An overview of all parties’ manifestos — with a focus on sustainable transport — can be found here.
Below are the transport-related mentions which were used to form the overview. It is provided here not as a review but as an accessible record of the transport commitments. For any formatting etc issues, please refer to the PDF version linked to (in the party name) below.
The Fine Gael manifesto is 124 pages. In that, there were around 2,200 words relating to transport and around 1,000 extra words relating to the idea of a new Department of Infrastructure, Climate and Transport.
Links to other pages:
| Overview with parties compared |
| Fianna Fáil |
| Sinn Féin |
| Social Democrats |
| Labour |
| Green Party |
| PBP |
Despite the party’s ‘big idea’ to create a new Department of Infrastructure, Climate and Transport, Fine Gael includes its main section of transport with its once traditional departmental bedfellow of tourism. The main section on transport is as follows:
Advancing Transport and Tourism
Fine Gael recognises that robust connectivity is essential for Ireland’s economy, communities, and tourism industry. By investing in diverse transport options—roads, public transport, active travel, maritime, and aviation—we aim to enhance access across urban and rural areas, giving people more choice and supporting sustainable growth.
Fine Gael will:
- Build Major Public Transport Projects: Prioritise the delivery of Bus Connects, MetroLink, Luas Finglas, the DART+ Programme, and the Cork Commuter Rail Programme to improve urban connectivity and convenience. We will commission an independent feasibility study into continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin.
- Expand Public Transport Access and Affordability: Roll out contactless fare payments on all public transport and keep fares low, maintaining the 20% reduction on public service obligation routes, with further reductions as resources allow.
- Support Road Network Development: Invest in essential road projects, including the Galway Ring Road and the Cork to Limerick motorway, while maintaining the existing network to support seamless connectivity across regions.
- Develop Active Travel and Mobility Hubs: Establish mobility hubs in each local authority area, offering integrated transport services like bike and scooter sharing, EV charging, car sharing, and carpooling. Invest in cycleways, greenways, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to encourage active travel. •
- Enhance EV Charging Infrastructure: Increase the number of EV chargers, especially in rural areas, to support Ireland’s transition to electric vehicles and provide convenient access for all communities. • Promote Sustainable Transport in Decarbonising Zones: Work with local authorities to develop decarbonising zones aimed at a 75% carbon reduction by 2030, focusing on pedestrianisation, cycling facilities, and renewable energy in transport..
- Introduce a Student Bike Scheme: Offer a bike scheme specifically for students, mirroring the bike-to-work scheme, and coordinate bike and e-bike rental programmes across further and higher education campuses.
- Invest in accessible public and local transport: Ensuring operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers. Tourism and Transport-Oriented Development
Fine Gael will focus on linking new housing developments to public transport through Transport- Oriented Development, ensuring easy access for residents and visitors alike.
By investing in a range of transport options and maintaining a flexible, community-led approach, Fine Gael will improve connectivity, reduce carbon emissions, and make Ireland’s transport network more accessible and efficient for everyone.
Supporting Electric Vehicles and Sustainable Transport Infrastructure
Fine Gael is dedicated to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across Ireland, expanding the charging network, and investing in essential road and active travel infrastructure to support a more sustainable and accessible future. Electric Vehicles
To boost EV uptake, Fine Gael will:
- Expand Charging Infrastructure: Increase the number of publicly available EV charging points four-fold to nearly 10,000, ensuring better coverage nationwide. • Review EV Purchase Grants: Examine the current EV grant system, focusing on potential additional support for residents in areas with limited public transport options.
- Explore the feasibility of a Vehicle Scrappage Scheme: Mindful of the need to decarbonise our vehicle fleet, we will consider the introduction of a scrappage scheme to replace older, polluting vehicles with electric cars and electric bikes, promoting a cleaner transport system.
- Assess Customs Duties on Imported EVs: Review customs duties on second-hand EV imports to make electric vehicles more affordable.
- Explore Solar Storage Grants: Consider grants for solar storage batteries to encourage EV ownership and allow users to store energy for charging at optimal times.
