Written Answers Nos. 151-170
151. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if consideration is being given to an extension of the Metro North in advance of works being concluded, to ensure no delay in delivering for other areas of Dublin and neighbouring counties which could benefit from such a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63292/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.
The NTA published the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 in January 2023. This strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA. The Programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin.
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.
152. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to improve public transport systems in County Mayo. [63542/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024.
The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes.
The recommendations include a proposal to reinstate the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris and improve service frequencies between Counties Galway / Mayo and Athlone, by building more passing loops.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies across the island, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication next month.
Engagement with rail stakeholders across the island also involves a more detailed examination of the reinstatement Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris, and in this regard the Department of Transport has agreed to allocate funding to Iarnród Éireann to progress a scoping study on the reinstatement of the line.
Moreover, the recently concluded review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The Department is currently reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope, including plans for investment in the rail network, and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made shortly.
It should also be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the Rail Review will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals.
Mayo is also served by a number of regional bus services. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
153. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that a project (details supplied) will be included in his Department’s sectoral plan for the 2026 to 2030 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63476/25]
View answerMy department has been working with Cavan and Louth County Councils in relation to funding projects associated with the proposed upgraded East West Link Road. As the Deputy is aware the proposed scheme would run on regional routes from Dundalk to Cavan and national routes from Cavan to Sligo.
Going back some time there was a proposal for a substantial upgrade of the regional road part of the route; my department provided over €2 million to Cavan County Council, acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils, to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design stage.
However, more recent appraisal work has indicated a very substantial cost if the road scheme was fully implemented. As such, my department engaged Cavan County Council to carry out a risk-based analysis for the route between Dundalk and Cavan. This analysis explored the possibility of a series of interventions which could be implemented over time, and which could improve safety, journey times, and bring consistency to the travel speed along the route. From this risk analysis individual local authorities examined if, and how, projects identified could be brought forward, while taking into account their own priorities and available resources.
My department allocated funding to both Cavan and Louth County Councils to carry out initial assessments of two possible schemes along the R178 Cavan to Dundalk Strategic Regional Route. Subsequently, both Louth and Cavan County Councils submitted Strategic Assessment Reports for these two schemes. These submissions have been reviewed and approval has been provided to advance both schemes.
The department has provided further funding in 2025 to both Cavan County Council and Louth County Council to advance these schemes through to the end of Phase 2 “Route Selection”. This process is underway by the local authorities and following completion, a further review of both schemes will be examined by my department before approval to the next phase.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
In 2025, the N53 Hackballscross to Rassan project received an allocation of €2 million. In addition, €35,000 was allocated for pavement works on the N53 at Rathmore.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply regarding ongoing works on the N53 between Dundalk and Carrickmacross. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The National Development Plan Review 2025 has been published by Government. This sets out capital ceilings for transport to 2030. My department will now progress the sectoral plan for the 2026 to 2030 period, which will be published later this year and which will inform road scheme priorities in the coming years.
154. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that a project (details supplied) will be included in his Department's sectoral plan for the 2026 to 2030 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63475/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €1,200,000 has been allocated for the N3 Virginia Bypass scheme in 2025. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2026 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
155. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on the proposed flood mitigation measures at Ballycar, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63384/25]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware my predecessor, Eamon Ryan, previously met with the then Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, to discuss the complex issues in relation to flooding in the Ballycar area. At that meeting the OPW Chair advised he would reconvene the steering group behind a December 2020 Report on Ballycar to continue discussions.
The steering group in question includes Iarnród Éireann, the OPW, Clare County Council and the Geological Survey Ireland. Officials from my Department will engage with the OPW on reconvening the group with a view to progressing the matter.
Of relevance, the Department of Transport's annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030 were confirmed in the Review of the National Development Plan (NDP), published by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in July. The Department of Transport is currently finalising its NDP Sectoral Investment Plan in the context of that capital funding envelope and a decision on a programme of delivery, including investments in the rail sector, with this level of capital investment, will be made shortly. The related Sectoral Plan is expected to be published within a month.
156. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the pilot new transport initiatives that have resulted from Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56048/25]
View answerAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision.
Our Rural Future - Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s flagship policy for a thriving rural Ireland, contains a number of commitments to improve public transport services in rural areas and pilot new transport initiatives for people of all ages and abilities living there.
Our commitments in both the Programme for Government and Our Rural Future in relation to public transport in rural areas have been progressed, among the measures, is the hugely successful Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. This plan aims to ensure settlements over a certain size can connect to the national public transport system, expanding TFI Local Link services and prioritising public transport projects that enhance regional and rural connectivity. Under Connecting Ireland over 180 new and enhanced routes have been introduced since 2022, linking more than 240 towns and villages to the public transport network.
With funding under the Climate Action Fund, the National Transport Authority are implementing a pilot Smart Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) service in three areas as part of the Connecting Ireland Plan. The TFI Anseo app is a new smart demand responsive transport service providing both local trips and integrated ‘first and last mile’ connections to fixed route bus and rail services. It is anticipated that by using smart booking, trip allocation and routing technology, it will be possible to offer a more efficient, comprehensive and flexible DRT service. This Anseo app is now operating in Achill, Killarney and in the northeast of Limerick city.
