On behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy O’Brien, I thank the Deputies for the opportunity to address this issue in the House today. As a number of Deputies have alluded to, the programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study, continuing MetroLink from the city to south-west Dublin. The Government is committed to undertaking an independent feasibility study for a metro to south-west Dublin. For those reading my script, that is in my final response. However, given that a number of Deputies already raised this, I wanted to clarify it before other Deputies came back in. Providing an integrated transport network that lets people travel conveniently and efficiently across Dublin is essential as we encourage greater use of public transport. For this reason, we plan and develop public transport in line with the greater Dublin area transport strategy 2022-2042, rather than in isolation, to maximise the use and benefits of each proposal and project. The NTA has statutory responsibility for the transport strategy and must review it every six years, meaning that the next review is due to be concluded by 2028. As part of this review, the NTA will reassess the need for additional metro lines, among other transport options, in the greater Dublin area. This review will consider updated travel demand forecasts as well as changes in land use and spatial planning policies. This background analytical work is expected to commence over the next year. The feasibility study for a metro to south-west Dublin will be undertaken as part of this broader strategic review process. The Deputies will, I hope, understand that this approach will help ensure that it is considered in an integrated and holistic manner, alongside wider transport and spatial planning objectives for the greater Dublin area. An Coimisiún Pleanála published its decision to grant the MetroLink Railway Order in October 2025, and a subsequent potential legal challenge was withdrawn following successful mediation by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. This means that MetroLink secured an operative railway order, or full planning permission, in January. MetroLink is now progressing at pace towards procurement and construction. With this key milestone achieved, attention is turning to the preparation of the review of the strategy. As I mentioned, any consideration of new transport projects will not happen in isolation. The upcoming review of the strategy will ensure that proposals complement projects already under way, including BusConnects. As the Deputies are aware, BusConnects Dublin is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system across Dublin through the roll-out of new routes and the construction of core bus corridors. BusConnects will continue to provide benefits for public transport users across Dublin city and its suburbs, including south-west Dublin. In addition, we must recognise that MetroLink's design and alignment, including terminating at Charlemont in the south of Dublin city centre, will facilitate the seamless integration between MetroLink and any potential new metro line to the south or south west. With MetroLink due to enter construction in the coming years, we will have for the first time the people, skills and knowledge to build and operate metros.
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I will continue afterwards.
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The Deputy does not have to tell me that.
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As somebody who comes from the west - I did not write this script - I can assure the Deputy that I know what he is talking about when he says that the system was better 100 years ago than it is now. My purpose here today is not to labour that point, it is to answer his questions. Again, on behalf of the Minister for Transport, I thank the Deputies for their comments and for their interest in this important issue. As I have already stated - I will reiterate it - the Government is committed to undertaking an independent feasibility study for a metro to south-west Dublin. Furthermore, the Government recognises the transformational potential of metros, as we will see in the north of Dublin with MetroLink. We recognise that a metro to the south west may offer similar transformational potential. This year has been significant for MetroLink and the country progressing towards building its first metro line. We have seen significant market engagement and preparations for detailed procurement and the launch of contracts to do the groundwork and enable major construction. MetroLink will be built and will open up opportunities for Ireland, including the expansion and development of a new metro network. As already stated, the potential extension of the new metro line or, indeed, the broader public transport network is not done in isolation. The review of the current greater Dublin area transport strategy will be central to ensuring joined-up thinking and robust planning. This comprehensive approach to planning our public transport network will maximise the opportunities for network integration and the benefits to be gained from expansion in order that we can get the most out of our public transport network. It will also ensure that future proposals complement projects already under way, including Bus Connects, as I have mentioned, and the DART+ and Luas projects that will enter construction in the coming years.