- Develop a Charging App: Collaborate with commercial operators to create a nationwide app for both public and private charging points, enhancing accessibility and ease of use for EV owners. Road
Infrastructure Fine Gael recognises that a robust road network is crucial for connectivity.
We will:
- Advance Key Road Projects: Continue developing essential road projects, including the Galway Outer Ring Road andM20 Cork–Limerick Motorway.
- Increased funding for new and existing roads: We will increase funding for new roads and the maintenance of existing roads.
- Increase Funding for Local Improvement Schemes: Provide additional funding for the Local Improvement Scheme and Community Involvement Schemes (CIS) to improve road safety through enhanced junctions, footpaths, and bends.
Active Travel Initiatives
Fine Gael is committed to promoting walking and cycling as safe, accessible travel options.
We will:
- Expand Walking and Cycling Infrastructure: Invest in dedicated infrastructure for walking and cycling to promote active travel across Ireland for those commuting or enjoying the countryside.
- Support Greenways and Safe Routes to School: Continue rolling out the greenways programme and expand the Safe Routes to School initiative, making travel safer for young people.
- Ensure Universal Accessibility: Adopt a universal design approach in all active travel projects to ensure accessibility for everyone, including people with disabilities, allowing more community members to participate fully and independently.
Fine Gael’s approach aims to enhance sustainable transport options and infrastructure for everyone, building a cleaner, safer, and more accessible Ireland for the future.
Building a Comprehensive Public Transport Network and Supporting Key Sectors
Fine Gael is dedicated to creating a well-connected, accessible public transport network across Ireland that meets the needs of urban and rural communities alike. By investing in expanded services, infrastructure, and workforce development, we aim to make travel easier, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
Expanding Public Transport Services
Fine Gael will:
- Boost Rural Connectivity through Local Link: Increase Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns, and cities.
- Invest in Urban Transport through Bus Connects: Expand Bus Connects in cities and continue to strengthen local urban transport in towns.
- Grow and Modernise the Bus Fleet: Continue upgrading the bus fleet, improving service reliability and comfort.
- Increase Route Flexibility: Work with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to allow flexible pick-ups on Local Link routes, enhancing service accessibility.
Enhancing Rail Infrastructure
Fine Gael recognises the importance of expanding and modernising our rail network. We will:
- Implement the All-Island Strategic Rail Review: Work collaboratively to deliver the recommendations from this review for improved connectivity across the island of Ireland.
- Advance Key Rail Projects: Prioritise MetroLink, Luas Finglas, the DART+ Programme, and Cork Commuter Rail under the National Development Plan.
- Modernise the Rail System: Focus on additional track capacity, electrification, increased service speeds, and new routes to transform rail services.
- Expand the Western Rail Corridor: Progress the Western Rail Corridor, starting with reinstating the Claremorris to Athenry line for regional connectivity and freight transport.
- Support City Transport Strategies: Ensure each metropolitan area has a tailored transport strategy, including frequent bus services and light rail where appropriate.
Supporting Taxis and Local Transport
Taxis play a crucial role in public transport, especially in underserved areas.
Fine Gael will:
- Enhance Support for Local Taxis: Collaborate with the NTA to improve local taxi service provision.
- Provide Relief for Taxi Drivers: Extend the ten-year vehicle limit for taxis registered in 2015, offering another year of service.
- Encourage Electric Taxis: Continue the scrappage scheme to help taxi and hackney drivers replace older vehicles with electric models, supporting a greener fleet.
Aviation
Fine Gael is committed to enhancing Ireland’s aviation sector, especially regional airports. We will:
- Work to remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport: As our national airport, we must ensure Dublin Airport is facilitated to grow in line with the needs of our population and economy. We will also deal with genuine issues like noise, sustainability and flight movements at night.
- Review National Aviation Policy: Conduct an urgent review to maximise the use of regional airports including Knock, Shannon, Cork, Donegal and Kerry. We will continue to progress Waterford Airport by ensuring matching funding for the proposal to lengthen and widen the runway.
