Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
55. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport to detail the efforts his Department are taking to develop bus priority measures in Galway City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10930/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing bus services across five of our cities, including Galway. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The major infrastructure component of the BusConnects Galway programme is the construction of Sustainable Transport Corridors. The NTA is advancing work on the Sustainable Transport Corridors, the Cross-City Link scheme and the Dublin Road scheme, which will improve travel times on the bus network and improve connections for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Cross-City Link is a 6.7km scheme that aims to create a sustainable transport corridor from the northeast of Galway to the northwest, crossing Droichead an Dóchais (formerly known as the Salmon Weir Bridge). It includes the creation of a dedicated bus gate over Droichead an Dóchais, reallocation of road space away from private vehicles, the provision of segregated cycling infrastructure and upgraded pedestrian facilities. Once complete, bus routes will be modified to use the high-quality corridor and create an interchange hub at Eyre Square.
Galway City Council submitted a planning application in September 2022 to An Coimisiún Pleanála for the project. An Oral Hearing for the project was held in February 2024. An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission in 2024; however, it is subject to judicial review, which is still ongoing.
An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission to Galway City Council for the Dublin Road scheme in 2025. The Dublin Road scheme which, when constructed, will provide 3.9km of bus priority and active travel infrastructure, alongside upgraded pedestrian infrastructure. An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission for Dublin Road scheme in 2025.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply with 10 days.
