Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:161. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the status of the roll-out of the EV charger infrastructure nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9441/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraElectric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (161)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, there is an absolute need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.
To date this has been led by private sector investment, and the number of publicly available charge points in Ireland has increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to 2,400 in 2024. In order to achieve Ireland’s EU targets under the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally, depending on the level of power supplied at each.
The EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025 sets out the Government’s ambition regarding the delivery of this network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the need for a National EV Charging Network Plan to define the requirements for publicly accessible charging. The objective is to be ahead of demand and deliver on the AFIR requirements and install EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs.
The first element of the National EV Charging Network Plan – the National Road EV Charging Network Plan published in May 2024 – will see large banks of high powered chargers installed every 60km on motorways, with significant provision of high powered chargers also on national primary and secondary roads. The Plan sets out ambitious targets for the level and coverage needed for En-Route charging on our national roads network.
We are already seeing significant increased capacity of EV charging on our national roads, and this plan provides additional reassurance and certainty for EV drivers and those thinking of making the switch to EVs that they will be able to find high powered, fast and convenient EV charge-points where and when they need them.
The second element, the draft Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging, was published for public consultation in May 2024. The final plan is to be published in Q1 2025 and will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.
A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed which will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging, including:
• A motorway infrastructure scheme, administered by TII - in July 2024, it was announced 131 new high-powered recharging points for electric vehicles to be built across 17 recharging pools along major roads.
• A second high powered scheme, to be administered by TII, to provide banks of high powered chargers along the primary and secondary national road network.
• A Shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which will install up to 200 fast chargers in sports clubs on the island of Ireland.
• An EU Just Transition Fund supported scheme, which is planned to install 60-80 chargers in the midlands.
• Local Authority pilot schemes, funding the roll out of EV charging in Local Authorities who have already developed local EV network plans, while supporting the development of local EV Network plans in other areas.
• To address a particular challenge of home-charging access a Shared Charging Pilot Scheme was also recently launched. This innovative, peer-to-peer programme enables homeowners to rent their EV chargers to others through a booking platform, offering cost-effective charging options for EV owners who don’t have private off-street parking. The pilot will be supported by ZEVI and will be rolled out in urban, suburban and rural areas.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (162)
John Connolly
Ceist:162. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that the Galway Roads Project Office, consisting of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Galway County Council and Galway City Council, will lodge the updated information to An Bord Pleanála for the reassessment of the Galway city ring road project prior to the April 2025 deadline; if the project continues to enjoy the support of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8164/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 Galway City Ring Road project.
In 2024, €3 million was allocated for the Galway City Ring Road project. Allocations for national road projects in 2025 will be announced in the near future.
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.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (163)
Barry Ward
Ceist:163. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure that all public transport is fully accessible to all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8966/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. At a policy level, the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, published in 2022, contains two particularly relevant high-level goals -
• 6. Take a whole of journey approach to mobility, promoting inclusive access for all
• 7. Design infrastructure according to Universal Design Principles and the Hierarchy of Road Users model
The policy was accompanied by the publication of an action plan out to end 2025 which contained specific actions to be delivered by end 2025 in support of those high-level goals. The action plan will be reviewed in order to develop a new action plan to cover the period 2026 to 2030.
In addition to the above my Department has also been engaging with colleagues across Government in the development of a new national disability strategy which will be finalised and published by the relevant Minister in due course.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport more accessible.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, in conjunction with the transport operators as appropriate, 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.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (164)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:164. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if the N70 national secondary ring road of Kerry can urgently be brought up to an acceptable standard (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9433/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on N70 Ring of Kerry road.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply concerning the N70. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 137.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (166)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:166. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport when work is due to commence on the expansion of the green line LUAS to Bray; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9442/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 was published by the NTA in January 2023. The strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
Implementation of the strategy has been divided into three phases – short-term up to 2030, medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042. An extension of the Luas green line to Bray is part of the strategy’s medium-term proposals for development and delivery within 2031-2036 and is part of a number of proposed expansions to the Luas network over the lifetime of the strategy.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA, 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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (167)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:167. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if coaches fitted with toilets will be considered for longer rural bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9475/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, such as Bus Éireann.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the NTA and I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Airport Policy
Ceisteanna (168)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:168. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for removing the passenger cap at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9504/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to work with stakeholders to achieve our objective of lifting the passenger cap at Dublin airport as soon as possible.
Since my appointment as Minister for Transport I have commenced the process of meeting with the key stakeholders and will continue to do so over the coming weeks to understand how government can best support daa to achieve our objective of lifting the passenger cap as soon as possible. The development of Dublin Airport is something I’ve always supported. It is very important for the region and the country in terms of jobs and economic growth but it needs to develop in a sustainable way that considers the local community.
It is a longstanding Government policy to develop Dublin Airport as a secondary hub airport with the necessary capacity to connect key existing and emerging global markets. However, it is important to Government in ensuring the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, to balance the objectives of the National Aviation Policy, the needs of business and tourism interests and the legitimate rights of local residents who are concerned about noise levels, particularly at night. In this regard, the Government is committed to ensuring that all relevant agencies engage effectively with all communities impacted by noise, flight movements and airport operations.
It is also important to Government to optimise our airport network and I am pleased to note the growth in passenger numbers in our other State airports last year with passengers at Cork and Shannon Airports up 10% and 7% respectively, last year.
The cap of 32m passengers at Dublin Airport is a planning-related rather than policy related matter. It is a condition attached to planning permission granted for T2. As the Deputy will be aware, daa has the statutory responsibility for the operation, management and development of Dublin Airport and the daa is currently working to address the passenger cap through progressing planning applications including the Infrastructure Application and the Operational Application.
