Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 October 2023
87. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when he anticipates the next phase of BusConnects in Dublin will be rolled out; the reasons for the continuing delays with the roll-out; when these will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43121/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both the policy and funding areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects Dublin.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects Dublin programme.
To date the NTA has submitted 12 planning applications to An Bord Pleanála in respect of all 16 Core Bus Corridor schemes for Dublin. All 12 applications are awaiting a decision from An Bord Pleanála.
The Network Redesign for bus services for the Dublin network is being rolled out over 11 phases. The NTA currently expect the roll out of the network redesign to be completed in 2025. Roll out of the plan began in 2021 with the launch of the first two phases – the H-Spine (Howth/Malahide to City Centre) in June and the C-Spine (Lucan/Celbridge to Ringsend via City Centre), in November 2021. Phase 3 was launched in May 2022. It consisted of two Northern Orbital Routes (N4 Blanchardstown to Point Village and N6 Finglas to Howth Junction). Phase 4, the G-Spine and Route 60 (Ballyfermot/Liffey Valley/Red Cow to the Docklands via city centre) was launched in October 2022. The NTA launched Phase 5a – the Western Orbitals in June 2023.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply regarding the implementation of the BusConnects programme in the Crumlin area. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
