Parliamentary questions

Road Safety

Martin Kenny

53. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on his Department's work on road safety, and his plans to tackle the continuing rise in road fatalities.
[22230/24]

Airport Policy

Martin Kenny

54. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the status of his Department’s plans for upgrading the transport infrastructure around Dublin Airport and its environs. [22231/24]

Rail Network

Marian Harkin

55. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport when the all-island strategic rail review will be published; in particular, the plans and timetable on the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22048/24]

Bus Services

Niamh Smyth

56. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the details of the local link services currently available in counties Cavan and Monaghan, respectively; his plans for additional routes or an expansion of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21828/24]

Rail Network

James O'Connor

57. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has any provision for new train stations in the east Cork area; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22148/24]

Renewable Energy Generation

David Stanton

58. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport to outline the way in which southern ports will be supported in marshalling parts and assembling turbines for offshore wind power generation in relation to the newly published draft south coast designated maritime area plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21970/24]

Public Transport

Darren O'Rourke

59. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the 103 Bus Éireann bus service; its performance standard and plans to improve it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22082/24]

Bus Services

Mairéad Farrell

60. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport his views on providing more flexibility of stops on rural bus routes; if he will provide an update on the additional stops on the 432 route; if full flexibility will be allowed for on this route in order that passengers can request stops as needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22109/24]

Rail Network

Éamon Ó Cuív

61. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in considering the all-island strategic rail review since the establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly; when it is hoped to approve it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22041/24]

Rail Network

Rose Conway-Walsh

62. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22100/24]

Regional Development

Marian Harkin

63. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport following the recent European Commission's Regional Competitiveness Index report, where the northern and western region of Ireland was ranked 218th out of 234 regions, if he will commit to improving the northern and western region’s transport infrastructure ranking; if so, how he intends on improving the region's ranking in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18095/24]

Park-and-Ride Facilities

Catherine Connolly

64. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 20 March 2024, the status of the roll-out of park and ride in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21901/24]

Bus Éireann

Pádraig O'Sullivan

65. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide on update on what engagement his Department has had with Bus Éireann to address the impact of the shortage of drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22022/24]

Driver Test

Niamh Smyth

66. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the plans and strategies being introduced to reduce waiting times in Cavan’s driving test centre; if he is aware of the lengthy waiting times at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21843/24]

Transport Policy

Peadar Tóibín

67. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he has any plans to introduce congestion charges in the State; and if he will outline how the charges would work. [15530/24]

Dublin Bus

Paul Donnelly

68. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport his views on the inhumane policy regarding comfort breaks within Dublin Bus, where drivers are being penalised for having to use facilities, which is causing buses to run late, and comfort breaks having to be recorded. [16995/24]

Road Network

Brendan Smith

69. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his 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 much needed additional funding will be provided for the non-national road network in 2024 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22079/24]

Road Projects

Joe Flaherty

70. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the N4 upgrade from Mullingar to Rooskey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21996/24]

Park-and-Ride Facilities

Thomas Gould

71. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether a park-and-ride facility is planned for the north side of Cork city. [22096/24]

Road Projects

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

72. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update and progress report on the current status of the TEN-T project for Donegal. [22072/24]

Rail Network

Éamon Ó Cuív

73. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has received a detailed update from Iarnród Éireann on the condition of the railway line from Collooney to Athenry, covering issues such as the integrity of the permanent way in terms of embankments, bridges, culverts and growth along the line, lack of encroachment and so on; whether there is any significant difference in the state of the line north of Claremorris compared to the section south of Claremorris; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22042/24]

Road Projects

Rose Conway-Walsh

74. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the N17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22101/24]

Active Travel

Brendan Griffin

75. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding new calls for active travel projects in 2024; if there is an anti-rural bias in the allocation of funding and the projects completed nationwide to date; if he will provide a detailed breakdown of where the funding has gone, projects completed and whether each was an urban or rural location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22110/24]

Road Safety

Pauline Tully

76. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the actions he is taking to ensure floating bus islands are safe for disabled pedestrians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22126/24]

Rail Network

Catherine Connolly

77. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 21 March 2024, the status of the feasibility study for light rail in Galway, which is being undertaken as part of the Galway metropolitan area transport strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21900/24]

Rail Network

Brian Leddin

78. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on the implementation of the all-island strategic rail review, including timelines and next steps, with specific reference to the development of the new passenger service on the Limerick-Foynes rail line, the spur to Shannon Airport and the upgrade of the Limerick Junction-Limerick-Waterford line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22114/24]

