Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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114. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the implementation of the “A spine” of the bus connects programme; and the expected commencement date of the works on the Swords to city centre core bus corridor. [35999/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, 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).

New bus services in Dublin are already being 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, was launched in November 2023 connecting the Southern and Western areas of Dublin.

The redesign of the entire network, including the A Spine, will continue in the coming years subject to funding and driver availability.

The Swords to City Centre Core Bus Corridor has received planning approved by An Bord Pleanála; however, legal proceedings are ongoing in relation to this scheme. Subject to no successful legal challenges, the necessary approvals under the Infrastructure Guidelines, and the required funding this scheme will progress 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 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 questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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115. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on revised services on Bus Éireann route 243, covering Bweeng and Grenagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36006/24]

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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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116. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he plans to provide additional bus services between Galway and Loughrea to service the demand for public transport in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36013/24]

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 the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.