Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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319. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the expected construction date of the Ballymun to city centre core bus corridor. [39386/25]

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 to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the Ballymun to City Centre Core Bus Corridor.

BusConnects is the NTA's plan 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 our cities.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved all 12 Core Bus Corridor planning applications. An Coimisiún Pleanála approved the Ballymun / Finglas to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme in March 2024 and I understand that the NTA has been undertaking a procurement process in relation to the scheme.

The Proposed Scheme will have an overall length of 11km and is comprised of two main sections in terms of the route it follows, namely:

• Ballymun to City Centre; and
• Finglas to Phibsborough.

Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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320. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an updated timeline on the proposed implementation of the F spine as part of the BusConnects programme. [39387/25]

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

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 to Ballymun to Bray and Dun Laoghaire and L routes in Wicklow rolled out in January this year.

I currently expect to introduce the F-Spine in the second half of this year, subject to funding and resource availability.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.