Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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393. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Bus Connects roll out for Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23715/25]

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 BusConnects Cork.

BusConnects is the NTA's programme to greatly improve bus services in all our cities. It is a key part of the Government's policies to improve public transport and address climate change in Cork and other cities.

The NTA submitted the Preliminary Business Case for BusConnects Cork 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.

Noting to 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 working days.

Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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394. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a synopsis of the Cork city Bus Connects routes 14 and 30, including the frequency and routing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23716/25]

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 BusConnects Cork.

BusConnects is the NTA's programme to greatly improve bus services in all our cities. It is a key part of the Government's policies to improve public transport and address climate change in Cork and other cities.

Following an extensive public consultation process, the NTA finalised and published the redesigned bus network for Cork in June 2022. The draft network aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. It will provide a better overall network that will allow more people to gain more access to more places more quickly, whilst fully integrating with rail modes. It is expected that the new network will be implemented over the coming years.

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 working days.