102. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the roll-out of the planned inner orbital O route as part of the BusConnects project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31313/26]

Sentiment score: 0.01

Kilkenny is well represented in the Chair this morning. I wish to ask the Minister for Transport for an update on the roll-out of the planned O route, which is the inner orbital route, as part of the BusConnects project in Dublin.

Sentiment score: 0.34

One of the most difficult things to do in public transport in Dublin is get across the city rather than in and out of it. That is why those orbital routes are so important. The BusConnects O route will connect communities across Dublin city centre, from Infirmary Road in the west and North Strand in East Wall to across the Liffey and around the South Circular Road back to Heuston Station. Running in both directions, it will be the first true orbital route. It is the circuit that will link all the different spines of BusConnects together. When I asked the Minister and the NTA last February when it will roll out, I was told it would be in quarter 3 of 2025. There was no sign of it in quarter 3 of 2025. When I asked the Minister and the NTA about it in February 2025, they could not even give me a roll-out date. The reply stated that," Commencement of the new O-Route is subject to confirmation of sufficient PSO funding to support its operation, and hence a precise commencement date cannot be provided at this time." When will the O route be rolled out? Will the Minister of State work to speed it up?

Sentiment score: 0.04

We are missing an opportunity if we do not speed up the introduction of this O route. Running buses in both directions in a circuit around Dublin city centre will change the way people get around the city. There is one point about which I am concerned. My understanding, from comments an NTA official made to me, is that the roll-out of the O route might be split into two semi-circles, with only the southern portion being introduced first. That absolutely misses the point of an orbital route. It would also be unfair on communities in Dublin’s north-inner city that would benefit from a high-frequency service running in both directions along the North Circular Road. As with so many other public transport projects, it is clear that a lack of funding is causing the delay. The Minister needs to back this project and ensure the O route is rolled out soon on both sides - north and south - from the outset.

Sentiment score: -0.00