Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

217. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the areas in which the funding that was allocated in Budget 2023 for BusConnects and MetroLink will be spent on. [49473/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Budget 2023 expenditure allocation for carbon reduction and public transport is €1.53 billion, as announced on 27 September. Officials in my Department and the transport agencies are now working to agree more precise programme and project-level allocations for 2023, and these will be available in the Revised Estimates Volume before the end of the year. Once allocations are set, the exact activities that are expected to be funded in 2023 will be known.

In the case of BusConnects Dublin, activities by the National Transport Authority (NTA) are expected to include the continued rollout of the network redesign, submission of planning applications for the remaining core bus corridor schemes, purchase of new low and zero emission buses and, dependent on planning, the beginning of construction of the Clongriffin to city centre core bus corridor.

Planning, design and public consultation will also continue for BusConnects Cork and BusConnects Galway.

In the case of MetroLink, Transport Infrastructure Ireland will continue tender preparations while the project makes its way through the planning process. It is also expected that the project will be brought to the Government for Decision Gate 2 under the Public Spending Code next year.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects programme and, in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the MetroLink project.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed response on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.