Collectively, these measures will not only further improve connectivity in these areas but will provide viable alternatives to the private car for people in rural and regional areas of Ireland.
157. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the upgrade of the Kilkenny ring road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63291/25]
View answerIn accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
In line with Government requirements Kilkenny County Council produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension and a draft was forwarded to the Department in January 2023. The Department reviewed the SAR and returned its comments and observations to Kilkenny County Council for consideration.
Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department continues to liaise with the Council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure Guidelines and the TAF including the preparation of a Project Outline Document (POD) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the SAR stage.
In 2024, the Department provided funding for an updated POD, which has been submitted to the Department by Kilkenny County Council, and while this process was underway funding was also allocated for Traffic/Junction Analysis in the Butts Green area of the City to further assess and understand traffic patterns in the city.
Following a review of the POD by the Department, €200,000 has been allocated to the Kilkenny Northern Transport Project (formerly Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension Project) in 2025 to allow Kilkenny County Council to progress the project to the Options Stage.
158. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will be providing additional funding Cavan and Monaghan County Councils for road resurfacing in 2025; and the total allocations to each council in 2026. [63067/25]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority and Exchequer funding is intended to supplement local authorities’ own resources.
On 14th February 2025 I announced an Exchequer investment of €713 million in our regional and local roads across the State which represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding this year.
In 2025, Cavan County Council received an allocation of €19,193,150 which is an increase of €1,752,840 on their 2024 allocation and Monaghan County Council received an allocation of €18,008,350 which is an increase of €1,751,255.
All 2025 grant funding available to the Department for regional and local roads has now been allocated.
As regards 2026, regional and local road grant allocations will be finalised following the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume and will take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year. Within the budget available, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network into account.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to this.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
159. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the formation of the transport security force to address safety issues on public transport in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63506/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I can assure you that my Department is actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force and is working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) in this regard. This work involves careful and informed consideration of the most appropriate model for the force, with all key stakeholders fully engaged – the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice. Since assuming office, I have met with these stakeholders as a collective twice and we will continue to work together to deliver on this commitment.
The Programme for Government sets out a clear commitment: that a Transport Security Force will operate under the NTA with powers similar to those held by Airport Police and Customs Officers. The introduction of such a force will require new legislation and this issue is a priority for my Department, and we are determined to advance it as swiftly as possible. We expect legislation to progress during 2026 with a view to having the force operational by 2027.
In parallel with the work being carried out in the Department of Transport, the Government continues to invest heavily in public transport safety, to date €14 million in 2025 . Twenty rapid response hubs have now been established across the Iarnród Éireann intercity network, enhancing their ability to respond quickly to incidents and support frontline staff. In the Dublin region, the Dublin Bus Safer Journeys Team has dedicated units covering North, South, and Central Dublin as of February 2025.
All buses are also now equipped with eleven internal CCTV cameras, and the modern fleet includes three external cameras on each bus to further strengthen surveillance and deterrence. On the Luas, Transdev has a full time dedicated security staff patrolling both Red & Green lines from early morning to last tram.
While these measures mark significant progress, antisocial behaviour on public transport remains a serious concern. It is those who use and work within the network who are most directly affected, and the establishment of the Transport Security Force will be key in addressing this issue.
The establishment of this Transport Security Force is a key priority for Government, and as the Minister for Transport I fully support all the ongoing positive work to progress towards creating a safer public transport network for staff and passengers.
In the meantime, we are committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the Transport Security Force is in place.
160. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the progress his Department has made with the Road Safety Authority to shorten the waiting lists for driving tests; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Dún Laoghaire/ Deansgrange test centre has one of the longest average wait times in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62395/25]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including all testing and scheduling matters. In that regard, the operation of the driver testing service does not fall under the direct control of my Department. In relation to operational matters regarding the wait times at the Dún Laoghaire/Deansgrange test centre, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
As the Deputy will be aware, reducing driving test wait times has been one of my priorities since taking office and I directed the RSA to produce and publish a service recovery plan to meet the 10-week average national waiting time target by September. The RSA successfully achieved this goal and marked a return to the 10-week Service Level Agreement (SLA) in early September. The latest information available to me is that, currently, the average national waiting time for a driving test is 11.5 weeks. This slight increase above target is a short-term impact as a result of merging the test and re-test lists to ensure that all customers have the same experience when utilising the RSA self service system. The RSA anticipates that this change will have worked through the system in the coming weeks and that the 10-week target will be met at the end of November. The current national average wait time does however reflect a significant improvement on the 27-week wait time reported at the end of April.
While the national average wait time has been reduced I do understand that some centres continue to have a higher wait time and I am aware that the Dun Laoghaire/Deansgrange test centre has a longer waiting time than the national average. The RSA has confirmed that the location for the new South Dublin test centre is Sandyford. The RSA is aiming to get this test centre up and running as soon as is operationally possible and this is expected to have a positive impact on wait times in nearby centres. While the site is not yet operational, the assigned testers are already deployed to nearby centres in readiness for its opening, ensuring testing volumes continue to be managed effectively.
