I am aware of the poor performance issues on certain routes operated by Go-Ahead in the greater Dublin area. I highlighted this myself. It was brought to my attention by many commuters. As the Deputy knows, public transport service obligations are provided by both State and commercial operators under contract with the National Transport Authority. I assure the Deputy that the performance of all these public transport operators is closely monitored by the NTA as part of contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. I reassure the Deputy that I recently met with the NTA to discuss a range of public transport issues, including specifically these recent performance issues. The NTA fully acknowledged that an inadequate level of service was provided on certain routes operated on their behalf by Go-Ahead Ireland in recent weeks and it has been working closely with that operator to rectify the situation. The Deputy probably knows this already, but I understand that the issues arose due to a shortage of mechanics within the Go-Ahead operations. Upon the occurrence of the issue, various remedial measures were taken by Go-Ahead, including bringing in additional mechanics from Britain and obtaining additional support from other sources. I have been advised that the situation has improved significantly and fleet availability within the Go-Ahead operations has now been restored to sufficient levels. I understand that the company has an ongoing mechanics recruitment campaign recruitment campaign and is continuing to invest in an apprenticeship program to train new mechanics and it is considering further recruitment initiatives to strengthen its mechanic resources. Fundamentally the reliability of our bus services requires the type of bus priority measures we will introduce under BusConnects. This year will see construction start on the first of the BusConnects Dublin core bus corridors, with Liffey Valley and Ballymun-Finglas both expected to commence, and I look forward to the support of the House as we implement this transformative programme.
Sentiment score: 0.17
I have impressed on the NTA the real importance of being customer and user focused. A lot of time is spent, and rightly so, on expanding our bus network and investing in infrastructure. However, existing routes need to be supported. I agree with the Deputy. The passenger or customer experience is critical to ensuring other people use public transport. Thankfully, because of the work done by the previous Government and the former Minister, Eamon Ryan, supported by the Deputy, and by me, in Cabinet, we are seeing significant increases in those using public transport. We want to see more, and we want to build on that success. Certainty around reliability is critical and so is real-time information. The TII live app has been a frustration for people too. They are dependent on the bus operators to key into their own apps and then it is fed into one. There will be a new system coming in early next year of one combined real-time data. That is a massive frustration because people cannot make a decision as to whether a bus is turning up or not, or on whether to try to change their journey.
Sentiment score: 0.15
I thank the Deputy for giving me the opportunity to update him on this. It was a Green Party commitment in its manifesto. It was a Fianna Fáil commitment as well that we have a transport security force and transport police supported by colleagues in the programme for Government. Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the regional Independents have agreed that measure, and it is an important step forward that that be done. We are already working on it. We will require legislation. The transport security force will sit under the NTA. I will establish it. I have already had discussions with the Minister for Justice, Deputy O'Callaghan. I am waiting for options papers on that, but we have commenced the work already. The sooner it is the better, frankly. There have been changes made by the previous Minister for Justice as well with regard to Garda hubs in transport areas and that has been welcomed. That will be expanded. To answer the Deputy's question on where the transport security force would operate, I would see it operating initially on our rail and Luas lines. It will operate on buses, but we will need to scale it up. We will have to look at how we scale it up. We need to underpin it by legislation. Recruitment will also have to happen and An Garda Síochána will be a crucial part of it, but we are working on the establishment of the transport security force as we speak.
Sentiment score: 0.32
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as ucht na ceiste tábhachtaí faoi shábháilteacht phaisinéirí ar iompar poiblí. As he will be acutely aware, antisocial behaviour is a broad societal issue to which public transport is unfortunately not immune. I have witnessed, as the Deputy will have in talking to his constituents, that this is a matter that really does need to be addressed. It is those passengers and staff who regularly use and work within the public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network. To help tackle this critical issue, the programme for Government contains a strong commitment from the Deputy's party, my own and the regional Independents to create a transport security force under the National Transport Authority that would operate with similar powers to airport police and customs officers. I assure the Deputy that it is a priority. We have already started work in the Department to identify the legislation that will need to be brought forward and the powers this force will have. We continue to work closely with industry stakeholders to identify measures to improve passenger safety across the public transport network. In this regard, a public transport safety working group with representatives from all operators, the commercial bus sector, the NTA, unions, An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice and passenger representative groups has been established. The work of this group will be closely linked to the implementation plan to improve safety for passengers travelling on the network that was developed by the NTA from its annual safety and security report. The 2024 report is expected to be published in the coming weeks. I will read it with interest. In my supplementary response, I will outline some other measures that are being taken. The previous Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, took some specific measures regarding transport hubs that are still in place.
Sentiment score: 0.34
I was looking at the previous safety report and I was taken by the fact that 84% of respondents who were asked said that they felt safe on public transport. I am not disputing the numbers but I was quite surprised by that. It depends on the route. I use public transport. I am in the Dublin commuter zone. There are many other things that need to be done. On DART stations, I was pleased to see that there are 576 cameras on the network. There are 110 cab cameras that are monitored in real time at Howth Junction. On trains, Iarnród Éireann's security budget is €11.3 million in 2025. That has nearly doubled since 2023. That is good. I have seen that. I have also seen that Dublin Bus is operating a pilot programme in respect of private security on some Dublin Bus routes. It is without doubt that we need the transport security force. It will take some time to legislate for that. We also need to continue to work with An Garda Síochána and to support the units within it because there is still an issue. I firmly believe that.
