Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

302. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the provision of a dedicated student bus service from Dublin city centre to UCD and the surrounding accommodation in locations where an existing 24-hour bus route is not in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15473/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

303. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the proposed N8 bus route, linking Blanchardstown with Dublin Airport under BusConnects, has been delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15518/25]

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

In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of BusConnects comprises Core Bus Corridor schemes. To date, An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to eleven of the 12 Core Bus Corridor applications, including the Blanchardstown scheme. However, legal proceedings are ongoing in relation to this scheme.

New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered as part of BusConnects, with the first six phases of the BusConnects Network Redesign rolling out since 2021, including the Northern Orbitals connecting Blanchardstown to the Point Village in 2022, and the Western Orbitals connecting Blanchardstown to Tallaght in 2023.

Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.

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.