Rail Network

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

79. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on the intervention of his Department to progress the reopening of Barrow Bridge in advance of the recouping of costs due to the ship strikes from the insurance companies involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22121/24]

Road Projects

Brendan Griffin

80. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the actual position regarding the N22 Farranfore to Killarney road improvement project, further to TII correspondence to this Deputy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22111/24]

Road Projects

Martin Browne

81. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the reasons for the delay in providing the funding needed to allow for the continuation of work on designing the upgrade to the Cahir to Limerick Junction section of the N24 road project; if he is aware that the funding received for the project to date is diminishing and the remaining funding is needed immediately to quell concerns that, otherwise, this section of the project may stall; when the funding will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22069/24]

Bus Services

Brian Leddin

82. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the operation of the new electric bus fleet in Limerick city, including information on passenger numbers, reliability of service and if any impacts are expected on air quality in Limerick city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22115/24]

Air Services

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

83. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the application from City of Derry Airport to have Irish Government support for the Derry to Dublin air link reinstated. [22071/24]

Rail Network

Ruairí Ó Murchú

84. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progress of the implementation of hourly cross-Border train services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22144/24]

Road Projects

James O'Connor

85. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Midleton-Youghal N25 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22147/24]

Road Projects

Thomas Gould

86. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the reason the northern ring road was not included in the interactive Project 2040 map launched recently. [22095/24]

Ports Policy

David Stanton

87. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the supports he has made available to date and plans to make available in the future to the Port of Cork company to enable it to expand and develop its facilities in order that it can become a centre for project marshalling and assembly, as outlined in the recently published policy statement Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21969/24]

Bus Services

Darren O'Rourke

88. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the 109 Bus Éireann bus service; its performance standard and plans to improve it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22081/24]

Coast Guard Service

Alan Farrell

89. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his Department’s support for the Coast Guard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21759/24]

Road Projects

Ruairí Ó Murchú

90. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progress of the N53 project in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22143/24]

Bus Services

Pauline Tully

91. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport to detail the consultation his Department engaged in with disabled persons organisations prior to the introduction of floating island bus stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22125/24]

Road Projects

Martin Browne

92. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the reasons for not providing an allocation to progress the N24 Waterford to Cahir transportation scheme, for which Tipperary County Council requires €2.53 million for 2024 to continue progress, and a further €5.4 million to complete the design and bring the project through An Bord Pleanála; his views on the fact seven homes are in planning limbo as long as the project remains suspended; his views on how the non-provision of funding will affect the poor road safety record of the N24 in its current state; his further views on how the non-provision of funding reflects on the €5.07 million spent to date on the current scheme; if he will reconsider the decision to withhold funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22070/24]

Road Safety

Pádraig O'Sullivan

93. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the implementation of the legislation required for speed limit reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22021/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which plans are afoot for the implementation of the extension of the DART to Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth, Kilcock, Sallins, Naas and further afield; the extent to which such works are in hand; whether requests from the commuters in north Kildare to extend the turntable points to an area beyond Maynooth and Kilcock, given the wider catchment area and demand for transport services, are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22090/24]

Active Travel

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

95. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on the expansion of active travel funding for educational and hospital campuses, to include funding for large business parks, and overall expansion of supports for active travel infrastructure, including supports for workplace showers, wet gear storage and secure overnight bike parking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22119/24]

Airport Security

Alan Farrell

96. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to prevent drone incursions near airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21760/24]

Road Safety

Michael Lowry

113. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progress being made to improve a dangerous and busy junction on the outskirts of Thurles, County Tipperary, given that Turtulla Cross and this section of the N62 has been the location of a number of serious and fatal occurrences over the years; what safety works and junction redesign can be carried out at this junction on the N62 to improve safety for all road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21915/24]

Rail Network

Niamh Smyth

114. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the funding for the redevelopment of rail lines, particularly the Navan line, in conjunction with Department of Transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17514/24]

Road Projects

Niamh Smyth

115. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has been contacted about providing funding for the east-west link road; if he will provide an update on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17515/24]

Transport Costs

Alan Farrell

116. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide on update on his Department’s efforts to ensure continued low fares for public transport passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21558/24]

Rail Network

Niamh Smyth

117. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the status of the funding for the redevelopment of rail lines, particularly the Navan line, in conjunction with the Department of Transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19495/24]

Road Network

Niamh Smyth

118. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has been requested to allocate further money to the Department of Transport to help fund the repair of the rural road network, which is in bad need of repair urgently. [19496/24]

Departmental Projects

Alan Farrell

119. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on progress in delivering transport projects in north County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19786/24]

Antisocial Behaviour

Darren O'Rourke

120. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on antisocial behaviour on public transport; his Department's work to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17702/24]

