Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
303. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the reason the proposed N8 bus route, linking Blanchardstown with Dublin Airport under BusConnects, has been delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15518/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects 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 Core Bus Corridor schemes. To date, An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to eleven of the 12 Core Bus Corridor applications, including the Blanchardstown scheme. However, legal proceedings are ongoing in relation to this scheme.
New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered as part of BusConnects, with the first six phases of the BusConnects Network Redesign rolling out since 2021, including the Northern Orbitals connecting Blanchardstown to the Point Village in 2022, and the Western Orbitals connecting Blanchardstown to Tallaght in 2023.
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.
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.
