Cork BusConnects planning application set for Q4, two years after initial target

Planning permission for BusConnects Cork is set to be applied for in the final quarter of this year — almost two years later than initially planned.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is awaiting new legislation to allow it to apply for planning permission for BusConnects Cork’s new bus lanes, which are in 11 Sustainable Transport Corridor Schemes that will be bundled into three schemes for the purpose of planning applications.

An NTA spokesperson told The Echo that the scheme “is classed as a mega project covering extensive areas of the city and involves detailed design work, studies and surveys”.

They said that the project has included three rounds of public consultation since 2022, across which the NTA received almost 10,000 submissions from the public, with the feedback informing the design development.

The most recent public consultation closed in 2023, with the NTA saying in January 2024 that it was anticipated the applications would be submitted to An Bord Pleanála — which has since been renamed to An Coimisiún Pleanála — on a phased basis beginning Q1 2025.

The spokesperson said this week that the NTA is still “preparing all the required documentation ahead of submitting the statutory consent applications to An Coimisiún Pleanála [ACP].”

Delay to legislation

They said that the wait for the implementation of the necessary legislation is part of the reason for this delay.

“In relation to the timeline for the planning consent applications, the NTA has to await the enactment of certain legislation before being able to submit the BusConnects STC applications.”

That legislation is set out in the Dublin Transport Authority (Amendment) Bill 2026, which is currently being progressed through the Oireachtas.

“We anticipate we will begin submitting the three scheme applications to ACP, on a phased basis, beginning Q4 2026,” the spokesperson said.

“Depending on the outcome of the planning process and subject to funding, construction could commence in 2028.”

This potential construction date is the same as was suggested in earlier project estimates, despite the ongoing delay in applying for planning permission.

In April, the NTA said it was no longer intending to progress part of the Bishopstown route from the junction of Melbourn Rd/Curraheen Rd through to the Western Rd/Mardyke Walk junction, because of “the level of route alignment interactions” between it and the proposed Cork Luas.

The spokesperson said that it currently remains the NTA position that this part of the route will not be proceeding, but “this remains subject to change up until the point that the application is lodged with ACP.”

They added that the area of Bishopstown/Wilton/MTU/UCC is still set to benefit from the improved bus services through the rollout of the new bus network, which will see an overall increase of more than 50% in bus services across the Cork Metropolitan Area.