308. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 369 of 10 February 2026, the specific bus priority measures for the Glanmire growth corridor that have secured funding approval under BusConnects Cork; and the timeframe for their advancement through planning and delivery. [65448/26]

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 BusConnects Cork.

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

As the Deputy may be aware, I secured Cabinet approval for BusConnects Cork in October 2025 through which the Government issued Approval Gate 1 approval in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines. These schemes will provide for a total of 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors which will provide approximately 90km of bus lane and bus priority measures to improve bus system efficiency, as well as 95km of cycle lanes. The NTA are currently preparing the required documentation and expect to submit planning applications to An Coimisiún Pleanála later this year.

BusConnects Cork will also see the implementation of a new, redesigned bus network across Cork City and its suburbs which aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. The first phases of the Network Redesign are planned for 2027, subject to funding and operational readiness.

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