under this scheme are invited on an annual basis for consideration for funding in the subsequent year. Under the Safety Improvement Scheme, each Council are requested to submit applications in order of priority. As Louth County Council is responsible for maintaining and improving its regional and local roads, it is the Council's responsibility to determine its priorities and work programme while taking account of the funding provided from grant allocations and from the Council's own resources. Locations of interest (LOIs) are a result of the Regional Road Network Safety Analysis which identified locations that may be suitable for safety improvement works following collision trends. The LOIs may assist local authorities in their selection of locations of low-cost safety schemes but the overall prioritisation is the responsibility of the relevant local authority. According to my Department's records, an application has not been received from Louth County Council with reference to the location stated in the Parliamentary Question.
87. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the delivery of additional carriages for Dublin Sligo rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13267/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Irish Rail.
This Government is committed to improving public transport and is backing up that commitment with significant investments across the network, including the introduction of 41 new Intercity Rail Carriages (ICRs) into the fleet this year.
Decisions on the deployment of the 41 intercity carriages will be based on current and projected demand and infrastructure capacity, and subject to approval of the NTA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail and the NTA for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
88. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to ensure revised fare structures are considered on Expressway services operating in the Cork region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13252/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
However, the NTA does not have a role in the setting of fares for services provided by commercial operators, including Bus Éireann Expressway. That is a matter for the individual commercial operators themselves.
In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to fares for an Expressway route to Bus Éireann, for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
89. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on optimal alignment of the proposed Waterford to Tramore greenway with a view to maximising its potential for the purposes of utility, local amenity and tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12846/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 relating to the Waterford to Tramore Greenway to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
90. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport views on the commitment in the Programme for Government to maintain the existing road network to a high standard and fund safety improvements; if he will ensure that additional funding will be provided to local authorities for the non-national road network in 2024, taking in to account the urgent requirement for additional investment due to the very substantial increase in costs that have arisen over recent years in road maintenance products and construction work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13261/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local road network. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority. The primary focus for capital investment under the National Development Plan continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network which plays a critical role in supporting economic and community links throughout the country. For this reason, approximately 90% of the €658 million of State funding being provided in 2024 is aimed at protection and renewal works. This allocation represents a €32 million increase in State funding compared to the 2023 allocation, with each local authority receiving an increase in funding for their Restoration Improvement Grant. In addition, funding for road safety improvement scheme grants also increased in 2024 compared to 2023, up nearly €300,000. In addition to protecting and renewing the regional and local road network, it is a priority to carry out targeted improvements to sections of the network and €677 million is earmarked in the NDP for such improvements on new regional and local roads over the 10 year period until 2030. Road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding will be assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (IG) (formerly known as the Public Spending Code (PSC)) and my Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF).
91. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to improve the reliability of Dublin Bus services in general and routes operated by a company (details supplied) in particular; the extent to which he believes the reliability issues are connected to the difficulties in recruiting drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13254/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
I fully acknowledge that there have been issues with certain bus services in Dublin in recent months, which must be incredibly frustrating for users. These issues were exasperated by the ongoing challenges the public transport sector is facing in the recruitment of both mechanics and drivers. However, I am advised the due to the extensive driver recruitment campaigns undertaken by the operators, this is becoming less of an issue.
I want to assure the Deputy that the NTA is working closely with operators, including Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead, to address these service issues.
It should also be noted that the performance of public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance and the publication of annual performance reports, but importantly, they also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
92. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport his views on the frequent issue of ghost buses and no shows across the fleets; the steps that have been taken to date to counteract this; and to give an update on any measures already implemented. [13048/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
I understand that the data displayed in the TFI Live app is provided directly by the bus operators and that it is the responsibility of the operators to provide accurate vehicle location data relating to all their services. This data is provided by the on-bus AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) system which records the position of the bus as it proceeds on its route and generates predicted arrival times for each bus stop.
The NTA TFI Live app receives this data from the bus operator and publishes it in the app. The issue of a bus service being displayed in the app but not showing up at the stop is typically caused by the operator not cancelling that service in their AVL system if that service is not being operated (for example, due to a shortage of drivers). TFI Live cannot display a service as cancelled if it has not received the appropriate cancellation message from the operator and as a result it reverts to showing the timetabled time that the bus is due to arrive at a stop.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
93. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if transport policy is based on the principles of universal design; if he is considering legislation that mandates national mandatory minimum accessibility standards for public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13255/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
From a policy perspective, Goal 7 'Infrastructure Design', of the Sustainable Mobility Policy aims to support enhanced permeability and ensure that the universal design principle and Hierarchy of Road Users model is used to inform future investment decisions to reduce inequalities, support a whole of journey approach, and prioritise sustainable mobility.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport infrastructure as well as the provision of an accessible, integrated public transport system for all users. The NTA works with the relevant public transport companies, as appropriate.
Noting the NTA's responsibility regarding accessibility standards for public transport services and infrastructure, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
94. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport what plans there are to support port improvement works to facilitate offshore renewables, nationally and in particular in Shannon Foynes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13224/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOffshore Renewable Energy (ORE) is integral to achieving Ireland’s Climate Change ambitions, with a target of achieving 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030, with a further 2GW to be in development by 2030. Beyond that, the Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan 2021 also sets out a target of 37GW of ORE projects to be delivered before 2050.
