Written answer
Bus Services
The Minister referred questions on routes 86, 87, 88 and P13’s BusConnects phase and launch date to the NTA; rollout depends on funding and readiness.
283. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Transport which phase of the BusConnects Dublin Network Redesign includes routes 86, 87, 88 and P13; if it is the same phase as route L33; and the target implementation date. [73711/26]
Comment on this
306. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Transport the phase of the BusConnects Dublin Network Redesign that includes routes 86, 87, 88 and P13; whether it is the same phase as route L33; and the target implementation date. [74397/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 306 together.
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 forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response 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 including Phase 6a which saw the launch of the E-spine in January 2025, which provides enhanced services across parts of the Dún-Laoghaire-Rathdown area.
The Network Redesign continues to be rolled out on a phased basis, subject to funding and operational readiness. Looking to 2027, €1.041 billion is being allocated to Public Service Obligation services across the bus, light rail and heavy rail networks. This funding supports the continued expansion and enhancement of our public transport networks, with almost 140 new and enhanced services in the planning pipeline across programmes such as BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and New Town Services.