Transport
Bills affecting roads, rail, aviation, public transport and motoring law.
48 bills tracked under this topic.
Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2026
18 Jun 2026 Fifth Stage Current
- Creates modern statutory framework for Garda stop-and-search powers in public places and vehicles, replacing outdated 1976 and 1997 legislation with clear procedures and safeguards.
- Establishes detailed search warrant rules for premises, including specific protections for electronic devices, privilege screening, and High Court oversight of disputed privileged material.
- Strengthens custody rights by implementing EU Directive 2013/48/EU protections: access to lawyers, third-party notification, and consular communication for detained persons.
Air Navigation and Transport (Arms Embargo) Bill 2024
17 Apr 2026 Fifth Stage Current Lynn Ruane
- Restricts transit and export of weapons of war from Ireland to Israel; allows government inspection of planes carrying weapons through Irish airspace.
- Applies to aircraft seeking to move weapons through Ireland; enforcement mechanism and inspection procedures determined by regulations.
- Status unclear: scope of 'weapons of war' definition, enforcement powers, and penalties for violations not specified in long title alone.
Seán Lemass Dublin International Airport Bill 2025
27 Nov 2025 Second Stage Current Malcolm Byrne
- Renames Dublin Airport to Seán Lemass Dublin International Airport to honour the former Taoiseach's economic and infrastructure contributions.
- Minister for Transport gains power to direct daa to implement renaming across signage, branding, and communications.
- Updates legal and public document references to reflect the new airport name.
Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation (Transfer of Functions) Bill 2024
17 Jul 2025 Second Stage Defeated Duncan Smith
- Transfers aircraft noise regulation authority for Dublin Airport from Fingal County Council to the Environmental Protection Agency.
- EPA becomes the legally designated competent authority under EU Aircraft Noise Regulation; all existing FCC noise-related functions transfer to EPA.
- Repeals provisions making FCC chief executive the competent authority; addresses concerns that true functional independence was not achieved.
Road Traffic and Roads (Blood Bikes Exemption) (Amendment) Bill 2025
16 Jul 2025 Second Stage Current Aengus Ó Snodaigh
- Exempts blood bike vehicles from paying road tolls, matching current exemptions for ambulances, fire brigade, gardaí, and Defence Forces.
- Grants blood bikes same traffic regulation exemptions as ambulances, including bus lane access restrictions, when performing healthcare delivery duties.
- Applies exemptions to unpaid volunteer courier services transporting blood, medical samples, and clinical products to hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Ban Private Jet Aircraft from Irish Airspace Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Paul Murphy
- Amends Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 to ban private jets from Irish airspace, with exceptions for medical evacuation, national security, state aircraft, and flight training.
- Creates criminal penalties: summary conviction up to €fine or 12 months imprisonment; indictment up to €150,000 fine or 5 years imprisonment.
- Does not restrict scheduled commercial flights, foreign sovereign state aircraft, or private military jets.
Road Traffic (All-Terrain Vehicle and Scrambler Motorcycle) (Amendment) Bill 2020
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Paul McAuliffe
- Expands 'public place' definition in road traffic law to include parks and beaches, enabling gardaí to enforce registration and insurance rules for all-terrain vehicles and scrambler bikes in these areas.
- Makes it an offence to ride all-terrain vehicles or scrambler bikes dangerously in public places, with vehicle confiscation as penalty.
- Allows gardaí to seize scrambler bikes from dwelling curtilages where they believe the vehicle has been used to commit an offence under this Bill.
Protection of Hedgerows Bill 2024
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Brian Leddin
- Establishes a register of significant hedgerows and gives the Minister power to make regulations protecting them from removal except in specified circumstances.
- Prohibits removal of significant hedgerows and creates an appeals procedure for decisions; establishes offences for breaching the Act.
- Amends Roads Act 1993, Forestry Act 2014, Communications Regulation Act 2002, Electricity Supply Act 1927, Transport Acts to align with hedgerow protections.
Prohibition of Fossil Fuel Advertising Bill 2024
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Gino Kenny
- Bans companies from advertising fossil fuels, fossil-fuelled vehicles and flights, except on-premises sales by that company or Fossil Fuel Information Commission publications.