Sentiment score: 0.24
The training to secure a licence for a vehicle such as that is standardised and obviously involves road testing and so on. I have not had any complaints about different driving styles across Bus Átha Cliath, Go-Ahead Ireland or Bus Éireann, but that is obviously the experience the Deputy's constituent had. On safety, Dublin Bus took the bull by the horns in running its pilot programme. We have expanded services. For example, Dublin Bus is running 24-hour buses in the city. I would like to see that expanded further. Transdev and Dublin light rail have 50 permanent security staff on our trains, but we have to be honest. While all of Go-Ahead's buses have cameras, as do all Dublin Bus buses and Bus Éireann, more people are using public transport than ever. That is good but they deserve to feel safe on those journeys. Sometimes, it is about particular routes, which are being focused on by the operators, and particular times. My main focus will be, with the Deputy's support, on establishing a transport security force and rolling that out throughout the country.
Sentiment score: 0.34
I appreciate the question. The Government’s position on this issue is clear – we look forward to delivering improved transport and an improved transport network for the people of Waterford, and to continue that over the coming years. In the city area, those improvements will be introduced in line with the Waterford metropolitan area transport strategy, which sets out a plan-led, evidence-informed basis to improve active travel, public transport and road networks across the metropolitan area in the years ahead. A key component of the strategy will be rolling out BusConnects Waterford in the coming years, and I look forward to seeing that commence, which will build on the improvements introduced a few years ago. In the wider county area, the Deputy will no doubt acknowledge the substantial progress already made in improving public transport under the Connecting Ireland programme. Connecting Ireland is introducing public transport to towns and villages in Waterford that have never had services before and enhancing service levels in those towns and villages that have services. I look forward to his continued support in that and seeing that progress over the coming years. On roads, we are supporting the council in the protection and renewal of the existing network and in delivering a new and improved network for the future. An area I will be looking at in the context of the review of the NDP will be to see how we can increase funding towards protection and renewal works, including climate adaptation. This is an area we can improve upon and I will look to accommodate that in the NDP review. It would be remiss of me to discuss transport infrastructure in Waterford without discussing the north quays project. I have no doubt the Deputy shares my belief - I know he does from our discussions on this - that this will be a truly transformative project for Waterford. From my perspective, it also highlights the type of projects that can be delivered through joined-up thinking and co-ordination across different Government funding sources.
Sentiment score: 0.38
The Deputy is correct; we have discussed this privately. A number of Deputies are interested in this important project. In 2024, approximately €4.8 million was allocated to Waterford City and County Council, under the national roads network, for national roads in Waterford. Two major road projects of importance in Waterford are in the NDP, namely, the N24 and the N25, which is Waterford to Glenmore. I recently received a submission on national roads and future funding for that. I will assess that in the coming weeks. I see Deputy McGrath is coming in on this issue as well and I am aware many others are particularly focused on this project. I will certainly give it due consideration. I have received contact from the chief executives as well, and from Deputies across all parties and none on this road infrastructure and the advancement of these projects, but no decisions have been made on these yet.
Sentiment score: 0.20
Gabhaim buíochas leis na Teachtaí. I am aware of how important this is. We will have national roads announcements in the coming weeks. I mentioned €4.8 million was allocated in 2024. Just two weeks ago, on 14 February, €23.6 million was also allocated to Waterford as part of the regional and local roads allocations. I am aware of the importance of the N25 and the N24, which Deputy McGrath mentioned and about which I spoke to him directly. That is a very significant road improvement scheme in the context of the whole network, involving approximately 60 km. It requires significant funding to move this on. There will be many competing projects within this year's programme. Within the past few days, I received a draft submission, which I intend to review in detail. I expect to make announcements in the coming weeks in this regard. Specifically on the action group Deputy Cullinane mentioned, I would be happy to interact with them if he forwards any correspondence he has to me.
Sentiment score: 0.17
I thank the Deputy very much. I am aware that the progression of this project is of great interest to him and the local community. Indeed, I visited the area with him not so long ago and met community groups. The Government has earmarked €5.1 billion for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. While the greater portion of this funding is to become available from 2026 to 2030, many road projects continue to be progressed. Projects already delivered in County Cork include the N22 from Baile Bhuirne to Macroom and the upgraded Dunkettle interchange. The N25 Midleton–Youghal scheme includes bypasses of the villages of Castlemartyr and Killeagh, which the Deputy mentioned. The project would improve connectivity along the N25 corridor for all road users, including for freight traffic to the ports of Cork and Waterford and Rosslare Europort. The Deputy has advocated this very strongly. The project would also deliver quality-of-life improvements to the residents of Killeagh and Castlemartyr, reducing congestion, pollution and noise. This is in addition to the improvement in safety that would be provided for both villages. In 2022, my Department provided an allocation to Cork County Council to progress a strategic assessment report for the N25 Midleton–Youghal scheme. This was submitted to the Department in January 2023. The concept and feasibility phase is now approaching completion. Cork County Council is preparing tender documents for the procurement of technical advisers to take the project through its next phases. This will include the selection of a preferred route option, along with detailed design and environmental evaluation. In 2024, this project received an allocation of €450,000. I assure the Deputy that the delivery of this project remains an absolute priority of the Government. As I have discussed with him directly and as I know he appreciates, I will be announcing the funding for 2025 very shortly.
