Transport authority to acquire landfor BusConnects in Cork city

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is to submit compulsory purchase order packs to An Coimisiún Pleanála this year, to acquire the land needed for BusConnects.

Fine Gael councillor Joe Kavanagh asked the council at Monday’s council meeting executive to provide an update on the current status of the city wide BusConnects programme and when is it likely to proceed as proposed.

Edith Roberts, director of infrastructure development, told Mr Kavanagh the programme includes sustainable transport corridors (STCs), a redesigned bus network, cashless payment, new bus livery, new bus stops and shelters, zero emissions fleet, and a simpler fare structure.

“Two of these elements are currently being actively progressed for Cork city; a redesigned Bus Network and the delivery of the STCs,” Ms Roberts said. 

The NTA have confirmed that the redesigned bus network is due to be rolled out in phases from mid-2026 and involves the creation of new bus routes and improved bus frequencies. The NTA has procured a contractor for construction works providing bus stops, bus layover, turnabouts, etc, and has commenced works across the city which are expected to be complete in Q1 2026.

“Design of the construction works for the rollout of the final phases of the network and work on timetables/ scheduling, etc, is ongoing. Subject to PSO funding availability, it is intended the new network will be implemented on a phased basis beginning in 2026 and running into 2027.”

In terms of STCs, Ms Roberts said three rounds of non-statutory public consultation have been carried out on the 11 key bus corridors by the NTA.”

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