Cycling Policy

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

121. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will be attending the EuroVelo and Cycling Tourism Conference 2024 in Denmark, given the potential of cycling and sustainable tourism in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16696/24]

Capital Expenditure Programme

James O'Connor

122. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the most recent additional capital allocations to support transport infrastructure projects contained within the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15764/24]

Driver Licences

Brian Stanley

123. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if there is a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Australia covering all categories of HGV licences (details supplied). [22182/24]

Road Safety

Patrick Costello

124. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the national safety camera enforcement strategy; when it is expected to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22199/24]

Road Projects

Danny Healy-Rae

125. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be made available to Kerry County Council for emergency works at Lisheen junction at the four-crossroads junction of Lisheen and Gneeveguilla, given there have been several serious accidents at this junction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22204/24]

Air Navigation Orders

Neasa Hourigan

126. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if responsibility for granting exemptions under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989 lies with the Minister or is delegated to a Minister of State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22211/24]

Air Navigation Orders

Neasa Hourigan

127. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a breakdown of whether exemptions under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989 were granted for munitions, weapons of war or dangerous goods in each year from 2020 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22212/24]

Traffic Management

Matt Shanahan

128. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the concerns raised regarding traffic controls adjacent to a national school (details supplied); if he will acknowledge the obvious dangers that exist, given there is no on-street parking available for school pick-up and drop-off, which is causing both parking congestion at the roadside and visibility issues for traffic circulating through; if he will require the local authority to install speed ramps adjacent to the school area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22236/24]

Public Transport

Brendan Griffin

129. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the reason Killarney rail and bus stations continue to be connected by a lengthy walkway; the reason both cannot be integrated, particularly for people with mobility issues attempting to transfer between both on tight schedules; if lifts and stairs will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22240/24]

Air Services

Catherine Murphy

130. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to instances of flights being impacted by GPS spoofing and-or jamming in Irish-controlled airspace in 2022, 2023 or to date in 2024; and if he and or his officials have engaged with the Irish Aviation Authority, the Department Of Defence and-or An Garda Síochána in respect of same over that time period. [22269/24]

Bus Services

Duncan Smith

131. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the proposals his Department has received to facilitate blind individuals being able to alert bus drivers that they will be at a certain bus stop ahead of time in order that the bus stops for them; if he will consider such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22285/24]

Public Transport

Duncan Smith

132. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to establish and convene a stakeholders' forum on public transport safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22286/24]

Driver Test

Duncan Smith

133. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the RSA’s plans to reduce the waiting times for driving tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22287/24]

Public Transport

Duncan Smith

134. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the Government's plans to encourage more taxi drivers to work nights in Dublin city centre, following concerns over their safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22288/24]

Airport Policy

Duncan Smith

135. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline all noise reduction technology in place in Dublin Airport; the details of any further noise reduction technology being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22289/24]

Road Projects

Pauline Tully

136. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding allocated to Cavan County Council in each year from 2004 to 2024 for the maintenance and upkeep of regional and local roads, in tabular form; if he will consider allocating additional funding to Cavan County Council this year; and if he will consider transitioning to a multi-year funding model to give companies undertaking local authorities road contracts the confidence to expand their capacity to undertake these contracts. [22302/24]

Transport Costs

Bernard Durkan

137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he continues to monitor transport costs and the contributory factors thereto, with a view to ensuring any negative impact on the economy might be alleviated insofar as is possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22311/24]

Transport Policy

Bernard Durkan

138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which steps are ongoing to ensure the viability of the transport sector, notwithstanding any challenges from whatever source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22314/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in the electrification of the Dublin-Maynooth rail line, with particular reference to the towns likely to expect an enhanced service; the extent of the parking arrangements currently proposed; if such arrangements can be improved in line with local requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22315/24]

Road Tolls

Bernard Durkan

140. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the total amount paid in tolls in the past eight years to date in regard to all tolled locations throughout the country, without exception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22316/24]

Traffic Management

Bernard Durkan

141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent, if any, to which heavy vehicles use the main arterial routes to and from the city at peak travel times; the action being taken on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22317/24]

National Transport Authority

Bernard Durkan

142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which alternative energy can be or is being used by the National Transport Authority, with particular reference to both rail and bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22319/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport when any rail carriages in storage will be brought into service; the manner in which this could benefit commuters in north County Kildare and throughout the greater Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22320/24]