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I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and giving me the opportunity, on behalf of the Minister for Education and Youth, to outline to the Dáil the current position in relation to the joint school project for St. John Bosco Junior Boys School, St. John Bosco Senior Boys School and Mary, Help of Christians Girls' National School in Dublin 7. This joint school building project will deliver two new 16-classroom primary schools with additional classrooms for children with special educational needs for both the senior boys' school and the girls' school and a new 11-classroom primary school with additional classrooms for children with special education needs for the junior boys' school. Initially, it had been anticipated that this joint project would be delivered in the form of an extension and refurbishment. However, due to a scope change to include an increase in classrooms for children with special educational needs, it was decided that new school buildings would be provided. The design team submitted the initial stage 1 report in April 2023 and following the submission of an addendum report in August 2023, the project was approved to the next stage. The design team submitted their stage 2a submission report in January 2024. Upon review, some key concerns were identified by Department officials. From January 2024 to May 2025, there was significant communication between the design team and the Department to discuss and assist in progressing the stage 2a submission to include a review and audit of the floor area schedules to refine some design elements to meet the approved schedule of accommodation. Upon receipt of the revised stage 2a report, Department officials carried out an initial review. In early June 2025, a further meeting was held with the wider design team, school authorities and Department officials in attendance. At that meeting, the school was provided with a progress update and advised that the design team were due to submit an addendum stage 2a report to the Department. The outstanding information for the addendum stage 2a report was received by the Department officials on 31 October 2025 and is currently under review by them. They visited the school on Friday 27 March 2026 and discussed potential options for a solution with the school authorities. Further discussions were held on 18 June. Department officials will continue to engage and update the school authorities of progress regarding these decisions. In June, the Department issued primary schools with their school-specific patronage survey results and explanatory information, marking the next stage in the process of engaging school communities on the future direction of their schools. Where the survey shows demand for change, boards of management have the opportunity to consider being included in the first group of schools to action the survey results. Schools have been asked to inform the Department and their patron by 31 October 2026 should the school wish to be included in this first group of schools to action the primary school survey results.
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I agree with the Deputy that this is not refurbishment. In my initial response, I made it clear that this joint school building project will deliver two new 16-classroom primary schools with additional classrooms for children with special educational needs for both the senior boys’ school and the girls’ school and an 11-classroom primary school with additional classrooms for children with special educational needs for the junior boys’ school. I have no information regarding the co-education provision but the Deputy said that she has received assurances and she is happy with them. I will take her at her word. As part of the NDP implementation plan for the education and youth sector, a first tranche of projects to progress to tender and-or construction during 2026 and 2027 was published in January 2026. Prioritisation will continue to identify further tranches of projects to proceed to tender and construction over the NDP period with stakeholder consultation to commence in June 2026. Our NDP implementation plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in an area is insufficient and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money and meets functional needs. The accommodation needs at St. John Bosco junior boys' school and senior boys' school and Mary Help of Christian Girls' National School will be considered as part of the ongoing overall Department-led prioritisation process in consultation with the school's patron and school authorities.
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It is not often I am asked in this House to behave like the man above. I am not sure what I can deliver from purgatory. Nonetheless, I heard what Deputy Byrne said about the conditions, which he told us are unique and among the worst in the country. He also spoke of the commitment of the staff. While I am not personally familiar with the school, I know that schools where conditions are not good or are very poor often have the most committed staff. I have a response here from the Minister for education and my job is to read it to the Deputy. I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I am speaking on behalf of the Minister for education. The project referred to by the Deputy is devolved for delivery to the Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board, WWETB. The project brief is to provide an extension to the existing school building, as well as the appropriate refurbishment of those existing buildings to be retained for ongoing educational use. As the Deputy said, the project is currently at stage 2b - I will remember the term "purgatory" again - of the architectural design process. A stage 2b report has been received from WWETB. The report is undergoing a detailed technical and cost review in line with the infrastructure guidelines. All projects, including this one, are subject to such due diligence requirements. The Department has been actively engaged with the design team and school authority throughout the process and will continue to engage to provide practical advice and assistance on this important project. The Department has a strong track record of investing in the schools building programme, with over €7 billion invested since 2020. This has delivered approximately 1,500 completed school building projects, along with approximately 4,300 small-scale improvement works to meet priority maintenance needs and advance energy efficiency and climate goals. Over €200 million in capital funding has been invested in Wexford schools since 2020. Over this period, a total of 66 schools in Wexford have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or modular accommodation. There are currently 17 school projects in Wexford under construction. A total capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth has been confirmed for the period 2026 to 2030 under the national development plan, NDP. As part of this allocation, the Department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project roll-out for large-scale projects and additional school accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project roll-out over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs. While not every project could be included in the first tranche, all projects continue to move through the pipeline. Urgent accommodation needs will continue to be met through modular delivery, SEN repurposing and the emergency works scheme. As part of the Department-led prioritisation process under way for 2026 and 2027, consultation with school patrons began last month. A further tranche of priority projects is targeted for publication in 2027, informed by departmental analysis, engagement with patrons and schools, funding parameters and, where relevant, the Department's energy and condition inventory of the school estate, due for completion by year-end.