Government policy on commercial state ports, including Shannon Foynes Port Company, is that they operate on a commercial self-funding basis. Notwithstanding this, the ORE Ports Facilitation Division in my Department is committed supporting the development of port infrastructure, to maximise the use of Irish ports for offshore wind delivery. Separately, the current review of the National Ports Policy will consider ways to support the development of this essential port infrastructure in line with the Government’s climate and energy goals.
In 2022 Shannon Foynes Port Company launched their Vision 2041 Master Plan which sets out the blueprint for the Shannon Estuary to become a hub for facilitating the development of ORE and clean fuel production. In this regard, the Port plans to redevelop the existing Foynes Port to facilitate fixed bottom ORE projects while also developing Foynes Island Deepwater Port to facilitate potential future floating ORE projects.
Regarding the redevelopment of Foynes Port, the Port submitted an application to the Connecting Europe Facility for funding towards the project, which my Department reviewed internally and provided feedback. If successful in this application the port may receive up to 30% of the funding towards the project, while the remainder would come from other sources, including equity and debt.
In relation to the Foynes Island Deepwater Port development, SFPC has submitted a business case to the Department which is currently under review by NewERA and my Department’s Strategic Research and Analysis Division (SRAD).
Furthermore, my Department have entered into an Advisory Agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to undertake an analysis of demand, capacity, and financing options relating to Irish ports’ ORE plans. Part of the analysis will include case studies of a number of proposed ORE ports projects.
95. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider providing further support to the proposed upgrade of the N25 national road between Carrigtwohill and Midleton, County Cork, given urgent safety concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13046/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
This project did not receive funding in 2024 but as with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for these projects will be kept under review for 2025 and future years, and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the current status of the N25. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
96. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on progress on the implementation of red light cameras across the road traffic network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13007/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 81 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 provides for the use of cameras by the Gardaí to assist in the detection of certain offences under the Road Traffic Acts. These powers have been successfully used by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), working in partnership with the Gardaí, with regard to speeding offences and it is open to other road authorities to use these powers on a similar basis for other offences.
In line with commitments set out under Actions 67 and 122 of the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, the National Transport Authority (NTA) chaired a cross-agency working group to examine various approaches to expediting the timely and efficient introduction of camera enforcement.
Building on the recommendations of this group and work undertaken by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in respect of speed cameras, the Department has appointed TII to lead the development of the National Safety Camera Enforcement Strategy. This strategy will outline the structure, funding and partnership and governance arrangements associated with the management and implementation of camera enforcement in Ireland and is expected to be finalised before the end of 2024.
I understand also, in the interim before the TII-led strategy is completed, that the NTA is considering plans for further deployment of cameras for traffic management to support the effective roll-out of BusConnects.
97. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether it is appropriate that the new taxi regulator recently appointed has come directly from employment in a senior position with a taxi app company that has a commercial interest in the taxi industry; his further views on whether this represents a potential conflict of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13253/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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, nor am I involved in the recruitment of staff by the National Transport Authority (NTA). The NTA is the national taxi regulator, and any decisions regarding the recruitment of staff for the taxi regulation division of the NTA is a matter for the agency.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
98. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the status of the CMATS projects; the timeline for the delivery of the opening of the stations within this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13283/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy will deliver an accessible, integrated transport network that enables the sustainable growth of the Cork Metropolitan Area, both now and for the decades to come. We have already made good progress in delivering key projects within the strategy, including the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represents the largest investment in the rail network in Cork undertaken by the State. The programme includes the delivery of increased train capacity and frequency, providing for more connected communities and a more sustainable transport network. The three phase 1 elements of the programme, a signalling upgrade, the development of a through-platform at Kent Station, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton are on track to be completed by the end of 2026.
A Preliminary Business Case in relation to the full Cork Area Commuter Rail programme is currently being developed. The opening of additional rail stations along the Cork Commuter Rail network will occur after Phase 1 of the programme is complete, subject to approval and funding.
In addition to the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme, the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy recommends the rollout of BusConnects in Cork and the delivery of a light rail system in the city.
A key component of the BusConnects Programme for Cork is the delivery of new Sustainable Transport Corridors. These corridors will help significantly reduce bus journey times and make travel by bus, as well as walking and cycling, more attractive to individuals and families. The third round of public consultation on the Preferred Route Options for the 11 corridors concluded last December and there was positive stakeholder engagement in relation to the latest proposals. Delivery of a proposed light rail system for Cork as in the Strategy will provide a high-capacity, high-frequency public transport link to support growth of population and provide access to employment, health and educational amenities. A public consultation on the proposed Cork Light Rail project will launch in the coming months. As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
99. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport given record passenger numbers on public transport, the progress that is being made on improving public transport uptake and reliability, nationally and particularly in Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13223/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
The Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal.
To support this objective, under Budget 2024, a funding package of c. €613.463m has been secured for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and Local Link services. This package includes funding for the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the extension of the Young Adult Card on both PSO and commercial bus services to include 24-and-25-year-olds, and the continuation of the 90-minute fare until the end of 2024. Funding has also been secured to support the continued roll-out of new and enhanced bus and rail services this year.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to improving public transport and is backing up that commitment with significant infrastructure investments across the network.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
100. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding progression of the N86 road improvement project in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13275/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
I can confirm that €150,000 has been allocated for the N86 Tralee to An Daingean scheme in 2024. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for this project will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