Sentiment score: 0.24
I do. I spent a fair bit of time with the Deputy in the region, including in Youghal and Castlemartyr. I met community groups too. I absolutely see the need for that. During the middle of the day, outside rush hour, you can see the level of traffic moving through. Colleagues and I have paid very particular attention to the submission I have received. I will be reviewing it. The Deputy has advocated extremely strongly on behalf of his community and constituents, and I want to see this project moving forward. I do not want to pre-empt any announcement because I need to consider the capital envelope we have in the round and how we will make the allocations, but the Deputy can be assured that the points he has made, not just this evening but continually and consistently, are well made and fully understood by me. I expect to be making announcements shortly in this regard, in a matter of weeks.
Sentiment score: 0.14
Earlier, when answering other questions, both the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and I were talking about the genuine importance of delivery during the term of this Government. We have many plans and strategies. We have seen improvements in our road network but the focus has got to be on delivering on projects. The point the Deputy made on multi-annual funding for roads is one I agree with. It is not within my gift alone or that of the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, to provide the funding but we want to determine how we can advance it. It would give certainty to the part of the construction sector concerned, such that it could see a pipeline of work and scale towards doing what is required. That was my experience in the Department of housing. Multi-annual funding is important because it gives certainty regarding investment. It means people have work and can take on people. It means they will see a pipeline of significant works. I am more than confident that we will see a very significant improvement in our road network over the term of this Government. We are determined to achieve this. I have already discussed with officials the need to examine the next phase of road projects with a view to funding on a multi-annual basis.
Sentiment score: 0.21
Gabhaim míle buíochas leis an Teachta as ucht a chomhghairdis. I thank the Deputy for the question. This has long been a matter of concern to him and the people of Tipperary, particularly the residents of Tipperary town and those who use the N24. This project forms part of a 35 km improvement scheme for the N24 between Cahir in County Tipperary and Limerick Junction. The proposed project would include bypasses of Tipperary town and Bansha, enhance regional accessibility and improve connectivity between Limerick and Waterford. By removing through traffic from a number of towns, there would be greater safety for road users and increased capacity on the network for both public transport and freight traffic. There would also be scope for urban environment improvements and improvements to the public realm and facilities in towns and villages, particularly the Deputy’s own town in Tipperary. This would have a positive social benefit for residents and encourage walking and cycling in the area. The project is currently progressing through the design and environmental evaluation phase, during which detailed design of the project is undertaken, along with the preparation of land acquisition documentation and surveys. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has advised my Department that it is anticipated that this phase will conclude in the second half of this year, after which a preliminary business case will be submitted to my Department, as per the infrastructure guidelines. With regard to the fast-tracking of individual elements of the overall project, the delivery programme will be clearer once the current project phase has concluded. However, my officials will continue to engage with TII with regard to this project, including, I can assure the Deputy, on the feasibility of fast-tracking elements of the project such as the Tipperary town bypass. Subject to the Government's approval of the preliminary business case, the project will then proceed through the statutory processes, which will include an application for planning approval to An Bord Pleanála. It is expected that this application will be made in the first half of 2026.
Sentiment score: 0.34
I thank the Deputy. He has strongly and passionately argued for this project. We will engage with TII around the feasibility of fast-tracking elements of the project, particularly the Tipperary town bypass. Other elements will require planning permission and to go through the process. We are committed to it, as the Deputy is. It will make a massive difference to residents in the area. If we can bypass Tipperary town, we can make the improvements I have mentioned to the public realm within the town. There will be opportunities for businesses and people to consider new enterprises in the area. We can improve the quality of life in the town centre. I assure the Deputy that I will stay engaged directly with him on the issue. I have taken on board what he said and will keep him informed of progress at each stage.
Sentiment score: 0.33
Aontaím le gach rud a bhí á rá ag an Teachta. Tuigim go bhfuil an scéim seo an-tábhachtach ar fad ar son na ndaoine i dTiobraid Árann. Tiocfaidh mé ar ais chuig an Teachta go luath nuair a bheidh nuacht nua agam faoi sin. Tá súil agam go mbeidh mé ábalta dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar son na ndaoine i dTiobraid Árann, go háirithe leis na bóithre. Caithfidh mé bualadh le TII agus an chomhairle contae faoin scéim seo. Tiocfaidh mé ar ais chuig an Teachta tar éis an chruinnithe sin.
Sentiment score: -0.15