Paul Murphy
Question:37. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when he anticipates that the inner orbital BusConnects routes will be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52843/23]
View answerWednesday, 29 November 2023
Questions (37, 38)
Paul Murphy
Question:38. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when he anticipates that A spine and F Spine of BusConnects will be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52844/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those 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 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.
BusConnects Dublin is a transformative programme of investment in the existing bus system providing better bus services to more people. The BusConnects Dublin programme brings together all areas of bus investment identified in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy, including enhanced and new bus infrastructure, investment in fleet and service enhancements such as higher frequency and new routes serving a wider catchment.
The Network Redesign for the entire Dublin network is being rolled out over 11 phases. The roll out of the Network Redesign 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 and Phase 5b - the Southern Orbitals launched in November 2023. The roll out of the Network Redesign will continue in the coming years subject to funding and driver availability.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in relation to the specific routes mentioned, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 38 answered with Question No. 37.