Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024
79. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport what action his Department is taking to improve the bus service in Cork city in view of recurring issues with reliability of bus services including cancelled and late buses, and the frequency of these issues occurring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13075/24]
View answerI am aware of the ongoing public transport service issues in Cork City, and the negative impact that they are having on the travelling public.
Further, the National Transport Authority have advised that they are specifically aware of the punctuality and reliability issues in Cork City and that they are working closely with Bus Éireann to address these.
I am further advised by the NTA that there are a number of routes in Cork City that are being prioritised for planned service improvements in2024. To this end, Bus Éireann are working with the NTA to examine what steps can be taken in 2024 to improve service provision in the city, and counter issues such as traffic congestion.
In terms of delivery, the MacCurtain Street public transport improvement scheme, which was introduced in November 2023, has already brought improvements to the network with the opening of new 24-hour bus lanes on MacCurtain Street, Coburg Street, Bridge Street and Cathedral Walk. However, I fully recognise that there is still work to be done in Cork City to build on these incremental changes.
In particular, service reliability and punctuality enhancements for Routes 220, 225 and 226 need to be addressed, and these routes in particular are being reviewed by the NTA and Bus Éireann with a view towards additional timetable refreshes. Further, recruitment drives for drivers are underway in Cork to address shortages which will also improve service provision.
Further, the planned Cork Network Redesign will involve the creation of new bus routes and improved bus frequencies to help transform the public transport network to meet anticipated growth and future demand in the region. It is currently anticipated that the Cork Network Redesign will commence implementation from 2025 subject to funding and resource availability.
Finally I’d note these issues highlight the fundamental importance of ensuring bus priority measures, such as those proposed as part of BusConnects Sustainable Transport Corridors, and I look forward to the Deputy’s support in their implementation in the coming years.
