Public Transport

Thursday, 11 November 2021

Questions (210, 211)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

210. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to advance the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. [55344/21]

View answer

211. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered implementing bus rapid transport in Cork city and county along the same corridors as the proposed light rail. [55345/21]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has, in co-operation with the local authorities, developed the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.

The Deputy will be aware that consultation is currently ongoing in relation to BusConnects Cork and that Phase 1 of the Cork Commuter Rail Programme has been included in Ireland's National Resilience & Recovery Plan as approved by the European Council earlier this year. These are two hugely important elements of the overall CMATS and I am glad to see considerable progress is being made on both.

Noting their responsibility in relation to the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Question No. 211 answered with Question No. 210.