Parliamentary questions

Public Transport

Robert Troy

157. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the pilot public transport proposal between Delvin and Mullingar. [24565/24]

Road Safety

Robert Troy

54. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will urgently review the practice of switching off sections of motorway junction lights in the interest of public safety, given particular concerns have been raised regarding the lighting of junctions on the M6 at Kilbeggan and Moate. [24253/24]

Legislative Measures

Robert Troy

46. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport to outline the new laws introduced governing the use of e-scooters. [23204/24]

Córas Iompair Éireann

Robert Troy

173. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline when CIÉ pensions for retired staff, or surviving partners of retired staff will increase in line with inflation (details supplied). [21335/24]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

214. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure an additional bus stop is provided on the old N6 at Temple Spa to allow for additional transport links for residents (details supplied). [21633/24]

Public Transport

Robert Troy

191. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with Irish Rail/Bus Éireann to see how additional car spaces could be provided at Athlone bus and train station to incentivise people to use public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18798/24]

Road Safety

Robert Troy

22. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) will be referred to the Road Safety Authority for review. [18157/24]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

193. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the National Transport Authority following the decision by Aircoach to withdraw the Athlone service, to ensure connectivity is maintained in this growth centre. [14006/24]

Rail Network

Robert Troy

198. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport when the additional capacity will be in service on the Sligo to Dublin rail line. [14065/24]

Greenways Provision

Robert Troy

214. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that an updated lease on the old rail trail greenway is brought forward and put in place. [14330/24]

Rail Network

Robert Troy

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]

Rail Network

Robert Troy

108. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the delivery of the transport study for east Westmeath and its inclusion of the reopening of the Killucan railway station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13268/24]

Electric Vehicles

Robert Troy

160. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the action he is taking to support the roll-out of the EV charging network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11123/24]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

176. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will urgently intervene to ensure the reintroduction of the 20/X20 route by Bus Éireann in view of the recent withdrawal of the services of a company (details supplied) on the Galway – Dublin route. [13493/24]

Departmental Funding

Robert Troy

182. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish a list of the NGOs funded by his Department; and the level the funding each NGO received in the past three years, in tabular form. [12730/24]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

191. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with the NTA to review the withdrawal of the 706 and 706X bus service by a company (details supplied) from Athlone and Dublin. [12849/24]

Park-and-Ride Facilities

Robert Troy

17. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the National Transport Authority to explore the feasibility of constructing a park and ride facility at Kinnegad, where the M6 and M4 meet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9417/24]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

85. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine transport links between Tullamore and Athlone in view that since the termination of a route by a private bus operator there are only two Bus Éireann services per day linking these towns. [6700/24]

Driver Licences

Robert Troy

97. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport for an update on discussions regarding the recognition of Argentinian driver licences for the haulage industry. [6997/24]

Driver Licences

Robert Troy

98. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider commencing negotiations with the Indian authorities on recognising their driver license. [6998/24]

Parking Provision

Robert Troy

99. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and ensure necessary funding is made available to Delvin to address parking along the N51 in the interests of safety. [7008/24]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

101. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Mullingar town bus service. [7070/24]

Electric Vehicles

Robert Troy

66. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the EU Just Transition Fund community facilities EV charging point scheme; when an announcement will be made on this scheme and can he ensure an application (details supplied) is approved for funding. [5099/24]

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

Robert Troy

188. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure an additional bus stop is provided on the old N6 at Temple Spa to allow for additional transport links for residents (details supplied). [3874/24]

Taxi Regulations

Robert Troy

14. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will carry out a review into the operation of rented taxi plates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52841/23]

Driver Licences

Robert Troy

167. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will comment on the current relevance of the CPC driver course; and if the teaching manuals for this course are out of date and not in line with current driving guidelines. [51615/23]

Transport Costs

Robert Troy

219. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if, in line with the reduced fares on public transport operators, there is a similar rate reduction for private operators servicing the same NTA routes. [47523/23]

Departmental Advertising

Robert Troy

231. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47742/23]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

134. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on the new citylink service from Mayo to Dublin Airport servicing Athlone, and to confirm if this service accepts the free travel pass. [44958/23]

Road Projects

Robert Troy

135. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure the NTA prioritises resurfacing works on the N55 between Athlone and Ballymahon, as this main artery has not received substantial investment in some time. [44959/23]

Road Safety

Robert Troy

136. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure Transport Infrastructure Ireland prioritises measures to reduce traffic speed on the N55 at Tang, County Westmeath (details supplied). [44960/23]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

137. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if the NTA can provide a bus stop at Tang, County Westmeath. [44961/23]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

87. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will re-instate the Dublin to Galway direct airport service stopping in Athlone. [44538/23]

Rail Network

Robert Troy

88. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport what measures are being undertaken to ensure greater bicycle storage facilities on rail carriages. [44539/23]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

91. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will re-instate the Galway to Dublin airport route via Athlone. [44567/23]

Road Projects

Robert Troy

10. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the N4 upgrade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43166/23]

Rail Network

Robert Troy

36. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to improve the Dublin to Sligo rail service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43167/23]

