Pádraig Rice
Question:310. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on BusConnects Cork; to provide an updated timeline for delivery;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3520/26]
View answerTuesday, 20 January 2026
Questions (310)
Written answers
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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Cork.
As Deputy may be aware, I secured Cabinet approval for BusConnects Cork in October 2025. With that decision, the Government issued Approval Gate 1 approval in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, allowing the three Sustainable Transport Corridor schemes to enter the planning system. These schemes will provide for a total of 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors.
Following public consultation, the new BusConnects Cork 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 on a phased basis in the coming years. Implementation will be subject to funding and resources available.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.