Emer Currie
Question:143. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the latest update on the launch of the N8 airport route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46045/26]
View answerThursday, 18 June 2026
Questions (143)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware that BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in our bus network and system that will provide much better services across our cities, covering Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway. It is the largest investment in our bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the NTA. The city programmes cover the construction of new bus corridors, new network services, bus electrification and the development of enhanced ticketing in an integrated manner to help maximise the benefits to the public, the customers.
The new route N8 will connect Blanchardstown with Dublin Airport and the NTA continues planning for its introduction, subject to available resources and operational readiness. I fully understand the importance of getting this route up and running, however the NTA need to ensure a prioritisation of resources and maintenance of the network on hand.
The network redesign as part of BusConnects Dublin will improve the existing bus network by providing high frequency spines and new local, orbital and radial routes. Orbital routes are a really important part of the new design as they offer an efficient way for passengers to travel without needing to pass through the city centre.
New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered as part of BusConnects. Since 2021, we have rolled out the first seven phases of the network redesign in Dublin. This has included the northern orbital routes connecting Blanchardstown to the Point Village in 2022 and the western orbital routes connecting Blanchardstown to Tallaght in 2023.
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.