Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

169. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to ensure the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Dublin Bus, as the service provider, can alleviate issues that have arisen with the rollout of the phase 7 of Bus Connects in Dublin north west, given he has no direct responsibility for the day-to-day operations of either the NTA or Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63325/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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, Dublin Bus.

The NTA have advised that in advance of these new routes being implemented under the Phase 7 rollout, they distributed over 200,000 booklets to households across all the areas covered by the routes. They also advertised the new services in local media outlets and online, and they provided detailed briefings to local public representatives, and remain open to improving the communications around the rollout of the Network Redesign (NRD) phases and to that end will take on board any feedback received from customers.

It should be noted that the F-Spine, which is part of the BusConnects Dublin area NRD was finalised following three rounds of public consultations which culminated in over 72,000 submissions being received. The overall network represents a major investment in enhanced bus services, delivering a 35% increase in annual “in-service” kilometres, a significant increase in overall capacity and frequency for customers, as well as more evening and weekend services.

It is of course acknowledged that these changes require some passengers to make their journey in a different way. In some instances, people who previously had to interchange will now have a direct service, while others may now have to interchange where previously they did not.

For those who have to change, the process is made as straightforward as possible and thanks to the TFI-90 fare, there is no additional cost. The transport operators and NTA are working hard to ensure that the services are bedding in well, but understand that it can take some time for people to get accustomed to any new arrangement.

The kind of issues experienced at the launch of Phase 7 are similar to those experienced in the early stages of implementation of previous phases of Network Redesign that were addressed and resolved. Notwithstanding teething issues, it’s worth noting that for previous phases in all instances, the changes have resulted in significant increase in passenger numbers.

Customer satisfaction surveys conducted after the initial launch period of the new bus services have consistently shown positive results. Although some expectations may not have been fully met during the first week of operation, these services, including Phase 7, are expected to achieve long-term success.

The NTA have advised my Department they will continue to monitor things very closely in the days and weeks ahead, collaborating with operators and customers to enhance the punctuality and reliability of services throughout the Network Redesign.

Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

170. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the implementation of the D spine Dublin Bus routes; if the NTA has considered adding a cross-city south connection following the discontinuation of the 14 and 15 routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63283/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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

Following on from three rounds of public consultation which concluded in 2020, new bus services in Dublin are already being delivered, with the first seven phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years. The most recent phase, Phase 7, which commenced in October 2025, saw the introduction of the F Spine connecting Finglas to Tallaght.

Matters relating to bus service delivery and planning fall under the remit of the NTA, in co-operation with the relevant transport operator, and are subject to resource availability.

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