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

BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of BusConnects comprises 12 Core Bus Corridor schemes. These Corridors aim to provide over 200 km of enhanced walking, cycling, and bus route infrastructure in the Dublin region. An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to four of the Corridors - the Clongriffin, Liffey Valley, Ballymun/Finglas and Belfield/Blackrock schemes.

Meanwhile, new bus services in Dublin are already being delivered with the first five phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years. This roll out will continue in the coming years.

In Cork, following a public consultation, the new BusConnects network was published in June 2022, and 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 in the coming years.

Another key component of the BusConnects Cork programme is the implementation of bus priority measures, generally bus lanes, on key bus corridors serving the city. A third round of non-statutory public consultation on the 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors commenced ran from November to December 2023. Preparation of a Preliminary Business Case for the programme is ongoing.

Similarly, BusConnects Galway will provide a major enhancement to the bus system there. Key elements are currently under development, namely the Cross City Link project and the Dublin Road scheme. The Salmon Weir Pedestrian/Cycling Bridge was officially opened to the public last May. The bus network design was finalised last December following a public consultation, and it will provide improved services, including in Bearna and Oranmore.

Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects. 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 within 10 days.

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

The Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the public transport sector in line with the Climate Action Plan. No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for urban public service obligation bus fleets since July 2019, as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The transition to a zero-emission urban bus fleet is currently programmed to take up until 2035, based on replacement of non-zero-emission buses as they reach the end of their efficient service lives.

Electric buses produce no emissions and offer reduced interior and exterior noise levels compared to diesel buses. This transition to electric buses will result in cleaner air and less noise pollution in areas where the buses are operating, while also providing a quieter journey for passengers.

The first order of 100 double deck electric buses for the Dublin network was placed in 2022 and all were delivered by the end of last year. Circa 40 of these buses are in service now using charging infrastructure at Phibsborough and Summerhill bus depots and all are scheduled to go into operation over the coming months.

The first phase of depot electrification to support the transition to zero-emission buses for Limerick city was inaugurated in April, providing 30 high-power charging guns at Bus Éireann’s Limerick Roxboro bus depot. The first 34 double-deck battery-electric buses are now in Limerick and have been piloted on a variety of routes in the city since February 2024.

In addition to the above, under the Sustainable Mobility Policy Pathfinder Programme, a fully electric town bus service, with 11 new single-deck battery-electric buses, is operating in Athlone.

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 the provision of the national Public Service Obligation bus fleet. 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 within 10 days.