In addition, the driver testing booking system now makes available cancelled test slots for candidates to take up at short notice. I would encourage learner drivers awaiting a test to monitor this channel, which may provide an opportunity to book an earlier testing date.
161. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport the plans and measures considered and implemented by publicly funded public transport operators when it becomes clear there is a lack of services on a particular route to meet demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63285/25]
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.
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.
162. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the overall cost of the 90-minute Leap Card fare hardware in Cork city; and the timeline for the installation of same. [63071/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
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 working days.
163. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the current platform length at MacDonagh Junction railway station in Kilkenny; if he will engage with CIÉ/Iarnród Éireann to ensure that plans are put in place to extend the platform to accommodate longer intercity services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63518/25]
View answerAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including MacDonagh Junction railway station in Kilkenny, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
164. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to increase the frequency of the 130 Dublin Bus service, recognising the significant reliability issues on this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63284/25]
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, in this case Dublin Bus.
I can assure you that my Department is committed to providing investment in our public transport network and that I am supportive of the Governments goals in delivering an accessible, affordable and reliable public transport network throughout the country.
In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
165. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to expand public transport options including bus and rail services and Local Link services in rural areas such as County Laois to reduce car dependency and improve social inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62689/25]
View answerAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
166. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the reason for such a disparity in pricing between online ticket reservations with Irish Rail and purchasing a ticket at the station; the reason those who are forced to purchase a ticket offline, after the window for online reservations has closed, are penalised with higher ticket prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63514/25]
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 queries raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Irish Rail, in conjunction with the NTA. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to both for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
167. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the steps that have been taken to address ghost buses on the real time information service on bus services in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63442/25]
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.
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.
168. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport for an update on progress in reopening the western rail corridor between Claremorris and Athenry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63522/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024.
The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes. The recommendations include a proposal to reinstate the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies across the island, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication next month.
Engagement with rail stakeholders across the island also involves a more detailed examination of the reinstatement Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris, and in this regard the Department of Transport has agreed to allocate funding to Iarnród Éireann to progress a scoping study on the reinstatement of the line.
Moreover, the recently concluded review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The Department is currently reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope, including plans for investment in the rail network, and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made shortly.
It should also be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the Rail Review will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals.
169. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to ensure the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Dublin Bus, as the service provider, can alleviate issues that have arisen with the rollout of the phase 7 of Bus Connects in Dublin north west, given he has no direct responsibility for the day-to-day operations of either the NTA or Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63325/25]
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, in this case, Dublin Bus.
The NTA have advised that in advance of these new routes being implemented under the Phase 7 rollout, they distributed over 200,000 booklets to households across all the areas covered by the routes. They also advertised the new services in local media outlets and online, and they provided detailed briefings to local public representatives, and remain open to improving the communications around the rollout of the Network Redesign (NRD) phases and to that end will take on board any feedback received from customers.
It should be noted that the F-Spine, which is part of the BusConnects Dublin area NRD was finalised following three rounds of public consultations which culminated in over 72,000 submissions being received. The overall network represents a major investment in enhanced bus services, delivering a 35% increase in annual “in-service” kilometres, a significant increase in overall capacity and frequency for customers, as well as more evening and weekend services.
It is of course acknowledged that these changes require some passengers to make their journey in a different way. In some instances, people who previously had to interchange will now have a direct service, while others may now have to interchange where previously they did not.
For those who have to change, the process is made as straightforward as possible and thanks to the TFI-90 fare, there is no additional cost. The transport operators and NTA are working hard to ensure that the services are bedding in well, but understand that it can take some time for people to get accustomed to any new arrangement.
The kind of issues experienced at the launch of Phase 7 are similar to those experienced in the early stages of implementation of previous phases of Network Redesign that were addressed and resolved. Notwithstanding teething issues, it’s worth noting that for previous phases in all instances, the changes have resulted in significant increase in passenger numbers.
Customer satisfaction surveys conducted after the initial launch period of the new bus services have consistently shown positive results. Although some expectations may not have been fully met during the first week of operation, these services, including Phase 7, are expected to achieve long-term success.
The NTA have advised my Department they will continue to monitor things very closely in the days and weeks ahead, collaborating with operators and customers to enhance the punctuality and reliability of services throughout the Network Redesign.
170. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the implementation of the D spine Dublin Bus routes; if the NTA has considered adding a cross-city south connection following the discontinuation of the 14 and 15 routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63283/25]
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, including Dublin. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Following on from three rounds of public consultation which concluded in 2020, new bus services in Dublin are already being delivered, with the first seven phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years. The most recent phase, Phase 7, which commenced in October 2025, saw the introduction of the F Spine connecting Finglas to Tallaght.
Matters relating to bus service delivery and planning fall under the remit of the NTA, in co-operation with the relevant transport operator, and are subject to resource availability.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
