Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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270. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the procurement of the electrification of bus depots to allow for the rollout of the b-spine under the BusConnects plan in Q2 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23098/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the electrification of public transport.The Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the public transport sector in line with the Climate Action Plan. No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for urban public service obligation bus fleets since July 2019, as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The transition to a zero-emission urban bus fleet is currently programmed to take up until 2035, based on replacement of non-zero-emission buses as they reach the end of their efficient service lives.Electric buses produce no tailpipe emissions and offer reduced interior and exterior noise levels compared to diesel buses. This transition to electric buses will help provide cleaner air and less noise pollution in areas where the buses are operating, while also providing a quieter journey for passengers.Charging points in bus depots and electric buses have started rolling out in recent years. There are over 100 double-deck electric buses in service in Dublin. Further electric buses will continue to roll out on an incremental basis over the coming years.New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered, with the first six phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years. Most recently, the E-Spine connecting Ballymun to Bray and Dún Laoghaire and L routes in Wicklow rolled out in January.The redesign of the entire network, including the B Spine, connecting Blanchardstown to Belfield via the City Centre, will continue on an incremental basis subject to funding and driver availability.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.