- Promote Sustainable Aviation: Develop a National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy Roadmap and support Shannon Airport as a hub for testing new aviation technologies.
- Developing Air Cargo Infrastructure: Assess the feasibility of an all-island (North-South) approach to strengthening speed to market and competitiveness of indigenous and FDI exporting firms, especially when it comes to the provision of air cargo infrastructure.
Supporting Ireland’s Ports
Ireland’s ports are essential for trade, tourism, and energy. Fine Gael will:
- Implement the National Ports Policy: Complete the review and ensure our ports remain competitive and resilient.
- Support Offshore Renewable Energy: Develop port infrastructure to facilitate upcoming offshore renewable energy projects, with a regionally balanced approach.
- Consider the funding model for our ports, while mindful of the commercial mandate of our national ports
Logistics and Road Haulage
Fine Gael recognises the vital role logistics and haulage play in Ireland’s economy and will:
- • Enhance Competitiveness in Haulage: Support the sector to maintain competitiveness in a challenging market.
- Promote Decarbonisation in Haulage: Aid the road haulage sector in its transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon future.
- Implement the Road Haulage Strategy: Deliver on the Road Haulage Strategy through 2031 to support a resilient logistics network. Fine Gael’s approach to transport and logistics is focused on building a connected, efficient, and sustainable system that serves people and businesses across Ireland, ensuring balanced growth and modern infrastructure for a dynamic economy.
Enhancing Road Safety
Fine Gael is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland. We will support the implementation of Ireland’s Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030, increase public awareness, and crack down on dangerous driving. Fine Gael will:
- Strengthen Driver Education: Enhance driver training and introduce re-education courses as a judicial sanction for those who commit road traffic offences.
- Expand Speed Enforcement: Increase the number of average speed and static speed cameras to curb speeding and encourage safer driving.
- Automate Detection of Mobile Phone and Seatbelt Violations: Introduce new road safety cameras to automatically detect mobile phone use and non-wearing of seat belts.
- Modernise Garda Roads Policing Fleet: Invest in high-powered roads policing vehicles and continue to upgrade the Garda fleet to support effective enforcement.
- Create a Public Portal for Dashcam Footage: Allow the public to upload dashcam footage of dangerous driving to a new Garda portal, making it easier to report incidents.
- Target High-Risk Areas: Use ongoing data analysis to identify accident-prone areas and focus road safety interventions where they’re most needed.
- Review Road Safety Authority Recommendations: Consider recommendations from the ongoing review of the Road Safety Authority to strengthen overall road safety measures.
Fine Gael’s approach prioritises safety, education, and advanced technology to reduce accidents and make Ireland’s roads safer for everyone.
Under tourism, the party outlines:
Improving Access
To ensure easy access to Ireland’s tourism destinations, Fine Gael will:
- Expand Public Transport Links: Work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public
transport options to key tourism spots, making travel more convenient for visitors.- Invest in Greenways and Cycle Routes: Continue developing a connected network of greenways and
cycle routes across Ireland, encouraging sustainable travel and expanding scenic options for tourists.- Develop Blueways: Collaborate with partners north and south of the border to expand blueways,
enhancing water-based tourism and recreational opportunities.
On the creation of the Department of Infrastructure, Climate and Transport:
Department of Infrastructure, Climate and Transport – Driving Progress, Efficiency, and Sustainability Fine Gael recognises large-scale infrastructure projects are critical to Ireland’s economic growth and resilience; to delivering on our housing targets, and achieving our ambitious climate goals.
These vital projects face delays and escalating costs, arising from fragmented prioritisation, planning, and delivery, hampering Ireland’s ability to meet pressing infrastructure needs in energy, transport, water, and climate resilience like flood defences.
Fine Gael will establish a new, consolidated Department of Infrastructure, Climate and Transport to streamline and unify all aspects of infrastructure delivery, from planning to execution, under one dedicated leadership structure supported by relevant expertise within the Department.
