530. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport whether the National Transport Authority, in conjunction with Galway City Council, has examined the feasibility of extending planned 41 and 42 service under the Galway BusConnects Network redesign along the Western Distributor Road into Knocknacarra towards Cappagh Park in order to improve connectivity to employment centres in Ballybrit, Parkmore, Mervue and Merlin Park and to account for the planned P&R facility at Cappagh Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62928/26]

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 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 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 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.

In terms of new bus routes, the new route 4 will run between Merlin Park Hospital and Gateway Retail Park via the City Centre every 30 minutes. Additional capacity will be provided on weekdays on the section between the City Centre and the Upper Newcastle Road via University Hospital Galway and University College Galway. The detailed timetable, including times for the extra capacity will be set nearer the time of implementation, so that the NTA can take account of the latest demand information, including factors related specifically to local travel in the area.