John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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100. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to the development of a high-speed bus network for the Shannon Airport catchment area, to ensure fast access from across the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42052/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, proposals for investment in public transport services for the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area are set out in the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS). This Strategy was developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The final Strategy was published in December 2022. The Strategy sets out the framework for investment in transport for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area for the next 20 years, including proposals to enhance the bus network.

For Limerick City, enhancements to the city’s bus network will take place under BusConnects Limerick. The NTA published its final new bus network for Limerick in December 2023. The redesign of the bus network is one of the nine key elements of BusConnects Limerick that aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.

LSMATS also notes the NTA’s intention to improve local and regional bus connectivity to Shannon town centre, employment areas and Shannon Airport.

A number of enhanced routes serving Shannon Airport came into effect in August 2024. Route 343, operated by Bus Éireann now provides a 24hr service from Limerick to Shannon offering increased frequency throughout the daily timetable, operating every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off peak hours on weekdays, as well as offering a doubling of the weekend service. The new improved service offers an hourly service between midnight and 4am. The enhanced services provide greater connectivity to Shannon Airport, Shannon Industrial Estates, and Colbert Station. 100% of timetabled services use fully accessible buses with low floor access. The enhanced Route 330, Shannon Airport to Ennis, also operated by Bus Éireann, now operates a daily hourly service from 5am to midnight, providing passengers with links to Shannon Airport, interchange with the 343 service and rail services.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to NTA for a more detailed response on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.