This department will merge the Department of Transport and Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), and the infrastructure delivery functions of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) including the Office of Public Works.
Some functions may be transferred to other Departments. For example, the OPW’s National Monuments Service would move to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. These changes will drive strategic alignment and efficient project delivery.
In addition to merging departments, we will also require agencies including Eirgrid, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Uisce Éireann to report on their capital investment plans and delivery to the Department of Infrastructure, Climate and Transport, ensuring clear reporting lines and accountability. Agencies will retain their independence but this increased coordination will foster a more strategic approach, reducing inefficiencies and delays that arise from differing investment priorities and communication gaps.
The Minister for Infrastructure, Climate and Transport will oversee the delivery of the national development plan, manage all projects above €100 million or projects of regional significance are delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with national priorities. The Minister will play a crucial role in project prioritisation and selection.
The Department of Public Expenditure will maintain its role in business case development, supported by a new Public Investment Act that places a revised infrastructure code, reflecting Ireland’s climate needs, on a statutory footing. This Act will formalise Ireland’s infrastructure planning with a statutory infrastructure code focused on climate action and efficiency. This legislation will standardise and streamline project planning, integrating climate resilience into Ireland’s core infrastructure policies to create sustainable, value-driven outcomes.
We will ensure relevant experts are brought directly into the Department to guarantee that large projects are completed on time and on budget.
To maximise efficiency in the delivery of projects, the Department will establish dedicated divisions including Transport, Energy and Communications, Water, Climate Resilience, Strategic Planning, and Digital Infrastructure. In additional to staff drawn from existing departments, a recruitment campaign will be undertaken to source and hire specialists in project management, procurement and engineering, amongst other disciplines, ensuring a clear focus on timely and sustainable delivery.
The Department will enhance expertise in engineering, project management, and procurement while streamlining decision-making. This consolidation of accountability aims to significantly reduce inter-departmental and department-toagency issues while increasing access to relevant expertise and improving overall project delivery.
The functions of the new Department will be to:
- Manage mega projects: For all strategic infrastructure projects and all capital projects above €100 million, the state will establish a team reporting to a cabinet minister with day-to-day accountability and sufficient in-house expertise to manage all aspects of capital project delivery, from development and financing to design and evaluation.
- Strategically select projects: The new Department will function as an integrated body, balancing project selection, financing, and delivery mechanisms. It is not an allocative department but a comprehensive, centralised delivery mechanism for infrastructure projects of strategic importance. Planning legislation will remain with the Department of Housing.
- Speed up delivery: The new Department will speed up the delivery of key infrastructural elements required by the state to enhance societal welfare and ensure Ireland meets its climate targets, by applying and refining existing infrastructure guidelines into a new Public Investment Act.
- Accelerate Project Delivery: We will expand the Planning and Environment Court to ensure projects move forward without unnecessary setbacks. This will enable housing and other high-priority infrastructure to meet sustainability criteria more effectively.
- Foster Local and National Collaboration: The Department of Infrastructure, Climate and Transport will work closely with local authorities to ensure that national infrastructure projects meet local needs. Formal mechanisms will be developed to coordinate planning and implementation between the national department and local agencies, ensuring alignment with both community interests and Ireland’s broader infrastructural goals.
- Provide Supply Chain Certainty: Stable long term infrastructural investment, which Fine Gael in government have already provided, will allow for a clear strategic direction and prioritisation of projects. This will provide industry with a line of sight on projects, lowering the risk for the supply chain to invest in capital and skills, which means firms can attract talent and supply chains become less fragmented. Key Focus Areas and Divisions Within the Department • Strategic Planning: This division will manage longterm planning, project selection, and coordination to align projects with Ireland’s economic and environmental goals.
- Transport: Responsible for integrating various transport modes, maintaining national planning frameworks for road, rail, aviation, and maritime systems. • Energy and Communications: Focused on the development of renewable energy infrastructure, the energy grid, and broadband networks, supporting Ireland’s green transition.
