Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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35. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he can provide an update on the implementation of the 425 Galway to Mountbellew service; when in Q4 is it expected to be up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52761/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for decisions in relation to the routes of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request for an update on the implementation of the 425 Galway to Mountbellew service to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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36. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he can provide an update on the implementation of the Tuam to Athenry TFI local link; when in Q4 is it expected to be up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52762/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, including in County Galway, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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37. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he anticipates that the inner orbital BusConnects routes will be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52843/23]

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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38. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he anticipates that A spine and F Spine of BusConnects will be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52844/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects Dublin.

BusConnects Dublin is a transformative programme of investment in the existing bus system providing better bus services to more people. The BusConnects Dublin programme brings together all areas of bus investment identified in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy, including enhanced and new bus infrastructure, investment in fleet and service enhancements such as higher frequency and new routes serving a wider catchment.

The Network Redesign for the entire Dublin network is being rolled out over 11 phases. The roll out of the Network Redesign began in 2021 with the launch of the first two phases – the H-Spine (Howth/Malahide to City Centre) in June and the C-Spine (Lucan/Celbridge to Ringsend via City Centre), in November 2021. Phase 3 was launched in May 2022. It consisted of two Northern Orbital Routes (N4 Blanchardstown to Point Village and N6 Finglas to Howth Junction). Phase 4, the G-Spine and Route 60 (Ballyfermot/Liffey Valley/Red Cow to the Docklands via city centre) was launched in October 2022. The NTA launched Phase 5a – the Western Orbitals in June 2023 and Phase 5b - the Southern Orbitals launched in November 2023. The roll out of the Network Redesign will continue in the coming years subject to funding and driver availability.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in relation to the specific routes mentioned, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.