Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 June 2025
25. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the average journey time travelling from Balbriggan/Skerries/Rush/Lusk if the current BusConnects proposal is implemented, factoring in wait times for connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32892/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
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 NTA, as they have responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects.
New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered, with the first five phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years. Most recently, the E-Spine connecting Ballymun to Bray and L routes in Wicklow rolled out in January this year.
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.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
