'Significant step for transport in Cork' as multi-billion euro BusConnects project granted approval

The government has approved BusConnects Cork, a programme which will allow an extra 13,000 people to travel from their home to the city centre within half an hour, as a councillor has called for the final plans to be made public.

Wednesday’s cabinet will facilitate the lodgement of planning applications with An Coimisiún Pleanála for new bus and active travel infrastructure, which is expected to occur next year.

The multi-billion euro BusConnects Cork investment programme was developed following extensive public consultation by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The programme will deliver 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors across Cork city, covering 90km of bus lanes as well as 95km of cycle lane facilities (in one direction).

It will also deliver new bus shelters, electric buses and Next Generation Ticketing. The redesigned bus network will have over 50% more bus services in place, with two routes operating 24-hours.

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, said: “Today’s approval of BusConnects Cork is another example of the Government meeting its commitments to invest in sustainable transport.

“As a result of this programme, an extra 13,000 people will be able to reach Cork city entre by public transport from their homes within 30 minutes. BusConnects Cork will make it faster and easier to get to school, work, or visit family and friends. And by reducing congestion, it will make our streets safer for all.

Minister of state Jerry Buttimer added: “As a resident of Cork city, I am delighted to see BusConnects Cork moving to the next stage of development.

“This project has potential to transform the way we move across the city, increasing our transport options and making travel by bus and bike more attractive. There will of course be challenges, as with any ambitious project, but the benefits for the city and its residents will be considerable.” 

Hugh Creegan, Interim CEO of the NTA added: “This is a significant step forward for sustainable transport in Cork.

“The BusConnects programme will deliver a cleaner, faster and more efficient transport system for the people of Cork, making it easier for people to use public transport as part of their daily lives, improving journey times, reducing congestion, and supporting the city’s growth.” 

The BusConnects Cork programme involves various projects, including a redesigned and simplified network of bus services across the city with 53% more bus services, as well as new bus stops, shelters and Real Time Passenger Information, a zero-emission bus fleet and simplified fares.

The final budget and delivery schedule for BusConnects Cork will be established for approval following the planning/procurement phases. At present, it is anticipated that delivery of the capital programme will range from between €2.3 billion and €3.5 billion.

Even using an upper-end cost estimate, the Benefit to Cost Ratio for the programme is 1.50, indicating that for every €1 spent, the programme will generate €1.50 in benefits.

Labour Cork city councillor and chair of the council’s transport committee Peter Horgan told The Echo: “What we need to see is the immediate publication of the final plans being presented to Coimisúin Pleanála.

“We need to see exactly what the final changes are that was agreed by Cabinet. We need a timeline of implementation and a frontloading of the construction of the pedestrian crossings in this corridor. If the Cabinet has approved, the people of Cork deserve to see the plans in full now.”