Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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482. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce safety regulations for the testing of driverless cars here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22018/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The rapid progression of technology in the area of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) through both traditional vehicle manufacturers and technology giants means that large scale production of such vehicles is likely to become a reality in the near future.  A full review of Government policies in areas such as transport, communications, data protection etc. is needed to ensure Ireland can effectively incorporate CAV technologies in its future transport planning.  Various government Departments, Agencies, including my own Department and the Road Safety Authority, along with industry bodies are reviewing the feasibility for Ireland to support the testing of automated vehicles and encourage companies to use Ireland in their development and research of vehicle technologies. The need for legislation to support such autonomous testing is also being examined as part of this process.

However, there are a number of challenges facing the Government (and indeed the European Union), including the need for new governing legislation, the updating of existing road traffic legislation, and the availability of adequate communications infrastructure and technology.  These are required to support Connected Intelligent Transport Systems (3G/4G/5G) and to develop the suitability of road infrastructure including digital data mapping and road markings etc.