Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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277. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost to date of BusConnects in Cork. [38874/25]

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 will be transformative for all five of our cities, including Cork. With regard 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.

Officials in my Department engage with the NTA on a regular basis in relation to the budget and progress of all major projects, including BusConnects Cork.

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 a reply is not received within 10 working days.