Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 86 together. I am responding on behalf of the Minister.

As the Deputy may be aware, the BusConnects Dublin preliminary business case was approved by the Government on 8 March of this year, on the Minister's recommendation.

Approval of this business case allows the 16 core bus corridors to enter the planning process. The NTA will submit the 16 corridors as 12 applications to An Bord Pleanála. The first of these, from Clongriffin to the city centre, was submitted in April and the second, from Belfield or Blackrock to the city centre, was submitted in early May. Two further applications, the Blanchardstown to city centre scheme and the Liffey Valley to city centre scheme, will be made in June, with the remainder to follow during the second half of 2022. In parallel, a construction strategy is being developed for all corridors which will include the commencement of the procurement of contractors. The timing of the construction contract award and commencement will be determined by the decision timeline of An Bord Pleanála with regard to the planning consent applications.

If the compulsory purchase order, CPO, is confirmed by An Bord Pleanála and subject to any legal challenges by way of judicial review, a document called a notice to treat will be served on each landowner whose land is being acquired. Following service of the notice to treat, the landowner will be required to submit a claim for compensation, at which stage the NTA will engage with all landowners with regard to their specific requirements. The NTA is available to discuss the CPO process with any resident who may have specific queries or concerns.

As with all schemes where roads and streets are being upgraded, there will be some temporary disruption and alterations to on-street and off-street parking provision and access to premises in certain locations along the proposed scheme. Local arrangements will be made on a case-by-case basis to maintain continued access to homes and businesses affected by the works, where practicable. Details regarding temporary access provisions will be discussed with homes and businesses prior to construction starting in the area.

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