- Prohibits commercial sponsorship by fossil fuel and fossil-fuelled vehicle companies.
- Establishes a Fossil Fuel Information Commission to enable public product and price comparisons; Minister can make regulations to set it up.
Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill 2024
24 Apr 2025 Enacted
- Dissolves Marine Casualty Investigation Board and establishes Marine Accident Investigation Unit within Department of Transport with independent investigative powers over marine accidents.
- Repeals 2000 Marine Casualties Act; implements EU Directive 2009/18/EC requirements including mandatory investigation of very serious marine casualties and safety recommendations.
- Enables Minister to regulate offshore service vessels and industrial personnel carriage through secondary legislation, with survey and certification by Marine Survey Office.
Criminal Justice (Public Order) (Amendment) Bill 2019
28 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Robbie Gallagher
- Creates mandatory 12-month prison sentence for assaulting emergency service workers (Garda, firefighters, ambulance staff, Defence Forces); increases to 2 years on indictment, extendable to 7 years.
- Introduces new crime of ramming emergency services vehicles with mandatory 12-month prison on summary conviction, 2 years on indictment, extendable to 10 years.
- Applies whether vehicle was marked or unmarked, whether anyone was injured, and regardless of offender's location or personnel proximity at time of incident.
Community Participation (Disability) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2019
5 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current John Dolan
- Requires local authorities to design playgrounds and play equipment using Universal Design principles, enabling children with disabilities to play alongside peers.
- Mandates private bus operators on public routes maintain or enhance accessibility standards equal to public operators, increasing transport access for disabled people.
- Establishes statutory personal advocacy service with appointed Director to help disabled people access social services, and requires accessible changing facilities in large public buildings.
Transport (Vehicle Registration Plate Suppliers) Bill 2024
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Vincent P. Martin
- Creates a register of vehicle registration plate manufacturers and suppliers, managed by the Minister for Finance.
- Requires registered suppliers to keep records of plate manufacture and sales as set out in regulations.
- Enables plates to identify their manufacturer or supplier; allows exemptions from record-keeping for certain persons or businesses.
Improved Rail Passenger Rights with Compensation for Delays and Cancellations Bill 2024
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Martin Conway
- NTA must report to Minister on strengthening rail passenger rights beyond EU minimums, covering compensation for delays and cancellations.
- NTA must produce periodic reports on implementation of EU and Irish rail passenger rights laws to ensure enforcement.
- State prohibited from using exemptions under EU Regulation 2021/782 that would weaken rail passenger rights or compensation access.
Regulation of Air Traffic Over Sporting Events Bill 2021
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Vincent P. Martin
- Bill aims to prevent unfair betting on sports by regulating aircraft flying over sporting events.
- Proposes rules for aircraft operation during certain sporting events to protect betting integrity.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; specific protections and aircraft restrictions not yet detailed in law.
State Airports (Shannon Group) (Amendment) Bill 2020
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Martin Conway
- Amends the State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014. Specific changes and practical effects not detailed in bill title alone.
- Bill did not progress past First Stage and has lapsed, meaning it is no longer active in the legislative process.
- Sponsor: Martin Conway. Bill status indicates it was not enacted into law.
Electoral Reform (Amendment) and Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2023
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Defeated Alice-Mary Higgins
- Expands Electoral Commission's role to review Seanad voting system, franchise rules, and minimum voting age.
- Protects civil society organisations' freedom of association and expression in electoral contexts under Electoral Act 1997.
- Provides free public transport on polling day to improve voter access.
Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Peadar Tóibín
- Requires all road traffic signs to display both Irish and English text with equal prominence and size.
- Mandates Irish text appear above English, use Roman alphabet with capital initial letters, and may use colour differentiation.
- Amends Road Traffic Act 1961 to establish dual-language signage standards across Ireland's road network.
Road Traffic (Amendment) (Electric Scooter Trials) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed John Lahart
- Authorizes time-limited trials of electric scooters through approved rental schemes, allowing the Minister for Transport to regulate their use during trial periods.
- Restricts trials to shared/hire schemes rather than privately-owned scooters, enabling safety controls like speed governance, helmet requirements, and geo-fencing via GPS.
