Programme to greatly improve bus services in Irish cities
BusConnects is the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) programme to greatly improve bus services in Irish cities by connecting people and places through an enhanced bus system and improved cycling and pedestrian facilities. It is a key part of national policy and aligns with Government’s goal to improve public transport to support population and economic growth as well as address climate change.
In line with this overarching national programme, BusConnects Cork will deliver an integrated transport network offering better sustainable transport choices.
The BusConnects Cork programme is intended to fundamentally transform Cork’s bus system so that journeys by bus will be fast, reliable, punctual, accessible, convenient and affordable. It will also transform the city’s cycling infrastructure by improving cycle facilities on key corridors, including providing segregated cycling routes.
The Preliminary Business Case
To ensure that public investment delivers value for money, the Infrastructure Guidelines set out requirements for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment. The preparation of a Business Case is a key element of meeting these requirements. The Infrastructure Guidelines require that both the Preliminary Business Case and Final Business Case for public investment projects are published.
NTA are the Approving Authority
Under the Infrastructure Guidelines, where project proposals are in excess of an estimated capital cost of €200 million, the Government is the Approving Authority for key decision gates with NTA performing the day-to-day role of the Approving Authority. In the case of BusConnects Cork, the NTA will also act as Sponsoring Agency for Programme.
The BusConnects Cork Preliminary Business Case prepared by NTA was approved by the NTA Board for submission to the Department of Transport (DoT) and onwards submission to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for review. This included independent review by JASPERS and the Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG).
Approval in Principle
In October 2025, the Government provided consent to approval in principle for the BusConnects Cork programme at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines, to enable a planning application for the programme to be lodged to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
This Preliminary Business Case reflects the document as considered by Government.
