Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
178. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if an extension can be considered under BusConnects to the planned N8 route, to connect Blanchardstown Shopping Centre to the Hollystown area, in order to provide newer developments with an orbital bus service to Dublin airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46317/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
With regard to planning and provision of services, the NTA continues to keep public transport connectivity under ongoing and active review as part of its wider network planning responsibilities.
Looking ahead, the NTA is continuing to invest in additional orbital network redesign. The N8 route is intended to improve connections around Dublin without requiring travel via the city centre, 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.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
