362. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the funding shortfall for the rollout of BusConnects; the individual projects under the programme that are now due to be delayed, the length of time of the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61367/26]

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 the BusConnects programme. 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 within 10 days.

Pending this detailed response, I note that BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. In each city the programme will involve a mix of network redesign, new electric bus fleet, and the provision of segregated bus and cycling facilities to support more efficient journey times for sustainable transport modes. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the state and is managed by the NTA.

The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, which was published by my Department in November last year, has allocated funding to progress BusConnects across the cities. The NTA will publish a more detailed plan later this year of what elements of the programme will be advanced within the funding available up to 2030.