Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
159. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport how the Government’s investment in BusConnects orbital bus corridors and the Luas 2050 vision for orbital light rail will complement or substitute for the proposed orbital road in addressing congestion and connectivity challenges in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70734/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport and the national roads programme.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects and Luas.
Under the Roads Act 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
It is important to point out that it is for the local authority, in the first instance, to engage with TII regarding the progression of any proposed national road project. All projects, including those listed in the NDP or any revision to the NDP, require statutory approval and compliance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
The NTA Greater Dublin Area Strategy does not envisage the progression of a Leinster Orbital Route in its original form. However, it proposed the provision of offline improvements in the existing road network to cater for orbital demand.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
