John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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253. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the implementation of the proposed new bus network for Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51332/25]

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, including Galway. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The NTA published its final new bus network for Galway in December 2023. The redesign of the bus network is one of the key elements of BusConnects Galway that aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.

In 2023, the NTA carried out an extensive review of the bus network in Galway, in collaboration with Galway City Council, Galway County Council, local bus operators, and with the specialised expertise of transport designers Jarrett Walker and Associates. In April 2023, a draft new network was published, and the feedback and submissions received have informed the final new bus network published in December.

The new bus network will enable more people to avail of public transport, resulting in increased access to a greater number of schools and workplaces across Galway City, Bearna, and Oranmore. Once this network is implemented, circa 67% of residents will live within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route (running every 15 minutes or better).

The NTA plans to commence the implementation of the new Galway bus network in the coming years, subject to funding and operational readiness. As part of BusConnects, the NTA is also advancing work on the Sustainable Transport Corridor, the Cross-City Link, which will improve travel times on the bus network and improve connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Other parts of the BusConnects programme, such as simpler fares, will be delivered with the new bus network.

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 with 10 days.