Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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169. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the earliest estimated completion date of the N2-Clontibret to the Border road project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51816/25]

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 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 NTA.

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, with the Ballymun / Finglas to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme being approved in March 2024. This Proposed Scheme will have an overall length of approximately 11km and is comprised of two main sections in terms of the route it follows, namely:

Ballymun to City Centre; and

Finglas to Phibsborough.

The NTA recently concluded tendering process for the appointment of the Contractor for the Ballymun/ Finglas to City Centre Scheme. The NTA has submitted the project Final Business Case to my Department for review and it is under consideration by my officials. I intended to bring the Scheme to Government for approval in the coming weeks. If approved by Cabinet at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines, this will allow the Scheme to enter construction in 2026.

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