Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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259. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the introduction of new bus routes in Cork city. [56966/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Deputy may be aware, 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 BusConnects Cork.

Following a public consultation, the new BusConnects Cork network was published in June 2022, and it aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented on a phased basis in the coming years. Implementation will be subject to funding and resources available.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in these matters, 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.

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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260. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the review into the 203, 208, 207, 214 and 215 bus routes in Cork city. [56967/25]

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; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case, Bus Éireann.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.