No funding this year for new bus routes in Cork

A new busnetwork was originally meant to be delivered during 2023 and 2024 as part of the ‘BusConnects Cork’ scheme, but only one new route from the redesigned network has been implemented – Route 31 connecting Knockraha and Parnell Bus Station.

In response to a parliamentary question from Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice asking how much funding had been allocated for new buses this year, an NTA spokesperson said: “The 2026 funding allocation to the NTA in respect of public service obligation (PSO) services, does not enable the commencement of the new BusConnects network in Cork this year.

“Accordingly, no PSO expenditure has been incurred for the new BusConnects routes in Cork to date in 2026.”

The NTA added that the capital funding allocation of €6.2m is being used to support infrastructure for the new bus network, including bus stops, stands, turning areas and terminals — the funding allocation covers all of Ireland, but they confirmed that some of it is being used in Cork.

Planning has commenced 

Transport minister Darragh O’Brien added: “Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented on a phased basis in the coming years. Implementation will be subject to funding and resources.”

The NDP sectoral investment plan, published in November 2025, has allocated funding to the NTA to progress BusConnects Cork, and the NTA “will publish a more detailed plan later this year of setting out the elements of the programme to be advanced within available funding”, he added.

Mr Rice said that both of the responses were “deeply disappointing”.

“There’s no time to waste when it comes to upgrading public transport services in Cork, and yet the minister is dithering,” Mr Rice told The Echo.

“Countless commuters are stuck in traffic for exorbitant lengths of time as a result of having no access to a reliable public transport service.

“The minister for transport stated that the new network of routes will be implemented on a ‘phased basis in the coming years’ — yet there is no commitment or timeline provided.

“In fact, the minister himself stated that the implementation of the network is subject to funding, and yet allocated zero funding for 2026.”

The Echo contacted the NTA for comment.