Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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106. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding allocated to the NTA for the rollout of Bus Connects in Limerick for 2025; the timeline for the roll out of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4995/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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).

BusConnects Limerick aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people. The redesign of the bus network is one of the nine key elements of the BusConnects Limerick programme.

Following an extensive review and public consultation, the NTA published the final new bus network for Limerick in December 2023. Planning is ongoing in relation to the rollout of the redesigned network and it is currently expected that this will occur on a phased basis in the coming years, subject to funding and driver availability.

The new bus network will enable more people to avail of public transport resulting in increased access to a greater number of schools and workplace across Limerick city. Overall, 41% of residents will live within 400 meters of a high frequency bus route (running every 15 minutes or better).

In 2024, 34 double-deck electric buses rolled out in Limerick under the fleet decarbonisation aspect of BusConnects. The installation of additional chargers at Roxboro depot is ongoing and will allow the absorption of further electric buses into the fleet over the coming months.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issue raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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107. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5006/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.

There is a commitment under the Programme for government to ensure that public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers and a commitment to work with local authorities and national bodies to improve public transport infrastructure.

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.