Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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521. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department is planning on introducing any additional Luas trams during peak commuting hours, to help alleviate current levels of demand. [20867/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Transdev. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Transdev for direct response.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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522. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects ‘Next Generation Ticketing’ to be rolled out in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20868/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.

The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing project is to provide for an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, including bus services. Fundamental to this project is a transition to an 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating mobile and card-based payments.

Following a competitive procurement process, the NTA awarded, in April 2024, an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of a new multi-modal ticketing system to a Spanish information technology company - Indra Sistemas S.A. - who have designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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523. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport how officials within his Department are working with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to ensure that measures are in place to address the shortage of skilled workers such as mechanics in Ireland’s public transport agencies. [20869/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware the Programme for Government (PfG) has committed to "Work to enhance and support the delivery of a skilled workforce to maintain and operate public transport vehicles".

My Department chairs the Public Transport Workforce Taskforce which aims to progress this PfG commitment and to identify options to assist with resolving challenges regarding the recruitment of drivers and mechanics/craftworkers. The taskforce includes representatives from the school transport section in the Department of Education, relevant transport operators and agencies, and training bodies.

In line with this work, the Deputy will be pleased to hear that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment signed regulations on 11 April 2025 extending the general employment permit quotas for HGV/Bus mechanics and vehicle repairers, increasing the total number of quotas available for these roles by 200 permits.

Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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524. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport how his Department is working with State agencies and other enterprises to bridge the gap of ‘the last kilometre’ which can discourage people from taking public transportation. [20870/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities are responsible for the development and delivery of individual projects.

Significant work is also underway within my Department to encourage the development of shared mobility options, such as shared bikes and e-scooters, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to establish mobility hubs in each local authority area. My Department will shortly publish a ‘National Policy Statement on Shared Mobility and the related Development of Hubs’ which will outline a pathway to support the increased use of shared mobility services in Ireland, offering a convenient and flexible option for ‘last kilometre’ journeys linking public transport stops to the final destination.

Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.