Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
124. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the reason he is delaying the release of current funding to allow the completion of the Bus Connects network redesign; and if he will give a commitment to provide additional funding for the expansion of Bus Connects to cover the Clonburris, Adamstown, Grange View corridor. [46306/26]
View answerThe focus for 2026 is on stabilising and strengthening the PSO position, ensuring services already in place can operate reliably and sustainably, and progressing improvements that are already in train. Having secured €940 million in Budget 2026, a 43% increase compared to last year, the PSO programme and associated services are being supported by this unprecedented increase in funding.
We are therefore focused on consolidating and strengthening the current network, while progressing improvements already underway, including Phase 7 BusConnects route adjustments and the new Mullingar town service. The NTA will continue to prioritise improvements, within its €940 million allocation.
The PSO funding allows the NTA to operate the network on a sustainable basis and to prioritise any necessary changes in line with operational capacity and passenger needs. Subsequently decisions on service changes or enhancements are a matter for the NTA, taking account of available funding, operational readiness, and driver availability.
Further, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, with the aim to provide better bus services across five cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the NTA. The roll-out of the remaining phases of the BusConnects Dublin Network Redesign will occur over the coming years, subject to funding and operational readiness.
Transport planning and strategic decision-making are guided by a balanced assessment of operational and resource considerations. These decisions are also made following operational and performance analysis of existing services, including customer feedback. To illustrate this, the most recent BusConnects progress report, published in December 2025 and covering Phases 5a & 5b and Phase 6a, shows that 8 out of 10 users are satisfied with the service, and 45% believe the bus service in their area has improved.
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.