- Climate Resilience and Adaptation: This division will oversee climate change adaptation in infrastructure, prioritising sustainable and resilient construction practices.
- Water and Environmental Infrastructure: In charge of water supply, wastewater management, flood prevention, and waste management projects.
- Urban Planning and Development: This division will handle sustainable urban development, housing infrastructure, and national spatial planning, excluding direct housing policy.
- Digital Infrastructure: Tasked with implementing smart city initiatives and ensuring cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.
- Investment and Development: This division will develop a pipeline of new projects, attracting both national and international bids for strategic infrastructure initiatives. Reducing Bottlenecks and Enhancing Project Delivery To maintain housing as a top priority, Fine Gael will establish a housing infrastructure division within the Department. This will support the Department of Housing to help fast-track housing projects, particularly those meeting sustainability criteria, and reduce bureaucratic delays. Additionally, collaboration with other government bodies will be prioritised to ensure that sectoral objectives are met without sacrificing overall strategic alignment.
Under the title ‘Making Education More Affordable for Families’, the party outlines:
Grow the School Transport Scheme: We will expand the School Transport Scheme, building on
successful pilots and maximising Public Service Obligation services like Local Link.…
Increase School Transport Capacity: We will work to remove the exclusion of drivers aged over 70 years
from the School Transport Scheme explore flexible work options to attract more drivers, and encourage more women to join, boosting transport availability.
Under the title ‘Supporting Schools, Teachers, and Education Professionals’, FG adds:
Introduce Transport Managers: We will establish Transport Managers to handle transportation for students with special needs, freeing principals from these logistics.
Under a section on housing, the party outlines:
Land and Planning Through the National Planning Framework, Fine Gael will promote balanced development, prioritising homes near public transport and local amenities.
Under the header of Rural Transport, it is outlined that:
Fine Gael will:
- Increase Funding for Local Improvement Schemes: Provide additional funding for the Local
Improvement Scheme and Community Involvement Schemes (CIS) to improve road safety through
enhanced junctions, footpaths, and bends.- Separate Budgets for Roads: Establish distinct budgets for road maintenance and new road
construction starting in 2025 to ensure sustained investment.- Boost Rural Connectivity through Local Link: Increase Local Link services in rural areas to better
connect villages, towns, and cities.
Under sport, the party said:
Sustainability in Sport
Ireland will be at the forefront of creating sustainable, environmentally friendly sports facilities and events, aligned with our broader climate action goals. Fine Gael will:
- Promote Green Sports Facility Investment: Provide incentives for sports facilities to adopt renewable energy, sustainable water use, and ecofriendly design, aiming for carbon-neutral sports
venues.- Encourage Sustainable Major Sporting Events: Ensure all major sporting events adhere to a national sustainability charter, reducing waste, promoting public transport use, and sourcing from local suppliers.
On policing, the party said:
Safety on Public Transport:
- Support increased deployment of Gardai on public transport.
- Introduce Garda Transport Hubs at Key Stations: Introduce Garda Transport Hubs based at busy
bus and train stations to ensure Gardaí can rapidly respond to incidents on public transport and to
support private security.
Under ‘Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour and Drug use’, FG promises:
- Review laws on E-Scooters and scrambled: Ensure Gardaí have sufficient powers to tackle the misuse of E-scooters and scrambled.
- …
- Strengthen vetting requirements: Expand the list of offences leading to permanent disqualification for transport drivers.
- Support CCTV in taxis: Enhance safety by supporting the provision of CCTV in taxis.
Under health:
Connect Local Link routes with health services: We will work to integrate Local Link transport
routes with health services to improve access for individuals seeking care.
Under supporting business:
Reduce tax on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO): We will look to lower taxes on HVO used for commercial freight to support sustainable transport solutions.
Under the title of ‘Windfall from Apple Tax Judgment’, the party outlines a number of areas of investment including “Transport and road infrastructure: Through Transport Infrastructure Ireland to enhance
connectivity”, but little details with the premise that “We will outline a plan for the allocation of these funds
within 100 days of taking office.”