Departmental Meetings

Robert Troy

55. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 82 of 20 September 2023, to provide the name of each attendee at the ten Ministerial Committee on Road meetings referenced in the reply – the names of officials and Ministers that were present. [41815/23]

Road Safety

Robert Troy

140. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure adequate road maintenance funding is in place in Budget 2024 to ensure the safety of roads for road users. [41323/23]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

147. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline all of the current services linking Athlone with Tullamore, via Moate, following the withdrawal of a private service on this route earlier in the year. [41456/23]

Departmental Meetings

Robert Troy

82. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport how often the Joint Interdepartmental Justice and Transport Road Safety Committee met since July 2020; and if he will outline the attendance at each of those meetings. [39632/23]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

240. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the town bus service for Mullingar, County Westmeath. [36567/23]

Rail Network

Robert Troy

241. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if, in light of the national rail review, he will commit to a feasibility study on opening a rail line between Connolly station and Mullingar. [36568/23]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

147. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will arrange for an additional bus stop to be placed on the R446 at Temple Spa, Horseleap (details supplied). [33450/23]

Bus Éireann

Robert Troy

195. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on all Bus Éireann services which now stop in Moate, County Westmeath, on a daily basis. [32297/23]

Taxi Licences

Robert Troy

185. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure taxi drivers who rent their plate are represented when filling the current vacancy on the advisory committee on small public service vehicles. [30296/23]

Taxi Licences

Robert Troy

186. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport his views on the fact no new taxi plates are being issued despite figures from his Department that indicate 131 new licences issued per month from September 2022 to March 2023. [30297/23]

Taxi Regulations

Robert Troy

37. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport who the four representatives from thetaxi industry on the NTA advisory committee on SPSV are; and if any of the four represent the sizeable amount of leasing drivers. [26473/23]

Public Transport

Robert Troy

197. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the reason the Transport for Ireland Leap card does not work for both bus and train nationwide (details supplied).; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24165/23]

Departmental Functions

Robert Troy

21. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the body that regulates courier companies; and where one goes when they have an issue with those companies. [23330/23]

Driver Licences

Robert Troy

28. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he has held or intends holding discussions with the Indian authorities regarding a mutual recognition of driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23634/23]

Aviation Industry

Robert Troy

29. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he has held any discussions with relevant airlines about the possibility of direct flights between Ireland and India, given the large number of Indian nationals who call Ireland home. [23635/23]

Public Transport

Robert Troy

20. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the delivery of additional rail carriages for the Dublin - Sligo line to immediately address the overcrowding on many services on this line. [20685/23]

Road Projects

Robert Troy

34. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will make available the necessary funding to ensure that the N4 road can progress to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20684/23]

Driver Licences

Robert Troy

79. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20318/23]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

180. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide information on plans to expand the Athlone town bus service to take in additional routes, given the success of the recently launched electric bus fleet. [19158/23]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

181. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has plans to create additional bus services between Athlone and other towns in the midlands, given Athlone's status as a regional growth centre (details supplied). [19162/23]

Taxi Licences

Robert Troy

246. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that taxi drivers are presently only able to transfer their plates on the event of their death, not even upon retirement or in case of ill health; and his views on whether this is fair. [16535/23]

Taxi Licences

Robert Troy

251. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with taxi drivers who rent their plates, rather than owning them. [16586/23]

Taxi Licences

Robert Troy

252. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that, for the purposes of insurance, taxi drivers must include the plate owner on their insurance policy, despite the fact that the owner does not drive the cab, greatly increasing the cost of insurance. [16587/23]

Taxi Licences

Robert Troy

253. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that rents for taxi plates have increased significantly due to a lack of supply. [16588/23]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Robert Troy

54. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the capital projects that have been undertaken by his Department in Westmeath since June 2020; the funding allocated each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10557/23]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

167. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the NTA to review the bus stops in Milltownpass, County Westmeath, to ensure they are in the correct location and to erect bus shelters at these locations. [10205/23]

Pension Provisions

Robert Troy

185. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that he will not sign any amending Statutory Instrument changing the benefits of members of the CIÉ 1951 scheme given that the independent actuary of the 1951 Committee of Trustees has confirmed that the 1951 scheme now meets the minimum funding standard provisions of the Pensions Act 1990 and is solvent. [9683/23]

Pension Provisions

Robert Troy

186. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will instruct Córas Iompair Éireann to provide a detailed explanation on a matter (details supplied), including all of the outstanding information sought by the statutory Committee of Trustees of the 1951 scheme. [9684/23]

Driver Test

Robert Troy

192. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the steps that are being taken to reduce overly-long waitlist times for driving tests with the Road Safety Authority. [9781/23]

Haulage Industry

Robert Troy

199. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if additional financial supports will be forthcoming to assist the haulage business in dealing with the substantial increase in the cost of fuel (details supplied). [63935/22]

Driver Test

Robert Troy

164. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will expedite a driving test appointment for a person (details supplied). [60958/22]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

194. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that a bus shelter is provided at the bus stop at Main Street, Ballynacargy, County Westmeath (details supplied). [58898/22]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

213. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on a replacement service on the Tullamore to Athlone route (details supplied). [57435/22]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

214. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will arrange for a bus shelter to be erected in Ballynacargy, County Westmeath, given that the centre of the village is heavily used by bus passengers. [57502/22]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

222. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department can ensure that transport solutions are put in place for the residents of an accommodation centre (details supplied), given the recent discontinuation of the Tullamore to Athlone service which provided links for these residents. [55233/22]

Rail Network

Robert Troy

229. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will request Irish Rail to carry out a feasibility study for a dual railway line between Mullingar and Maynooth. [53329/22]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

230. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the current status of an application for funding for a town bus service for Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53338/22]

Driver Test

Robert Troy

191. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that a driving test appointment is provided as a matter of urgency for a person (details supplied). [48142/22]

Driver Test

Robert Troy

192. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will request an urgent review of driving test services be carried out given the unprecedented backlogs in the system; and if he will give consideration to allowing instructors to sign-off on the driving competency of applicants who have completed the required 12 lessons until such time as the waiting times have significantly reduced. [48145/22]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

110. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is engaging with contractors to ensure a replacement service is provided on the Tullamore to Athlone route (details supplied). [47429/22]

Public Transport

Robert Troy

33. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made on connecting rural Ireland; if the roll-out of new routes is on target; and if any modifications could be made to accelerate the roll-out. [46000/22]

Haulage Industry

Robert Troy

40. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the progress that is being made in addressing shortages of HGV drivers; his plans to extend driving licence recognition to additional non-EU countries; and the timeframe for the recognition of Ukrainian licences. [46001/22]

Driver Test

Robert Troy

31. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the number of registered driving instructors currently in counties Longford and Westmeath. [36615/22]

Driver Test

Robert Troy

32. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting on a driving test; and the average wait time for a driving test in counties Longford and Westmeath in days. [36616/22]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Robert Troy

33. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the total capital investments for transport allocated to counties Longford and Westmeath in 2020 and 2021; and the breakdown of the usage of these funds. [36617/22]

Bus Services

Robert Troy

34. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the total number of public transport buses currently operating in counties Longford and Westmeath. [36620/22]

Public Transport

Robert Troy

35. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons that used Bus Éireann, Local Link and Irish Rail services in 2020 and 2021. [36621/22]

Public Transport

Robert Troy

36. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the new routes proposed under the Connecting Ireland scheme in counties Longford and Westmeath; the funding allocated to this scheme in the counties; and the process by which new routes may be added to the scheme. [36622/22]

Aviation Industry

Robert Troy

246. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on deliberations regarding an application by an airline (details supplied) for fifth freedom operations in Ireland; his views that, if successful such an application would have a highly detrimental effect on the indigenous airline industry due to competition discrepancies; and if he will therefore commit to rejecting this application. [23262/22]

Road Projects

Robert Troy

441. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the status of the planned upgrade works on the N4 route at Rathowen and Ballinalack, County Westmeath. [21081/22]

Road Network

Robert Troy

201. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the allocation of community improvement scheme funding for 2022. [17665/22]

Road Projects

Robert Troy

207. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the status of the planned upgrade of the N4 Roosky to Dromod and in particular the bypass of Carrick-on-Shannon. [17820/22]

Local Authorities

Robert Troy

170. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the details of the specific active travelling funding allocated in 2021 to Westmeath County Council (details supplied). [13952/22]

Public Transport

Robert Troy

259. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport when the reduced public transport rate for third-level students which was announced in budget 2022 will come into effect. [1851/22]

Driver Licences

Robert Troy

196. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the current costs incurred by citizens over the age of 70 in renewing their driving licence for a three year period (details supplied); if he will consider a reduction in the licence fee for over 70s given the frequency with which they must renew and give consideration to the additional medical expenses which must be met as part of the renewal process. [61853/21]

Road Projects

Robert Troy

192. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed re-alignment of the N52 Kilbeggan-Tullamore route; the way the submission process is progressing; if there is a preferred route option; and the level of engagement which will be undertaken with local residents once preferred route options have been identified. [59038/21]

Driver Licences

Robert Troy

226. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport his views on the way in which articulated lorry drivers with sight in only one eye are only learning that their licence can no longer be renewed given the passing of legislation in recent years (details supplied). [37285/21]

Taxi Licences

Robert Troy

177. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to extend the age of vehicles used as taxis given that taxi drivers have not been driving the cars as heavily due to inactivity in the economy. [32970/21]

Foreign Policy

Robert Troy

299. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered declaring Belarussian airspace a no-fly zone for Irish aircraft given recent events. [32024/21]

Driver Test

Robert Troy

78. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport when the capacity for online theory testing will expand (details supplied). [29881/21]

Córas Iompair Éireann

Robert Troy

208. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide assurances that a pending High Court decision will be awaited before there are further discussions or engagement in relation to CIÉ pensions. [29133/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Robert Troy

245. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if rapid antigen testing can be considered and put in place in order to accommodate the opening of international travel during the summer months. [29653/21]