Thomas Gould
Question:34. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the solutions he has offered for the crisis in Cork’s bus network. [45731/24]
View answerThursday, 7 November 2024
Questions (34)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, despite Bus Éireann’s extensive efforts to address the challenge of driver recruitment, including holding 18 open days in Cork so far this year, there remains a shortage of drivers in the city. Further, congestion issues and driver compliance with parking and bus lane regulations also continue to negatively impact services in Cork.
In order to mitigate the impact on passengers, and to help improve punctuality and service delivery on the routes, Bus Éireann have implemented temporary revised timetables from 20th October 2024. As driver headcount increases, service frequency will return to current levels on the aforementioned routes as quickly as possible.
I can confirm that I have met with both Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority in recent weeks to discuss these issues, and my officials are in regular contact with both entities in relation to this matter. I also met Cork City Councillors and executives on the 21st of October to discuss the temporary timetable changes and other possible mitigation measures that could potentially help ease the congestion issues in Cork.
Full implementation of BusConnects Cork will deliver over 90kms of priority bus lanes which will significantly tackle the issue of congestion, however in the interim Bus Éireann will continue to take mitigation measures and engage with the relevant authorities to deliver a more reliable service to the people of Cork. 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.
The Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy will deliver an accessible, integrated transport network that enables the sustainable growth of the Cork Metropolitan Area, both now and for the decades to come. We have already made good progress in delivering key projects within the transport strategy, including the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.
In addition to the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme, the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy recommends the rollout of BusConnects in Cork and the delivery of a light rail system in the city. Delivery of a proposed light rail system for Cork as in the Strategy will provide a high-capacity, high-frequency public transport link to support growth of population and provide access to employment, health and educational amenities. A public consultation on the proposed Cork Light Rail project will launch in the coming months.