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I will relay the Deputy's request that the Minister consider meeting him with the WWETB and the school principal. I am not sure what requests have been received, and I cannot speak on the Minister's behalf, but I will certainly relay that request. The Department is committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for all school pupils and will, in the wider context outlined, ensure each school project on the schools building programme is subject to the due diligence required under the infrastructure guidelines. The Department is required to manage the timing, scope and cost of individual projects in order to remain within budgetary parameters for the overall programme. This involves constant review throughout the project life cycle. The Department remains committed to providing ongoing guidance and practical support for the delivery of this project. As I outlined previously, WWETB, as the delivery body for this large-scale major project, will continue to engage with the school authorities regarding this important project. I have to say that the next line of my written reply states that at this stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for the completion of this project. I can understand why that meeting is of great importance to the Deputy. The progression of the project tender will be considered as part of the overall prioritisation process, and Waterford and Wexford ETB will continue to engage directly with the school authorities to keep them fully informed of progress.
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I thank Deputy Smith for raising this matter and for highlighting the significant population growth taking place in Swords. I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I am interested to hear the Deputy say it is the third largest town in Ireland. In that context, I understand why he has raised these issues. The Government fully recognises that the successful delivery of new housing must be supported by timely and co-ordinated investment in the infrastructure required to sustain vibrant and thriving communities. Through the housing activation office in my Department, we are working closely with local authorities, infrastructure agencies and service providers to ensure that housing and infrastructure are planned and delivered together. Swords is a strong example of this approach in practice. As the population continues to grow, substantial investment is being made across a range of critical infrastructure areas to support both existing residents and future development. A key project is the €21 million R132 connectivity project, funded by the National Transport Authority, which is currently under construction. This project will improve transport connectivity, enhance road safety and strengthen active travel infrastructure, while also preparing the corridor for future strategic public transport investments, including MetroLink and Busconnects. The Deputy also mentioned a significant issue with wastewater treatment. Alongside this, Uisce Éireann is progressing a major upgrade to the wastewater network along Balheary Road. This investment will provide capacity for almost 3,000 additional homes while improving the resilience of essential services in the area. It is a clear example of how targeted infrastructure investment can unlock housing and support sustainable growth. The Government has also established the €1 billion housing infrastructure investment fund, managed by the housing activation office, to accelerate the delivery of housing-enabling infrastructure nationwide. Under the first call of the fund, Fingal County Council was successful in securing support for a number of important projects, including the Fosterstown Link Road and associated road, active travel, water and wastewater infrastructure in Swords. These investments will help unlock significant additional housing capacity while supporting the long-term development of the area. More broadly, Fingal County Council is progressing a range of complementary projects, including active travel schemes, public realm improvements and the development of the Swords cultural quarter. Together, these initiatives will enhance connectivity, improve quality of life and reinforce Swords’ role as a sustainable and vibrant county town. The Government remains committed to working with Fingal County Council and all relevant agencies to ensure the infrastructure required to support housing growth in Swords is delivered in a co-ordinated, strategic and timely manner.
