John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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402. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the specific measures taken to date towards the implementation of the new Galway bus network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39900/26]

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 implementation of new bus routes.

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

Pending this detailed response, I note that 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 Cross-City Link, which will improve travel times on the bus network and enhance connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Other parts of the BusConnects programme, such as simpler fares, will be delivered with the new bus network.

The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, which was published by my Department in November last year, has allocated funding to the NTA to progress BusConnects Galway. The NTA will publish a more detailed plan later this year setting out the elements of the programme to be advanced within the funding available.