Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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139.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on BusConnects as part of the greater Dublin area capital programme, including detail on the anticipated start date for construction; to outline the projected cost allocated within expenditure projection contained in the stability programme update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25170/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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 of BusConnects comprises 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.

New bus services in Dublin have already been delivered, with the first five phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years.

The first of these Spines—the H-Spine—launched in June 2021 and serves Howth and Malahide. The second Spine—the C-Spine serving the Lucan/Leixlip/Celbridge corridor —launched in November 2021.

Phase 3—the Northern Orbital routes—was rolled out in May 2022, connecting Blanchardstown with the Point and Finglas with Howth Junction. Phase 4, comprising the G-Spine and Route 60 connecting Ballyfermot with the Docklands via the City Centre, was launched in October 2022.

Phase 5a, the Western Orbitals, launched in June 2023 connecting the West of Dublin to Kildare. Phase 5b, the Southern Orbitals, launched in November 2023 connecting the Southern and Western areas of Dublin.

The E-Spine (Ballymun to Bray) and Inner City Orbitals are expected to roll out later this year subject to funding and staff availability. The Network Redesign for the entire network will continue in the coming years.

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.

The final budget for BusConnects will not be set until after the planning process and completion of tendering and procurement, with the Government having the final decision about whether to proceed to construction. Officials in my Department engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to the budget and progress of all major projects, including BusConnects.

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.