- Aims to establish universal safety standards and build public confidence in electric scooters as micro-mobility transport before wider introduction.
Road Traffic (Amendment) (Personal Light Electric Vehicles) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Alan Farrell
- Legalises electric scooters and e-bikes by setting technical specifications and excluding them from driver licensing and motor insurance requirements.
- Prohibits users under 16, tampering with speed limiters, and mobile phone use while operating personal light electric vehicles.
- Exempts these vehicles from motor tax and vehicle registration; extends road safety rules applicable to pedal cycles to e-scooters and e-bikes.
Criminal Justice (Public Order) (Quadbikes and Scramblers) (Amendment) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Paul Donnelly
- Gardaí gain power to seize and detain quadbikes and scramblers used unlawfully in public places, including parks and green spaces.
- Creates offence of driving quadbike or scrambler in public place; penalties include fine, vehicle seizure, and/or up to 6 months imprisonment.
- Minister empowered to make regulations under the Act to implement these provisions.
Roads (Amendment) Bill 2017
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Aengus Ó Snodaigh
- Amends Roads Act 1993 to exempt sea and river rescue teams from paying road tolls.
- Allows emergency rescue services to use toll roads without charges for rapid response.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage and has lapsed.
Motor Insurance Insolvency Compensation Bill 2024
15 Oct 2024 Enacted
- Establishes Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland as official Compensation Body to handle claims from motor accidents where insurers are insolvent, funded by Insurance Compensation Fund.
- Requires claimants receive compensation payment within three months of accepting offer; streamlines process so injured parties deal directly with Compensation Body rather than multiple liquidators.
- Requires Irish insurers selling motor policies across EU borders to contribute to Insurance Compensation Fund on 'home basis'; enables Minister to set contribution regulations and materiality thresholds for claim audits.
Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Provides €400 monthly payment to people hosting temporary protection beneficiaries from Ukraine; payment exempt from means-testing and income tax.
- Expands childcare support eligibility to families with temporary protection status; enables online and multi-location non-national registration without registration districts.
- Recognizes driving licenses of temporary protection beneficiaries via Minister order; establishes jury procedures for Stardust nightclub inquests with employer wage obligations.
Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Enables linking of driver licence and vehicle ownership records by requiring driver numbers or PPS numbers when applying for vehicle licences, helping gardaí identify drivers and assign penalty points correctly.
- Requires motor insurers to provide detailed policy information to a national database (MTPL) within 5 working days of policy issue, cancellation or amendment, to identify uninsured vehicles and disqualified drivers.
- Introduces legal framework for testing autonomous vehicles on public roads, powered personal transporters (e-scooters), e-bikes, and strengthens enforcement against dangerous scrambler use.
Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Replaces the Director of Corporate Enforcement with a new Corporate Enforcement Authority (a commission of 1–3 full-time members appointed by the Minister) that inherits all enforcement, investigation and prosecution functions under the Companies Act 2014.
- Transfers all staff, powers and liabilities of the Director's office to the Authority; existing Director becomes automatic Authority member on same terms; authority regulates own procedures and must act independently.
- Makes Authority accountable to Public Accounts Committee on financial regularity and to Oireachtas Committees on general administration, with High Court review available if Committee requests testimony on matters subject to court proceedings.
Electoral Reform (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 First Stage Withdrawn Lynn Ruane
- Amends Electoral Reform Act 2022 to require An Coimisiún Toghcháin to review Seanad electoral system, franchise rules, and voting age requirements.
- Amends Electoral Act 1997 to protect civil society organisations' freedom of association and expression, and provide free public transport on polling day.
- Bill withdrawn at First Stage; specific review timelines, franchise proposals, and transport implementation details not available from long title alone.
Road Traffic Bill 2024
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Drivers committing multiple penalty point offences on the same occasion now receive multiple sets of points instead of just one, strengthening deterrent effect.
- Default speed limits reduced: built-up areas 50km/h to 30km/h; local roads 80km/h to 60km/h; national secondary roads 100km/h to 80km/h.
- Drug testing by gardaí now mandatory in same circumstances as alcohol testing, requiring oral fluid samples in suspected intoxication or serious collision cases.
