BusConnects is an ongoing public transport infrastructure programme, managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA), focused on the bus networks in several cities in Ireland. Described by the NTA as intended to "improve bus services across the country", [1] as of mid-2022 the programme was in "implementation" phase in Dublin, [2] "consultation" phase in Cork, [3] with the Minister for Transport projecting similar initiatives in Galway, Limerick and Waterford. [4] Aspects of the plans proved controversial with local politicians, residents, and unions in both Dublin and Cork. [5] [6] [7] [8]
A 2017 report, commissioned by the NTA and produced by US-based consulting firm Jarrett Walker + Associates (previously involved in similar projects in New Zealand), [9] set out a number of options for the redesign of Dublin's bus transport network. [10] The proposed purpose of the redesign was to improve network functionality and increase bus ridership in the Dublin area. The report noted that the existing network focused on radial routes (from the suburbs into the city centre) and had very few orbital or crossing routes (from suburb to suburb). [11] Arising from this report, an initial network proposal was released for public consultation in mid-2018. [11]
According to a press release issued by the Department of Transport in March 2022, it was noted that, while a "final budget and delivery schedule for BusConnects Dublin" had not been established, the proposed budget was then projected to be €4 billion and work speculated to "be substantially complete by 2030". [12]
The BusConnects programme in Dublin was split into phases, for which the main consultation initiatives concluded in 2020. [13] The NTA began implementing the new network in stages, starting in 2021. [13] [14] These included:
During both the implementation and consultation phases, the BusConnects projects in Dublin attracted significant controversy and criticism, including from service users, [33] residents, [34] politicians, [35] and transport unions. [36] Concerns included route coverage, total journey times, allowing for route access and changes, actual performance and "no shows", property "taking" required to implement routes, and reduction in road space for existing commuter traffic. [33] Similar sentiments have been expressed in Ballyfermot. [20] [37] [38]
The consultation phase for the proposed BusConnects project in Cork was opened in 2022. [39] The published proposals attracted significant controversy and complaint from home-owners, [40] politicians, [41] [42] transport unions, [8] and other stakeholders. [43] According to reports from mid-2022, concerns were raised in particular about the proposed demolition of old stone walls, the potential for nearly 1000 properties to lose parts of their gardens through compulsory purchase orders, [44] the loss of sections of Ballybrack Woods in Douglas, [44] and the felling of 1,400 mature trees along proposed routes. [45]
As of mid-2024, approximately €24m had been spent on proposed BusConnects initiatives in Cork, [46] including at least €2.5 million on consultation efforts, [47] with planning applications due to be submitted "on a phased basis beginning in the first quarter of 2025". [46]
In February 2023, the National Transport Authority published a draft version of a new bus network for Limerick city. At that time, the network redesign was intended to be rolled out in 2025. [48]
As of March 2022, the then Minister of Transport proposed "acceleration" and a rollout of BusConnects initiatives to Galway, Limerick and Waterford. [49]
all seven of the city's Fianna Fáil councillors, including the Taoiseach's brother, have tabled a motion for Monday's council meeting calling for the plans to be rejected