I propose to take Questions Nos. 366, 367, 368, 369 and 370 together.
As 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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Cork, and the development of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040.
Within this policy framework, the CMATS 2040 has been developed by the NTA in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Cork City Council, and Cork County Council. A key principle for CMATS is to reduce dependency on the private car within the Cork Metropolitan Area, while increasing the appeal of sustainable transport options, such as Cork Area Commuter Rail, light rail, and BusConnects Cork.
In November 2025, my Department published the National Development Plan Review 2025 Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport. This plan outlines the intention of this Government to prepare for and move these projects into construction, whilst also having regard for the requirements set out in the Infrastructure Guidelines and planning regulations and ensuring compliance with these.
The aim of BusConnects Cork is deliver an enhanced bus system that is better for the city, its people, and the environment. BusConnects Cork is designed to provide a better, more reliable, and more efficient bus service for everyone in addition to provide safe cycling facilities along key routes.
Following a 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, subject to funding and operational readiness.
The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is a key project in the CMATS. The Programme is being delivered on a phased basis and involves a major investment, enhancing the heavy rail network across the region, connecting Mallow, Cork, Cobh, and Midleton with increased train capacity.
• Phase 1 of the Programme consists of a signalling upgrade, construction of a through-platform at Kent Station, which opened in April 2025, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton.
• Phase 2 of the programme plans for the electrification of the Cork commuter rail network and the delivery of new stations. Last summer Iarnród Éireann held a non-statutory public consultation in relation to Phase 2, with a second round of consultation planned for April 2026.
Phase 2 will be progressed following the completion of Phase 1. Funding provided in the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, which was published by my Department in November, will see Iarnród Éireann complete Phase 1 complete this year, and commence Phase 2 thereafter, starting with new stations at Blackpool and Dunkettle and initial electrification works and depot construction.
In relation to Active Travel infrastructure projects, the NTA has allocated funding under its Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme to the following schemes in 2026:
Ballyvolane
• Mayfield to Glen Cycle Route – at preliminary design stage
• Ballyvolane Phase 2 Fox and Hounds Junction – under construction
• Banduff Road – under construction
• Northern Distributor Road Route Selection – at preliminary design stage
Glanmire
• Glanmire to City Cycle Route (Phase 1) – completed
• Glanmire to Riverstown Greenway – under construction
• Dunkettle Road AT Scheme (Phase 2) – under construction
• SRTS – Glanmire Community College – under construction
• SRTS – Scoil Naomh Iosaf, Riverstown – under construction
Blarney
• Blarney Village Active Travel Scheme – at preliminary design stage
• Blarney Business Park Linkage - completed
Noting the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
