Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

65. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on his Department's work in relation to the implementation of BusConnects in Fingal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41451/24]

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

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 or NTA.

I’m glad to say that Fingal will benefit enormously from BusConnects and equally glad to say that Fingal has already seen improved and expanded public transport services introduced as part of BusConnects.

As part of the Network Redesign Fingal has benefitted from the introduction of the H-Spine from Howth to the City Centre, the N4 24hour Orbital Route from Docklands to Blanchardstown and the N6 Orbital Route from Kilbarrack to Finglas. The E-Spine from Ballymun to Bray will launch before the end of the year, with further local bus service improvements in the Portmarnock / Malahide area expected next year. The following year will see the roll out of the A-Spine in the Swords area, as well as the introduction of the new B-Spine in Blanchardstown.

On infrastructure, the major infrastructure element of BusConnects Dublin comprises 12 Core Bus Corridor or CBC schemes. These CBC schemes aim to provide over 200 kilometres of enhanced walking, cycling, and bus route infrastructure in the Dublin region.

An Bord Pleanála has approved eight CBC schemes so far, including the Ballymun/Finglas, Blanchardstown and Swords CBC schemes serving the Fingal area. The Blanchardstown and Swords schemes are both the subject of ongoing Judicial Reviews. However, the Ballymun/Finglas scheme is currently part of the first tender competition for construction of CBC’s, along with the Liffey Valley scheme. I expect to see construction commence on the first of the CBC’s next year.

So overall, BusConnects has provided much improved bus services in the Fingal area and further additions are expected in the years ahead.