Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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138. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on Bus Connects Galway; the current expected date that the network redesign will be implemented; the work his Department is doing to ensure that the new bus network will be implemented as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51422/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority or NTA published the final new bus network design for Galway in December 2023. The redesign of the bus network is one of the key elements of BusConnects Galway, which aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.

This new Galway network redesign involved extensive analysis and public consultation. The NTA carried out a detailed review of the bus network in collaboration with Galway City Council, Galway County Council, local bus operators, and with the specialised expertise of transport designers. In April 2023, a draft new network was published, and the feedback and submissions received have informed the final new bus network published that December.

The new bus network will result in increased access to more schools and workplaces across Galway city, Bearna and Oranmore. Once implemented, approximately 67% of residents will live within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route, that is buses running every 15 minutes or better.

The NTA are currently working closely with Galway City and County Councils to progress key infrastructure required for the rollout of the redesigned services. The redesigned services are expected to commence in the coming years, subject to operational readiness and funding.

Other elements of BusConnects Galway include the Cross City Link project, which was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in September 2024 and is currently subject to Judicial Review, and the Dublin Road scheme in Galway, for which a planning application has been submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála. The Droichead an Dóchais (then known as Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge) was officially opened to the public in May 2023, helping to improve existing bus services.

Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably.

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.