In relation to the Infrastructure Application, under its Capital Investment Programme (CIP 2020+), daa applied for planning permission in December 2023 for infrastructure projects and to increase the annual passenger capacity at Dublin airport from 32m to 40m passengers. Fingal County Council (FCC) issued a request for further information (RFI) from daa on 16 February 2024. daa responded to this request on 13 November 2024 and a public consultation regarding the RFI closed on 8 January 2025.
A decision on this planning application is not subject to the same timelines as a conventional planning application. The Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA), in its role as the regulator of aircraft noise, formed the opinion that the application requires an assessment of the need for a noise related action. daa has yet to submit the outstanding information which was requested by ANCA in March 2024 for this assessment.
The Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation Act 2019 provides an independent aircraft noise regulation process in accordance with EU Regulation 598/2014 (establishment of rules and procedures regarding the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at Union airports within a Balanced Approach). The Act provides that all development at Dublin airport is subject to assessment and mitigation in respect of the noise environment around Dublin Airport.
The Planning Authority is precluded from issuing a decision on the planning application until it receives direction from ANCA in relation to aircraft noise. daa advise that they are awaiting a decision from An Bord Pleanála (ABP) on the North Runway Relevant Action (NRRA) which relates to use of the airport for night time flights, before submitting the requested information to ANCA.
In relation to the Operational Application, on 20 December 2024, daa applied to the planning authority to increase the passenger cap at Dublin Airport to 36m through their Operational Application (OA). FCC notified daa that this OA application was invalid. daa proceeded to resubmit an updated ‘no infrastructure build’ OA to increase the passenger cap to 36m on 6 February 2025. This application is currently being assessed by FCC, although the planning authority has issued a statement that daa has not engaged in pre-planning meetings prior to submission of the application.
While the Government is keen to see the passenger cap lifted as soon as possible, all planning applications are a matter for the statutorily independent bodies to decide on and in this regard, I hope that all relevant planning applications including those that have been appealed to An Bord Pleanála can be progressed as soon as possible.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that I met with the Chair and CEO of the daa last week and assured the daa that we have a shared objective of seeking to ensure that the passenger cap is lifted so that Dublin Airport can continue to provide the necessary capacity to meet current and future demand.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (169)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:169. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if improvement and safety works on the N22 road section from Macroom to Ballincollig will be advanced; if the high road incident figures being considered on advancing works on this road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9435/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the N22. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (170)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:170. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the National Transport Authority to engage with Dublin central politicians to address the various concerns and inquiries raised by residents following the introduction of several new bus routes in the area. [9499/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 performance of all 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 by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts 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, if the Deputy has any specific concerns, I would advise the Deputy to contact the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Éireann
Ceisteanna (171)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:171. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport to review school transport restrictions by Bus Éireann on the age limit for drivers and buses used for school transport purposes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9437/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the school transport scheme is a matter for the Minister for Education.
However, I note that the Programme for Government (PFG), Government has committed to "Carry out an independent assessment on the feasibility of removing the exclusion of drivers aged over 70 from the School Transport Scheme". I will be engaging with the Minister for Education and with Bus Éireann on this PfG commitment.
Question No. 172 answered with Question No. 138.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (173)
Noel McCarthy
Ceist:173. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on plans for the further development of the N72 road in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9478/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 N72 road.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to any works planned for the N72. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (174)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:174. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding will be provided to expand Local Link services in counties Roscommon and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8963/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to increasing Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns and cities.
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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in Counties Roscommon and 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.
Question No. 175 answered with Question No. 154.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (176)
Erin McGreehan
Ceist:176. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport if he has had discussions with Iarnród Éireann on the need for an additional train station in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9407/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The maintenance, renewal and operation of the rail network and stations on the network, including the proposed station referred to, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) in the first instance.
Noting IÉ's responsibility in relation to the rail network and stations on the network, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (177)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:177. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport for an update on Ardfinnan bridge; if full funding will be provided to progress the project following the public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8899/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
Cabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (178)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:178. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Climate Action, Environment and Energy will next meet. [7613/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Last month the Government established the Cabinet Committee on Climate Action, Environment and Energy to oversee implementation of Programme for Government commitments in relation to the environment, climate action, energy and emergency planning.
Its membership shall comprise of the Taoiseach; the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and for Defence; the Minister for Finance; the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; the Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and for Transport; the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine; the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage; and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
It will meet quarterly and its first meeting will be scheduled shortly.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (179)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:179. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach the powers he has to promote, demote or dismiss permanent civil service staff within his Department, to transfer such staff to other Departments, or to make external appointments from outside the civil service to civil service positions, other than his special advisers and staff of his private office. [8978/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Procedures and processes relating to the dismissal, promotion or demotion of permanent civil servants within the Department of the Taoiseach are governed by the Civil Service Regulation Acts, the Public Service Management Acts and relevant disciplinary codes.
Any appointments made outside of the requirements of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 are covered by the guidance issued by the Commission for Public Service Appointments, including the requirement to obtain any necessary excluding orders.
Live Register
Ceisteanna (180)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Ceist:180. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Taoiseach the number of people on the live register in counties Carlow and Kilkenny in January of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, by age, gender, occupation, nationality and duration, in tabular form. [8841/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Live Register series provides a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social Protection.
Table 1 and 2 below show the number of persons on Live Register for County Carlow and County Kilkenny classified by gender, age and duration of continuous registration for January 2020 to 2025.
Table 3 and 4 below show the number of persons on Live Register for County Carlow and County Kilkenny classified by nationality grouping for January 2020 to 2025.
Table 5 and 6 below show the number of persons on Live Register for County Carlow and County Kilkenny by last held occupation for January 2020 to 2025.
It should be noted that the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, and seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance.