Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien TD: ‘A transformative programme of investment in transport infrastructure’

A connected and sustainable transport network is key to Ireland’s economic growth and achieving our climate goals, writes Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD.

My vision for the next five years of this government is to drive forward a transformative programme of investment in sustainable and modern transport infrastructure to drive economic growth for the country.

Sustainable public transport is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce emissions and meet our climate targets. As Minister for Transport – and also for Climate, Environment and Energy – I know that the next five years are critical for delivering real change.
But this is not just about policy or targets. As a father to a 16-year-old daughter, I am reminded daily that climate action is not optional – it is urgent. For my daughter’s generation, the climate crisis is the defining issue, and they are rightly demanding that we act now. We owe it to them to build a future that is cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable.

As Minister, my priorities for the next five years include expanding our bus and rail fleets, building new rail stations, and accelerating the electrification of public transport through significant investment in electric buses and charging infrastructure. I am also committed to supporting people in making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) through grants that reduce purchase costs and by improving the supporting infrastructure.

Connectivity and liveability

We will also continue to invest in reliable, accessible, and efficient transport links between our towns, cities, and rural areas. At the same time, we will continue to upgrade and improve our road network – making it safer, more efficient, and better aligned with the needs of local communities by removing unnecessary traffic from city centres and making our towns and cities more liveable.

“My vision for the next five years of this government is to drive forward a transformative programme of investment in sustainable and modern transport infrastructure.”
Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD

At the end of May 2025, I officially opened the Killaloe Bypass, a transformative road project which will reduce traffic and support the local economy in both Killaloe in County Clare and Ballina in County Tipperary. This was a €90 million investment by my department and will greatly improve the quality of life for residents of both towns. The alternative route will take through-traffic and HGVs out of both town centres, thereby significantly reducing congestion, protecting both heritage areas, and providing a much-needed boost to the local economy and the region’s tourism sector. The project also included active travel to encourage more people to use sustainable travel options.

International connectivity

Looking at the big picture, international connectivity is also essential for economic growth, which is why enhancing the capacity of Dublin Airport remains a priority for me as Minister for Transport and for the Government as a whole, working with key stakeholders and residents. I am also committed to strengthening connectivity across the entire country by investing in our regional airports – Kerry, Donegal, and Ireland West – as well as supporting the continued development of Shannon and Cork airports.

Public transport

In public transport, we are now progressing several major projects nationwide which will significantly improve Ireland’s transport system.

BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of BusConnects comprises the Core Bus Corridor schemes. These corridors aim to provide over 200km of enhanced bus and cycling infrastructure in Dublin. I am pleased to say that An Bord Pleanála has approved all 12 Core Bus Corridor applications in Dublin. My department aims to have the first of the Core Bus Corridors in construction this year.

“I want to see construction work begin on the Dublin Metro during this term of government.”

We have also made strong progress in rail investment. In April 2025, I was pleased to open a new ‘through’ platform at Kent Station in Cork city. Works are also continuing on the other Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme Phase 1 works and I look forward to these works being complete in 2026. And the Luas Cork, the new light rail project for the city is progressing.

Cork, along with Dublin, has been selected by the European Commission to become one of Europe’s first climate-neutral cities. The proposed Luas Cork line supports this ambition by promoting sustainable, high-capacity public transport and reducing reliance on private cars.

We have also received planning approval for DART+ West and full approval for DART+ South West and the new DART+ Fleet, which is currently undergoing testing, will start rolling out on the Northern line from Dublin to/from Drogheda in 2026.
The Metrolink is a critically important project, not just for the airport and the region but nationally too. I want to see construction work begin on the Dublin Metro during this term of government.

Safety on public transport

One of my key priorities is addressing safety on public transport. While significant progress has been made in recent years through increased investment in safety measures, antisocial behaviour – or even the perception of it – remains a serious challenge.

Those who rely on or work within our public transport system must feel secure as they go about their daily lives. That is why I have initiated work to establish a dedicated Transport Security Force. This is a priority for me, and legislative proposals are currently being developed in collaboration with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to bring this commitment forward.

Dependability

We also need public transport to be dependable. Workers, tourists, and businesses alike rely on a system they can trust. By and large, our public transport operators perform very well, as evidenced by record passenger numbers last year with a record 330 million journeys. The increase in usage reflects public confidence and the positive impact of affordable fares. However, there are challenges – particularly with buses not turning up as scheduled. I have met with the NTA to address this challenge and have tasked them with conducting a full review into the causes and solutions.

Affordability and accessibility

In the Programme for Government, we committed to keeping fares affordable and examining the further expansion of free public transport for children. Budget 2025 included a measure to extend free child fares on PSO services to children aged 5 to 8 years old. This is designed to help with the cost of living for families and encourage children to start using public transport from an early age. This cost saving will come into effect later this year.

Also from September 2025, all those aged 70 years or over in receipt of Free Travel will have an entitlement to receive a Free Travel Companion.

The Department of the Taoiseach has established a dedicated unit to focus on disability matters, reflecting a core commitment in the Programme for Government to drive a step change in the supports and services available to disabled people.

The Department of Transport will work with this unit to address broader accessibility challenges – particularly in ensuring that all public transport operators deliver safe, accessible, and inclusive services for all passengers.

Road network

Our road network plays a vital role in ensuring regional accessibility and supporting balanced economic development across the State. Strategic projects currently under construction – such as the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy and the Adare Bypass – are clear examples of this commitment in action. These investments are not just about improving transport links; they are about connecting communities, enhancing regional competitiveness, and enabling long-term growth

The M28 project will greatly improve access to the Port of Cork at Ringaskiddy, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods to and from the port, while also supporting the additional port activities to Ringaskiddy. As a result, lands at Tivoli Docks in Cork city can be repurposed for much-needed residential and commercial development.

The Adare Bypass will greatly reduce congestion, air pollution, and noise in Adare. And with the Ryder Cup taking place in September 2027, this new road which will have a significant and positive impact on the local area in terms of economy and tourism.

Active travel

In 2025, we are investing €360 million in walking and cycling infrastructure, recognising the proven economic, social, and health benefits that active travel brings to individuals and communities alike. Greenways and safe urban cycling routes are not only about mobility – they are about improving quality of life, supporting tourism, and enabling more sustainable, connected communities.

EVs

At the same time, we are driving forward the transition to EVs with a major expansion and modernisation of the national EV charging network. A reliable and accessible charging system is essential to support drivers in making the switch to electric.

New infrastructure schemes currently in development will form a critical part of this network, including a motorway charging scheme with 131 new high-powered recharging points, additional high-powered chargers along the primary and secondary national roads, and destination charging initiatives at sports clubs and in the midlands. Local authority pilot projects will also play a key role in delivering tailored, community-based charging solutions.

Over the next five years, I want to build on the progress already achieved and build a transport network Ireland needs to thrive economically while transitioning to a greener and cleaner environment.