Written answer
Public Transport
446. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport to consider the creation of a direct route between Blanchardstown and Swords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56363/26]
Comment on this
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across five cities, including Dublin. BusConnects is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the NTA.
The city programmes cover the construction of new bus corridors, new network services, bus electrification and the development of enhanced ticketing, in an integrated manner to help maximise the benefits to public transport users.
The Network Redesign as part of Bus Connects Dublin will improve the existing bus network by providing high frequency spines and new local, orbital, and radial routes. Orbital routes are an important part of the new design as they offer an efficient way for passengers to travel without needing to pass through the city centre.
New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered as part of BusConnects. Since 2021 we have rolled out the first seven phases of the Network Redesign in Dublin. This has included the Northern Orbitals connecting Blanchardstown to the Point Village in 2022, and the Western Orbitals connecting Blanchardstown to Tallaght in 2023.
The new route N8 will connect Blanchardstown with Dublin Airport and is planned to enter service in late 2026 or early 2027, subject to available resources and operational readiness.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.