Written answer
Public Transport
The Minister referred BusConnects phase sequencing to the NTA, noting €1.041 billion for 2027 PSO services and nearly 140 planned or enhanced services across transport programmes.
286. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Transport whether the NTA funding allocation for 2027 will allow further phases of the Bus Connects network redesign to proceed; and the order in which. [73714/26]
Comment on this
304. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Transport whether the funding allocation for 2027 will allow further phases of the bus network redesign to proceed; and in which order. [74399/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 304 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.
Looking to 2027, €1.041 billion is being allocated to PSO 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.