Eoin Hayes (Dublin Bay South, Social Democrats)
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272. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the Government’s position regarding permitting drivers and passengers with disabilities to use bus and taxi lanes, in line with existing parking certification, particularly in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57100/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise the Deputy that the rules on bus lane access are set out in Regulation 32 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (as amended). Under Irish law bus lanes are open to buses, cyclists, electric scooters and, in certain circumstances, taxis.

Bus lanes were created - at significant expense - to provide on-street priority for bus-based public transport. Their goal is to make bus transport faster and more reliable, encouraging more people to switch from private cars to public transport. This achieves the twin goals of reducing congestion and reducing pollution.

There have been many requests to allow other classes of traffic to use bus lanes. However, additions to the categories of vehicle permitted to use the lanes would reduce their efficiency in prioritising bus-based public transport. This would reduce the quality and level of service for commuters travelling by bus and significantly compromise the safety of vulnerable cyclists and scooter users.

For the reasons detailed above, the Department has no proposals to expand bus lane access to holders of the Disabled Parking Permit.