Oil Emergency Contingency and Transfer of Renewable Transport Fuels Functions Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Requires Minister to prepare statutory oil emergency plan covering oil stock release, consumption reduction, and critical services prioritisation; establishes Petroleum Register for oil company reporting.
- Transfers renewable transport fuel regulatory functions from Environment Minister to Transport Minister, including setting obligation rates, certificate issuance, and minimum fuel blending percentages.
- Allows Transport Minister to exempt emergency oil stocks from renewable fuel blending requirements; grants Environment Minister power to direct fuel supply to critical services during fuel shortages.
Air Navigation and Transport Bill 2020
13 Dec 2022 Enacted
- Creates Irish Air Navigation Service (IANS), a new state company, to provide air navigation services separately from aviation regulation.
- Merges Commission for Aviation Regulation into Irish Aviation Authority to form single regulator for safety, security, economic regulation and consumer protection.
- Increases borrowing limit for daa and subsidiaries under Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act 1998.
Investment Limited Partnerships (Amendment) Bill 2020
21 Jan 2021 Enacted
- Modernises Investment Limited Partnership Act 1994 to align with EU funds legislation and anti-money laundering rules; replaces 'custodian' with 'depositary' and updates valuation language.
- Introduces beneficial ownership register requirements for ILPs; general partners must maintain, update and deliver registers to Central Bank; establishes central register and access conditions.
- Permits limited partners to sit on boards/committees without losing liability protection; allows umbrella ILPs; enables asset transfers when general partners change; allows ILPs to migrate in/out of Ireland.
Railway Safety (Reporting And Investigation Of Serious Accidents, Accidents And Incidents Involving Certain Railways) Bill 2020
6 Nov 2020 Enacted
- RAIU gains statutory power to investigate accidents on railways excluded from EU rules, including Luas light rail and heritage railways, from 31 October 2020.
- Regulations of 2020 apply to metro, tram, light rail, private freight networks with public interfaces, and heritage/museum/tourist railways listed in the Act.
- Ongoing investigations and prior safety recommendations continue under new Regulations; no additional State funding required.
Investment Limited Partnerships (Amendment) Bill 2019
20 Apr 2020 Fifth Stage Lapsed
- Replaces 'custodian' with 'depositary' throughout the 1994 Act and updates valuation language to align with EU Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive.
- Permits limited partners to sit on boards and committees without losing liability protection, and allows umbrella fund structures with separate sub-funds ring-fenced from each other.
- Updates Central Bank record-keeping requirements, clarifies partnership agreement amendment procedures, and transfers ministerial responsibility from Enterprise to Finance.
Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2019
20 Apr 2020 First Stage Lapsed Frankie Feighan
- Makes it illegal for drivers to operate vehicles with unrestrained dogs; dogs must be restrained, in enclosed crates, or in enclosed vehicle areas (exceptions: Garda, Defence Forces, Customs officers on duty; guide dogs; livestock herding transport).
- Applies to 'relevant vehicles' in public places; penalties imposed as class E fines on summary conviction.
- Aims to reduce road safety risks: unrestrained dogs distract drivers and become projectiles in collisions, causing injury or death to occupants, pedestrians, and animals.
Ramming of Garda Vehicles Bill 2015
19 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Brendan Griffin
- Creates a criminal offence for deliberately ramming a Garda vehicle with prison sentences as punishment.
- Aims to deter attacks on police vehicles and officers during law enforcement operations.
- Bill did not complete parliamentary process and lapsed without becoming law.
Noise Pollution (Management and Abatement) Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Thomas P. Broughan
- EPA sets Dublin Airport noise abatement objective annually (replacing Fingal County Council), separating objective-setting from enforcement.
- EPA and Fingal County Council must report periodically to EPA on airport noise activities and consultations, with reports submitted to relevant Ministers.
- EPA and Minister for Communications must report on their noise management activities under general environmental noise legislation covering roads, rail, commercial, and construction noise.
Road Traffic (Amendment) (Use of Electric Scooters) Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Marc MacSharry
- Removes tax and insurance requirements for electric scooters and e-bikes by redefining mechanically propelled vehicles.
- Permits electric scooters on Irish roads with 25 km/h speed limit, mandatory helmets, and requirement to ride safely considering others.
