Thomas Gould
Ceist:394. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the current estimated cost of the Tivoli bus depot; the length of time it will be used for; and the timeline for opening it. [34920/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 May 2026
Ceisteanna (394, 396)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:396. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the reason the Tivoli depot has been delayed. [34922/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 394 and 396 together.
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 direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply.
Pending this detailed response, I note BusConnects is the NTA’s plan to greatly improve bus services in all five of our cities. It is a key part of the Government's policies to improve public transport and address climate change.
In October 2025 Cabinet approval was secured for BusConnects Cork, which includes the Tivoli bus depot. With that decision, the Government issued Approval Gate 1 approval in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, allowing the three Sustainable Transport Corridor schemes to enter the planning system. These schemes will provide for a total of 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors.
In June 2022, following public consultation, the new BusConnects Cork network was published. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.