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The Government agrees that the delivery of housing and the delivery of infrastructure have to go hand in hand and creating sustainable communities requires investment, not only in homes, but as the Deputy said, in the transport, energy, water and community infrastructure that supports them. As he also noted, significant investment is already under way in Swords, whether it is the R132 connectivity project, the Balheary Road wastewater upgrade or the Fosterstown link road proposal under the housing infrastructure investment fund. I think that the Deputy accepts that all of those are helping or will help to address key infrastructure requirements while supporting future housing delivery. This demonstrates the value of co-ordinated planning, but in the context in which the Deputy has raised this, all I can say is that the housing activation office will continue to work closely with Fingal County Council, Uisce Éireann, the National Transport Authority, ESB Networks and other stakeholders to identify and address infrastructural constraints and to ensure that investment is aligned with housing growth. I suggest that this is how some of these concerns might be addressed, through co-ordination with a number of these organisations that are working to do this. I have no detail here or expertise, but to me that might be the only possible solution that is there. I can hear the Deputy's frustration and from what he says, I know that some action needs to be taken.
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I thank the Deputy, and on behalf of the Minister for Transport, I want to thank him for raising this issue. He is quite right. A lot of people are speaking about this. We have always been aware, but we have become more acutely aware in recent times, of the serious brain injuries sustained in many cases by children who use e-scooters and the inherent dangers in how e-scooters are being used. From the Government's perspective, we introduced a comprehensive suite of regulations in 2024 to govern the safe use of e-scooters in public places. These include the Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024 (SI 199 of 2024), which provides for technical standards and conditions for safe use, including a minimum age of 16 and a speed limit of 20 km/h. The Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations 2024 (SI 200) provides that signs for bicycle use will also apply to e-scooters. The Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (SI 222 of 2024) provides for traffic rules, including forbidding use on motorways, footpaths and pedestrianised areas. The Road Traffic (Use of Powered Personal Transporters) Regulations 2024 (SI 224 of 2024) provides that other types of powered personal transporters, PPT, and e-scooters that do not comply with the regulations will remain illegal to use in public places. There is also the previous regulation from the Road Traffic Act 1994, but I am not going to go into that at the moment. Key limitations are already in place in relation to speed restrictions of 20 km/h and it is illegal for drivers to use them on a footpath, carry passengers or have a seat. In relation to the Deputy’s question, section 5 of SI 199 of 2024, Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024, sets a minimum age of 16 for the use of these vehicles. Ongoing consideration is being given to restrict the supply of an e-scooter to persons under the age of 16 by including a provision in the upcoming road traffic Bill, similar to section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004. E-scooters that do not conform with the e-scooter regulations are illegal for use on Irish roads and the enforcement of all road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
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I thank the Deputy. In response to his question about the urgency of this, the Department of Transport is examining the issue of mandating the wearing of helmets, high-vis clothing and protective equipment for e-scooters and e-bikes, along with other road safety focused measures. Proposals in this regard are under consideration by Ministers. The Department is also considering the matter of registration for e-scooters. Any system of mandatory registration requires significant development work to act effectively and efficiently. A registration system for e-scooters would need to address various issues, including how to verify the identity of individuals who use them, safe and visible placement of registration plates and sufficient resourcing for the registration body. In addition, there are no harmonised technical specifications for e-scooters equivalent to the EU-type approval for other vehicle types in place across the EU. These issues will need to be carefully assessed and addressed. However, the Deputy should not think this means it is not being treated as a matter of huge concern and urgency. As this will be my last opportunity in this Dáil session, I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and all the staff here in Dáil Éireann for their genuine support and for all the help they give us throughout the year. I think most of us are looking forward to some bit of a break. I wish everyone a nice break over the summer. I look forward to seeing everyone back here in September.
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