Cork BusConnects has cost €54m so far but no sod turned or planning lodged

More than €54m has already been spent on BusConnects in Cork, before a sod has been turned on the revised bus network or a single planning application lodged.

The money has been spent by the National Transport Authority (NTA) over the past four years on preliminary works around BusConnects Cork, and accounts for almost 10% of the project’s overall budget.

The bulk of the funds, some €37.8m, has been spent on plans for sustainable transport corridors, while €10.3m has gone to plans for new bus depots.

A complete redesign of the bus network cost €4.2m, while a further €1.8m went on support costs.

An NTA spokesperson said that the sustainable transport corridors element of BusConnects Cork was classed as a mega-project, which involved detailed studies and design work.

“It has included three rounds of public consultation since 2022, with each round requiring extensive public engagement and design development work,” the spokesperson said.

“The NTA anticipates that it will begin submitting its applications to An Coimisiún Pleanála on a phased basis beginning Q4 2025.”

“The public will have an opportunity to make submissions to An Coimisiún Pleanála as part of the planning process.”

They added that, separate to the sustainable transport corridors, the NTA had also been developing a new bus network as part of BusConnects Cork, which would deliver a 53% increase in overall bus services.

“It is anticipated the new network will be rolled out on a phased basis beginning mid-2026, running into 2027, subject to operational readiness and funding.

“The costs include new bus depots at Tivoli and Kinsale Road and works at Capwell depot to support the electrification of the depot in the future,” they added.

Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, said clarity was needed on the cost of BusConnects.

“Planning permission hasn’t even been lodged yet, and the NTA have already spent nearly 10% of their overall budget,” he said.

“There has been no physical works, and design is still at very early stages. This is extremely worrying. What we cannot see is this project snowballing in cost while moving at a snail’s pace.”

Mr Gould claimed that the first draft of the sustainable transport corridors, published in 2022, had been “completely undeliverable and unrealistic”.

“That this plan, and its later drafts, have cost €37m is very worrying. We have seen positive changes and engagement on the plan, but it is not without flaws still,” he said.

“The reality is that these costs come because of the outsourcing of projects like this.”

Mr Gould said that “at least three separate companies” were working on BusConnects: “One to manage the project, one to collect traffic data, and one to lead the southwest strategic corridor”.

“These companies are undoubtedly doing good work, but once again, we see the private sector delivering public services,” he said.