Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
148. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the circa €2.5 billion investment in BusConnects Programme for Dublin, Cork and Galway, including redesign of the bus network, bus corridors including segregated cycling facilities and new bus stops and shelters as outlined in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18497/24]
View answerBusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of BusConnects comprises 12 Core Bus Corridor schemes. These Corridors aim to provide over 200 km of enhanced walking, cycling, and bus route infrastructure in the Dublin region. An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to four of the Corridors - the Clongriffin, Liffey Valley, Ballymun/Finglas and Belfield/Blackrock schemes.
Meanwhile, new bus services in Dublin are already being delivered with the first five phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years. This roll out will continue in the coming years.
In Cork, following a public consultation, the new BusConnects network was published in June 2022, and it aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented in the coming years.
Another key component of the BusConnects Cork programme is the implementation of bus priority measures, generally bus lanes, on key bus corridors serving the city. A third round of non-statutory public consultation on the 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors commenced ran from November to December 2023. Preparation of a Preliminary Business Case for the programme is ongoing.
Similarly, BusConnects Galway will provide a major enhancement to the bus system there. Key elements are currently under development, namely the Cross City Link project and the Dublin Road scheme. The Salmon Weir Pedestrian/Cycling Bridge was officially opened to the public last May. The bus network design was finalised last December following a public consultation, and it will provide improved services, including in Bearna and Oranmore.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects. Noting the NTA's responsibility in 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.