Traffic Management

Bernard Durkan

144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which his Department monitors the various traffic routes nationally with a view to ensuring advancement of upgrading proposals before reaching gridlock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22321/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which north Kildare rail commuters can expect enhanced and improved services in the future, given the demographic trends and the need for the public to have confidence in the transport system in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22322/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it might be possible to ensure the availability of extra carriages to meet commuter demands affecting the towns of Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip, Confey and Celbridge, Hazelhatch, Sallins and Newbridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22323/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in the preparation of the extension of the DART to Maynooth and further afield to such locations as Kilcock and Enfield, with a view to catering for the commuter belt across north County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22324/24]

Electric Vehicles

Aindrias Moynihan

19. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport his views on a survey (details supplied) and the recently announced figure of a decrease in new car registrations of 16% compared with March 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22102/24]

Road Safety

Aindrias Moynihan

20. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to deal with wild deer on public roads and the increased prevalence of traffic incidents due to their increased numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22103/24]

Road Safety

Aindrias Moynihan

21. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position on road safety improvements for the N22 at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22104/24]

Electric Vehicles

Aindrias Moynihan

22. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to outline his engagement to date with Cork County Council in progressing and delivering EV charging infrastructure for existing homes and apartments without their own driveway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22105/24]

Driver Licences

Niamh Smyth

161. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to reduce the age for obtaining a HGV licence which is currently at 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21193/24]

Road Projects

John McGuinness

162. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if he has assessed the recent submission from Kilkenny County Council dated 19 April 2024 in response to the SRAD queries relative to the next phase of the Kilkenny ring road extension; if he will provide the appropriate level of funding to allow the project to proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21241/24]

Road Projects

John McGuinness

163. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if the required amount of funding will be allocated immediately to allow a continuation of the N24 road project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21242/24]

Middle East

Holly Cairns

164. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he or his Department has been approached by the organisers of a group (details supplied) as regards offering the flotilla the Irish flag in order for them to sail lifesaving aid to Gaza; if so, to provide details of the engagement; and if he would consider allowing them to sail under the Irish flag. [21246/24]

School Transport

Matt Shanahan

165. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport the provisions being made to reopen the public school transport office, currently located on the fourth floor of Plunkett train station in Waterford (details supplied); if he will enquire as to whether provisions are being made to have this public office reopened to visitors, or if the Covid restrictions will remain in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21253/24]

Airport Policy

Matt Shanahan

166. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm the present status of the proposed tunnel project being proposed at Dublin Airport; if he will outline the procurement stage of the project; the envisaged capital allocation required to complete it; the timelines surrounding the project proposal; whether or not this project has been approved for capital funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21254/24]

Airport Policy

Matt Shanahan

167. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm whether any contacts have taken place within his Department with respect to the possible acquisition of land in County Wicklow for a future designated airport capable of passenger jet traffic; the engagement, if any, that has taken place between Department officials and any possible promoters of such a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21255/24]

Rail Network

Matt Shanahan

168. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the status of Metro North, including the latest timelines to approval and tender award for initial construction; if he will outline the total projected project cost; if he concurs with recent NTA published material indicating a September 2024 start date for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21256/24]

Transport Policy

Matt Shanahan

169. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he will advise, beyond a train Metrolink service connecting Dublin Airport to the Dublin city area, what other options have been explored recently in his Department or with outside agencies or private specialists in terms of looking at alternate proposals to increase connectivity between the airport and the city; if his Department has looked at the latest transport infrastructure being used in Asia to connect airports and urban areas, some of which includes articulated buses rotating at short intervals; what activity is ongoing in his Department to consider other transport options to comparatively price against the Metro North project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21257/24]

Rail Network

Matt Shanahan

170. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport his views on Kilkenny railway station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21258/24]

Rail Network

John McGuinness

171. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if the lift, which was installed by a company (details supplied) to facilitate access for all passengers to the railway station and which was to be commissioned by Iarnród Éireann, will be made operational; the reason the lift has never been used since it was installed 20 years ago; and if immediate action will be taken. [21278/24]

Rail Network

Patrick Costello

172. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the estimated timeline for the DART+ southwest project to progress beyond the planning application; and a timeline for the project as a whole. [21331/24]

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]

Road Safety

Michael Creed

174. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport if a request for funding for road and pedestrian safety measures was submitted by Cork County Council for a location (details supplied). [21353/24]

Taxi Regulations

Richard Boyd Barrett

175. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to extend the end of life for taxi saloon cars to 13 years, as has been done with 2014 cabs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21357/24]

Transport Policy

Paul Kehoe

176. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport what assistance is available to industry workers (details supplied) to be able to test closer to place of work and not miss more off-road time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21394/24]

Electric Vehicles

Niamh Smyth

177. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the status of the rollout of electric car chargers nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21324/24]