Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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248. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the Cork metropolitan area transport strategy; to outline the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6327/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

Within this policy framework, the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040 has been developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork County Council. A key principle for CMATS is to reduce dependency on the private car within the Cork commuter area, while increasing the appeal of sustainable transport options, such as Cork Area Commuter Rail and BusConnects Cork.

With regard specifically to BusConnects Cork, the NTA submitted the Preliminary Business Case for the programme to my Department in January 2025. Officials in my Department are currently reviewing this business case. In line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, the business case will also go through an external assurance process and be reviewed by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform's Major Projects Advisory Group before being submitted to Cabinet for consideration. If approved by Cabinet at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines, this will allow the programme to enter the planning process.

The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represents the largest investment in the rail network in Cork undertaken by the State. Phase 1 of the Cork Commuter Rail Programme, largely funded through the EU's National Recovery and Resilience Plan, aims to provide a new ‘through’ platform at Kent Station, re-signalling of the network, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton, by Quarter 3 2026. The new platform at Kent station is now almost complete and should enter use this year. In 2024, Iarnród Éireann awarded a contract for the design of Phase 2 of the Programme. This Phase provides for eight new stations, a new fleet maintenance depot electrification of the network and upgrades to existing commuter stations. Phase 2 will be progressed following the completion of Phase 1, subject to funding and relevant approvals.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in developing and implementing CMATS, 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.