Transport authority 'does not currently have sufficient funding' to expand public transport services

Data also shows that just €156m was spent on BusConnects last year, down from €234m in 2024, and €199m in 2025

Figures provided by the NTA also show that expenditure on BusConnects nationwide dropped by €80m to €156.1m in 2025. File picture: Larry Cummins

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has conceded that it "does not currently have sufficient funding” to provide new public transport services this year, also warning that BusConnects projects in Cork, Dublin, and Waterford in 2027 are subject to funding availability.

Figures provided by the NTA also show that expenditure on BusConnects nationwide dropped by €80m to €156.1m in 2025. Jeremy Ryan, director of public transport at the NTA, insisted it is “continuing to invest in capacity, punctuality and reliability improvements during 2026 in the face of rising congestion and passenger demand”.

However, he admitted the expansion of routes is being limited by funding. Mr Ryan also said further projects will only be delivered if sufficient money is allocated.

“The NTA does not currently have sufficient funding to provide new public transport services in 2026, other than schemes committed to in 2025 whose implementation was delayed, in particular Mullingar town bus service (introduced in February) and Ennis town service (scheduled for implementation later this year),” he said.

“Plans for new and enhanced services under a variety of programmes continue to be developed, including through the BusConnects Network Redesign programmes in Dublin, Cork and Waterford, the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and the Towns Programme, their progression in 2027 is subject to funding availability.

“Discussions between NTA and the Department of Transport on funding allocations for 2027 are now underway.”

He was responding to queries from Pa Daly, Sinn Féin's transport spokesperson and TD for Kerry. Mr Daly warned that it is “impossible to encourage people to leave the car at home while simultaneously failing to invest in the bus services they need to make that choice”.

The Sinn Féin TD also asked transport minister Darragh O'Brien about the NTA funding for new public transport services. The minister said the Government is at “a key juncture for public transport in Ireland”.

“Reliable and sustainable services are critical as passenger numbers grow, congestion worsens in urban areas, and a greater proportion of the population depends on public transport for commuting, education, and essential travel,” he said,

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He said €940m was allocated for Public Service Obligation (PSO) services in Budget 2026. Mr O’Brien admitted that this money “focuses on maintaining and strengthening the existing network after several years of reliance on significant supplementary funding in recent years”.

Additional data provided to Mr Daly by the NTA shows that just €156m was spent on BusConnects last year, down from €234m in 2024, and €199m in 2025.

Spending in Cork, however, rose from €27.9m in 2024 to €30.7m last year. In Limerick, expenditure fell from €39m in 2024 to €3.1m last year. To date this year, just €87m has been spent on BusConnects.

Mr Daly told the Irish Examiner that the lack of new services in 2026 was a “direct result” of the Government’s “failure to plan and to invest properly”.

“This is not a reflection of a lack of need or a lack of ambition from local communities. It is a consequence of a failure to provide the funding necessary to expand services,” he said.

“Communities that were led to expect improvements through BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and the Towns Programme are now being told that their projects have effectively been put on hold pending future funding decisions.

“This raises serious questions about the Government's commitment to balanced regional development, climate action, and sustainable transport. It is impossible to encourage people to leave the car at home while simultaneously failing to invest in the bus services they need to make that choice.”

Mr Daly referenced Condell Road in Limerick, where bus lanes were built three years ago, but there is no bus service.

• Louise Burne, political correspondent