Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:184. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of BusConnects in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33133/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 6 May 2026
Ceisteanna (184)
Freagraí scríofa
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 BusConnects Cork.
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 within 10 days.
Pending a more detailed reply, I note that BusConnects is the National Transport Authority's (NTA) plan to greatly improve bus services in all our cities. It is a key part of the Government's policies to improve public transport and address climate change in our cities.
As Deputy may be aware, I secured Cabinet approval for BusConnects Cork at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines in October 2025. This decision allows the NTA to lodge planning applications in respect of the 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors envisaged under the programme later this year.
Following public consultation, the new BusConnects Cork network was published in June 2022, and it aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented on a phased basis in the coming years. Implementation will be subject to funding and resources available.