Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
69. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that has been held with Cork City and County Councils in terms of infrastructural changes needed to alleviate bus congestion now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5092/26]
View answerAs 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.
BusConnects is the NTA's to greatly improve bus services in five cities. It is a key part of the Government's policies to improve public transport, ease congestion and address climate change. The key infrastructural component of the BusConnects Cork programme is the implementation of bus priority measures, generally bus lanes, on key bus corridors serving the city. 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.
As with all public transport infrastructure planning matters, it is the responsibility of the NTA to engage with stakeholders, including local authorities.
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.
