Written Answers Nos. 233-251
233. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport when he will implement the proposal for free travel for children under nine years-of age; the way the proposal will be implemented; if there are further plans for the expansion of free public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6123/25]
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.
Under Budget 2025, funding has been allocated to the Department of Transport to extend free public transport for children to include those aged 5 to 8 years. Free travel for all children under-fives on subsidised public transport services was introduced in 2017.
The extension will be introduced later this year, with a lead time involved to allow for the necessary technical changes required to facilitate the implementation of this change to child fares. Similar to the previous fare initiatives this measure marks another step towards making sustainable transport a more affordable option for more families.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
234. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the preliminary appraisal received by his Department from Louth County Council in connection with a further phase of the port access northern cross route scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6147/25]
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 roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the existing network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments. Louth County Council is the statutory planning and road authority in its functional area. It is, therefore, a matter for Louth County Council to consider options regarding the development of the proposed Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) scheme in Drogheda. It should be noted that there is a limited budget available for projects under the Regional and Local Road Strategic Grant Programme and that, under the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code), a Project/Programme Outline Document is required for all projects which are estimated to cost in excess of €15 million (previously €10 million). A Project Outline Document has been received by my Department from Louth County Council in connection with a Phase 3 of the PANCR and following consideration by my officials was returned for further consideration by Louth County Council. Funding of €30,000 has been allocated to Louth County Council for the Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) scheme in 2025.
235. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting since November 2024 for a retest; if he will expedite a test for the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6152/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, this includes all application and scheduling matters and neither I nor my department have the power to intervene in individual cases.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten days.
Pending this detailed response, to address the issue of driver testing waiting times, in September 2024 my Department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent positions for driver testers. This increases the total permanent sanction for testers to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022.
As a condition of sanction, my officials have requested that a plan is put in place to restore waiting times to 10 weeks as soon as possible. I understand that recruitment is well underway and additional capacity will enter the service in the coming months, helping to progressively reduce waiting times.
Regarding the retesting process, I am told that all retest candidates are prioritised and issued an invitation to book a test within 10 weeks of their unsuccessful driving test. However, this will depend upon demand at the selected test centre.
The Deputy may also wish to note that a change was made to the online booking system for the National Car Test in October 2023. Unused test slots are now made available for candidates to take up at short notice. If a driving test is cancelled at short notice, the Authority now make this appointment available on the MyRoadSafety portal.
236. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Transport the steps that can be taken to ensure a person (details supplied) can sit their driving test promptly as required for her employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6154/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, this includes all application and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my department have the power to intervene in individual cases.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply.
Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten days.
237. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Transport the measures he will take to alleviate the backlog of drivers awaiting their driving tests in Shannon; if there are plans to appoint a full-time tester for Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6155/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all application and scheduling matters and the distribution of driver testers.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten days Pending this detailed response, to address the issue of driver testing waiting times, in September 2024 my Department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent positions for driver testers. This increases the total permanent sanction for testers to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022. As a condition of sanction, my officials have requested that a plan is put in place to restore waiting times to 10 weeks as soon as possible. I understand that recruitment is well underway and additional capacity will enter the service in the coming months, helping to progressively reduce waiting times. The deputy may also wish to note that the RSA publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service on the CSO website, including the breakdown of waiting times and distribution of testing capacity by test centre. This information is available at the following link: https://data.cso.ie/table/ROA36
238. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport the current status of and the planned schedule for the commencement and completion of the Virginia, County Cavan bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6193/25]
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 Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of the N3 Virginia Bypass project.
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.
239. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the number of train services on the M3 Parkway to Docklands route at rush hour given it is standing room only on many of these rush hour services after departure from M3 Parkway station; the latest timeline on plans to increase the number of trains and carriages running on this route at rush hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6203/25]
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 issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the number of services on the M3 Parkway to the Docklands is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
240. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Transport when the proposed bus route A90 in Kilkenny will begin operation; if Kilmacow will be serviced by this bus route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6204/25]
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.
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.
241. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Transport if he has given a commitment to provide funding for the northern ring road around Kilkenny, as reported by the local media on 29 January 2025 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6205/25]
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 roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments. Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind. In line with Government requirements Kilkenny County Council produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension and a draft was forwarded to the Department in January 2023. The Department reviewed the SAR and returned its comments and observations to Kilkenny County Council for consideration. Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department continues to liaise with the Council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure Guidelines and the TAF including the preparation of a Project Outline Document (POD) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the SAR stage. In 2024, the Department provided funding for an updated POD, which has been submitted to the Department by Kilkenny County Council, and while this process was underway funding was also allocated for Traffic/Junction Analysis in the Butts Green area of the City to further assess and understand traffic patterns in the city.
Following a review of the POD by the Department, €200,00 has been allocated to the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project (formerly Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension Project) in 2025 to allow Kilkenny County Council to progress the project to the Options Stage.
242. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand active travel in rural towns, villages and counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6215/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel.
The Programme for Government committed around €360 million per annum to walking and cycling across the lifetime of the Government. The vast majority of this funding is allocated to the National Transport Authority (NTA) through the Department of Transport for its Active Travel Infrastructure Programme.
Over €290 million has been allocated by the Department of Transport to the NTA in 2025 for Active Travel measures around the country. The NTA disperses this funding to all local authorities, works with them to identify walking and cycling projects and oversees their delivery. Of that €290 million, just under €61 million has been allocated to counties outside of the Greater Dublin Area and regional cities.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer.
If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
243. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport if he will commit to funding for the Navan Rail project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6216/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for transport planning in the Greater Dublin Area, including County Meath.
The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, which was approved in early 2023, sets out a framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period from 2022 to 2042.
The issue of a rail connection between Dublin and Navan was re-examined as part of the development of the Transport Strategy. That re-examination supported the development of a rail line from Dublin to Navan and the final Strategy now includes delivery of the line between 2031 and 2036, subject to planning and funding approvals.
I am pleased to confirm that in 2024 the NTA allocated funding to Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) for the establishment of a design team to commence work on the Navan rail line project. This work involves route option selection, planning and design phases of the project.
IÉ commenced the procurement process for this pre-construction phase of the project, and issued a tender to prequalified consultants at the end of May 2024. In November 2024, multi-disciplinary consultants were appointed by IÉ for the duration of the project to work with the rail company’s in-house project team.
It is anticipated that a public consultation on the route options for the project will take place by early 2026. That process will ultimately recommend a defined route and develop a preliminary business case, which will need to be approved by Government before it enters the planning system.
The Navan Rail Line is being delivered by IÉ on behalf of the NTA, with funding for the project being provided by my Department through the NTA.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply.
Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
244. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport the current estimated projected cost of the Navan Rail project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6217/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for transport planning in the Greater Dublin Area, including County Meath.
The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, which was approved in early 2023, sets out a framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period from 2022 to 2042.
The issue of a rail connection between Dublin and Navan was re-examined as part of the development of the Transport Strategy. That re-examination supported the development of a rail line from Dublin to Navan and the final Strategy now includes delivery of the line between 2031 and 2036, subject to planning and funding approvals.
I am pleased to confirm that in 2024 the NTA allocated funding to Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) for the establishment of a design team to commence work on the Navan rail line project. This work involves route option selection, planning and design phases of the project.
IÉ commenced the procurement process for this pre-construction phase of the project, and issued a tender to prequalified consultants at the end of May 2024. In November 2024, multi-disciplinary consultants were appointed by IÉ for the duration of the project to work with the rail company’s in-house project team.
It is anticipated that a public consultation on the route options for the project will take place by early 2026. That process will ultimately recommend a defined route and develop a preliminary business case, which will need to be approved by Government before it enters the planning system.
The Navan Rail Line is being delivered by IÉ on behalf of the NTA, with funding for the project being provided by my Department through the NTA. As the project is still in the preliminary stages of development, a detailed breakdown of the final construction cost has not yet been received from the NTA by my Department.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply.
Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
245. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of the empty buildings, by county, in his Department’s portfolio; the value of the property; the length of time they have lain empty; and the physical status of each building, in tabular form. [6241/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra246. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of undeveloped sites, by county, in his Department’s portfolio; the value of the property; the length of time they have lain undeveloped; and the reason for the lack of development, in tabular form. [6258/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.
All office and other accommodation occupied by the Department of Transport is provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) which is responsible for the procurement of office and other accommodation required for Government Departments.
My Department currently owns one vacant property, the Dun Laoghaire rocket house, which is registered as being owned by the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG). It is a small stone built structure in Dun Laoghaire Harbour area that can only be accessed via an adjacent property. The building was condemned in 2012 and is not fit for habitation. It was last valued in 2014 with an estimate of 35k. The IRCG is currently seeking advice regarding disposal of this site.
247. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport when Iarnród Éireann expects full resumption of catering services onboard Intercity rail journeys. [6274/25]
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 issue raised by the Deputy in relation to catering services onboard Intercity rail services is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
248. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Cork metropolitan area transport strategy; to outline the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6327/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Within this policy framework, the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040 has been developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork County Council. A key principle for CMATS is to reduce dependency on the private car within the Cork commuter area, while increasing the appeal of sustainable transport options, such as Cork Area Commuter Rail and BusConnects Cork.
With regard specifically to BusConnects Cork, the NTA submitted the Preliminary Business Case for the programme to my Department in January 2025. Officials in my Department are currently reviewing this business case. In line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, the business case will also go through an external assurance process and be reviewed by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform's Major Projects Advisory Group before being submitted to Cabinet for consideration. If approved by Cabinet at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines, this will allow the programme to enter the planning process.
The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represents the largest investment in the rail network in Cork undertaken by the State. Phase 1 of the Cork Commuter Rail Programme, largely funded through the EU's National Recovery and Resilience Plan, aims to provide a new ‘through’ platform at Kent Station, re-signalling of the network, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton, by Quarter 3 2026. The new platform at Kent station is now almost complete and should enter use this year. In 2024, Iarnród Éireann awarded a contract for the design of Phase 2 of the Programme. This Phase provides for eight new stations, a new fleet maintenance depot electrification of the network and upgrades to existing commuter stations. Phase 2 will be progressed following the completion of Phase 1, subject to funding and relevant approvals.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in developing and implementing CMATS, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
249. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has taken advice in respect of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within his Department in 2024 and to date in 2025; if any section of his Department currently makes use of artificial intelligence; if he will outline the purposes it is utilised for and costs associated with same; if he has consulted with any consultancy firms in respect of the use of AI; if he will provide a schedule of consultants engaged and costs of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6348/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not engaged any consultancy firms to provide advice in respect of the use of AI. Some guidance has been received from Microsoft in relation to their Copilot platform as part of regular account management meetings and at no additional cost to the Department. A free version Copilot is being assessed by staff in the Department under strict controls. A project is commencing this year with an AI proof of concept for the Coast Guard. Further use cases and additional proof of concepts may be explored in the year ahead but no specific projects have been approved nor budget allocated at this time.
250. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Airport Hopper bus service; if it has ceased operation; the date on which it will be back in operation; the frequency of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6370/25]
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 is responsible for the licensing of public bus passenger services under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009.
While most public transport in Ireland comprises the bus and rail services funded through the NTA’s public service obligation (PSO) programme, there is part of the national public transport system that comprises non-subvented bus services, which are run on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country. As a commercial operator, any decisions taken by Airport Hopper regarding routes scheduling and timetabling are a matter for the company, the NTA has no powers to refuse an application from an operator to reduce or withdraw services on a commercial route.
Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply, as the licensing authority they may be able to provide information on if the company have ceased operating the route. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
251. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be provided to reinstate the Derry to Dublin airlink as committed to in the Programme for Government. [6391/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to delivering for all people and all regions across our shared island.
In relation to air connectivity between Derry and Dublin, this Government is committed to engaging with all relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin and Derry City airports as reflected in our Programme for Government.
I would like to advise the Deputy that I am currently being briefed by officials on this matter and will shortly be considering next steps in this regard.
