Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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201. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding required to fully implement the remaining parts of the BusConnects Dublin Programme. [42909/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects Dublin is a transformative programme of investment in the existing bus system, providing better bus services to more people. It is the biggest ever investment in our bus system in the history of the State.

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 Dublin.

The total cost for the BusConnects Dublin Programme as a whole was estimated as part of the Preliminary Business Case which was approved by Government at Decision Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code in 2022. This approval allowed the 12 Core Bus Corridor (CBC) schemes which to enter the planning process.

An Bord Pleanála recently granted planning permission for eight of the CBC’s namely, the Clongriffin, Liffey Valley, Ballymun/Finglas, Belfield /Blackrock, Blanchardstown, Swords, Ringsend and Lucan to City Centre CBCs. Legal proceedings are ongoing in relation to the Clongriffin, Belfield/Blackrock, Swords and Blanchardstown schemes.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) have commenced procurement for the Liffey Valley and Ballymun/Finglas CBC schemes and the first of the CBCs is expected to enter construction in 2025.An updated cost estimate for each of the CBCs will be available as they advance through the procurement process and are submitted for final approval under the Infrastructure Guidelines prior to entering construction.

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.