- Expands Road Safety Authority remit to recommend safe e-scooter practices and empowers Minister for Transport to issue regulations.
Road Traffic (All Terrain Vehicle and Scrambler Motor-cycle) (Amendment) Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed John Lahart
- Allows gardaí to seize ATVs and scramblers without number plates based on suspicion or photographic evidence.
- Increases penalty for supplying these vehicles to minors from €3,000 fine to €5,000 or confiscation, plus possible 6-month imprisonment.
- Creates new offence of dangerous riding of ATVs or scramblers in public places with confiscation as penalty; permits seizure from driveways.
Road Traffic (Bus and Cycle Lane) (Amendment) Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Robert Troy
- Amends Road Traffic Act 2010 to allow CCTV camera footage as evidence for bus lane and cycle lane violations—driving or parking in these lanes—currently unenforceable by camera.
- Enables enforcement agencies to use digitally recorded safety camera data against unlawful bus and cycle lane use, addressing gaps in existing traffic regulations.
- Allows devices like cameras on Dublin Bus vehicles to detect and record bus lane and cycle lane breaches, increasing detection of these traffic offences.
Dublin Transport Authority (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Robert Troy
- Stops new competitive tendering for Dublin bus/transport contracts for 5 years from the bill's enactment.
- Requires the Transport Minister to review existing competitive contracts before any new tendering can proceed.
- Applies only to contracts exceeding those already competitively tendered by the National Transport Authority.
Road Traffic (Regulation of Rickshaws) (Amendment) Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Robert Troy
- Amends taxi and road traffic laws to let the National Transport Authority regulate rickshaws in cities and counties.
- Applies to rickshaws operating in urban and municipal areas across Ireland.
- Bill lapsed; specific regulatory requirements not detailed in available title information.
Irish Coast Guard Authority Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Robert Troy
- Creates Irish Coast Guard Authority as independent body, replacing the Coast Guard division within the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
- Designates the Authority as a principal response agency to manage and coordinate responses to major emergency events across the State.
- Authority works with An Garda Síochána, HSE, local authorities, and other prescribed bodies in emergency management and coordination.
All Terrain Vehicle Safety Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Dara Calleary
- Sets safety standards for how all-terrain vehicles are made and their component materials.
- Requires health and safety practices when all-terrain vehicles are used at work.
- Bill did not progress beyond initial introduction; status is lapsed.
Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Mary Lou McDonald
- Amends Harbours Acts 1996 and 2015 to change maximum term limits for certain harbour directors.
- Clarifies how long directors can serve in office at harbour authorities.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to further debate or enactment.
Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed James Lawless
- Creates a regulatory framework for small unmanned aircraft (drones) to manage their safe operation and related activities.
- Bill was introduced at First Stage but lapsed without progressing further through the legislative process.
- Specific rules, licensing requirements, and enforcement mechanisms are not detailed in available title information.
Planning and Development (Rapid Broadband) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed James Lawless
- Speeds up broadband infrastructure installation by allowing planning permission to require ducting (underground conduits) in new building developments for future telecom cables.
- Lets state agencies share their infrastructure with telecom and broadband providers to reduce duplication and costs of installing new networks nationally.
- Creates a public register of all telecoms infrastructure and its owners to help plan future broadband and telecom services more efficiently.
Public Transport Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Brendan Ryan
- Amends Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 to require bus service licence applicants to engage in collective bargaining with workers or join employer association subject to Labour Court examination.
- National Transport Authority can attach licence conditions enforcing compliance with new collective bargaining or association membership requirement to ensure reliable public transport service.
- Aims to prevent wage undercutting and poor working conditions in bus sector by binding licence holders to normal industrial relations practice.
Road Traffic (Minimum Passing Distance of Cyclists) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Ciarán Cannon
- Sets minimum passing distance when drivers overtake cyclists: 1 metre in areas with speed limit ≤50 km/h, 1.5 metres where speed limit exceeds 50 km/h.
- Amends Road Traffic Act to require drivers pass cyclists at 'sufficient distance' rather than current vague 'endanger or inconvenience' standard, with defined penalties.
- Establishes offence with fixed charge and court conviction penalties for drivers failing to maintain the prescribed lateral distance when overtaking cyclists.