Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
437. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport whether the National Transport Authority has engaged with Iarnród Éireann regarding the alignment of the proposed L36 and L37 BusConnects services with rail timetables at Midleton Station; the analysis that has been carried out in determining the proposed frequency and scheduling of these routes; whether this analysis will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35306/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra438. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport if a dedicated public consultation process is planned in relation to the operational details of the L36 and L37 services serving Ballycotton, Whitegate and surrounding areas and, if not, the rationale for same; the engagement that has taken place with local communities, businesses and commuters in East Cork regarding the design and rollout of these routes; whether the proposed L37 route replacing the existing 241 service will include a seven-day service including Sundays; the minimum service frequency envisaged; whether the proposed Q1 2027 rollout timeline under the BusConnects Cork programme allows for revisions based on stakeholder and public feedback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35307/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 437 and 438 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. 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.
