388. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the roll out of the D-Spine as part of BusConnects; if he will commit to a timeline for the roll out of the D-Spine; if the release routes will not be changed in advance of the roll out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61422/26]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport infrastructure and services within the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects Dublin programme.

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

Pending a more detailed response, I note that BusConnects Dublin is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, with the aim to provide better bus services across the Greater Dublin Area with over 200km of enhanced bus and cycling infrastructure.

New bus services have already been delivered as part of BusConnects Dublin, 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. The redesign of the entire network, including the D Spine connecting the Malahide Road to Crumlin via the City Centre, will continue in the coming years, subject to funding and resources.

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.