Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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307. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide details of the exact methodology that was used to assess the appropriateness of the Bus Connects proposal in relation to the removal of bus route 33; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51999/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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 the provision of bus services.

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 NTA.

In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of BusConnects comprises Core Bus Corridor Schemes. New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered as part of BusConnects, with the first six phases of the BusConnects Network Redesign having rolled out since 2021.

Routes 33 and 33x will be replaced by new routes L85 and X76 as part of the new BusConnects Dublin network redesign. This was devised after three rounds of public consultation in the 2018-2020 period. The NTA worked closely with members of the public, local authorities, bus operators and other stakeholders during the network redesign development process.

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.