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 the BusConnects routes in Dublin.
As the Deputy may be aware, 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.
In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of BusConnects comprises Core Bus Corridor (CBC) schemes.
An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved all 12 Core Bus Corridor schemes. However, legal proceedings are ongoing in relation to seven: Clongriffin, Belfield/Blackrock, Blanchardstown, Kimmage, Swords, Templeogue/Rathfarnham and Bray schemes.
An Coimisiún Pleanála approved the Liffey Valley to City Centre scheme in December 2023. The NTA issued the Invitation to Tender in August 2024 and the NTA Board approved the scheme in May 2025. This Core Bus Corridor scheme is approximately 9.2 kilometres in length, including the provision of bus, cycle, and walking infrastructure enhancements. Construction is expected to commence in December 2025, with a view to full completion of the Corridor by 2028.
The NTA concluded a procurement competition and has selected a contractor for the Ballymun/Finglas scheme. This will require Cabinet consent at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines, which I expect to bring in the coming weeks.? Should the Government provide consent, construction is expected to commence on this scheme in 2026.
The recently concluded Review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The Department is currently reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming months. A sectoral plan is expected to be published in the coming months. More CBC schemes will enter the procurement and construction stages before the end of 2030, subject to funding being available.
Noting the NTA's responsibility for BusConnects Dublin, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
