- Liffey Valley to City Centre Core Bus Corridor to begin construction in September.
- NTA also confirms panel of six contractors to tender for future BusConnects schemes.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has today announced the awarding of the first construction contract under the BusConnects Dublin Infrastructure programme to GMC Group Ltd for the Liffey Valley to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme. Construction on this scheme is scheduled to begin in September 2025.
NTA Establishes New Construction Framework Agreement
The NTA has also confirmed the creation of a new Framework Agreement for construction contractors which features six highly experienced construction companies in John Graham Construction Limited, John Sisk & Son, Farrans Construction, Wills Bros Limited, GMC Group Limited and Jons Civil Engineering/Clonmel Enterprises Limited Joint Venture.
This framework will allow the NTA to procure contractors for future schemes with greater efficiency whilst bringing consistency in delivery and allowing scheme learnings to be applied across the BusConnects Dublin Infrastructure programme.
BusConnects Dublin Enters Delivery Phase
This marks a major milestone in the delivery phase of BusConnects Dublin, which aims to radically improve the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of Dublin’s bus network. With planning approvals secured for all 12 Core Bus Corridor schemes by An Bord Pleanála, the programme is now moving from the planning to the construction phase.
BusConnects Dublin is the National Transport Authority’s programme to greatly improve bus services in the capital city. One of its central pillars is the Core Bus Corridors project, which will deliver approximately 230 kilometres of dedicated bus lanes and 200 kilometres of cycling infrastructure across twelve key radial corridors. These corridors will be delivered incrementally over the coming years with no more than four corridors being constructed at one time.
Liffey Valley Scheme to Lead Construction Rollout
The Liffey Valley to City Centre Core Bus Corridor will be the first to proceed to construction, with an estimated total scheme cost range of up to €274m. This represents a significant investment in delivering sustainable transport in the capital.
9.2km Corridor to Connect Key City Routes
The scheme spans 9.2 kilometres in length and will start at Fonthill Road and connect with the new Liffey Valley Shopping Centre bus interchange. From there, it will continue through Coldcut Road and Ballyfermot village, before moving along Sarsfield Road, Grattan Crescent, Emmet Road, James’s Street, Thomas Street and High Street, ultimately tying into the existing city centre transport network. The scheme is expected to be completed in approximately three years.
Significant Boost to Bus, Cycling and Walking Infrastructure
Once complete, the Liffey Valley to City Centre Core Bus Corridor will improve the reliability and speed of bus services along the route through the provision of a total of 18.4km of bus priority in both directions. Passenger numbers are expected to rise by 58% on the route, supported by faster, more consistent journeys and a significant reduction in delays. Walking and cycling are also projected to increase by 45%, thanks to the inclusion of 13.3 kilometres of improved cycling infrastructure and enhanced pedestrian facilities.
The NTA has designed the framework of construction contractors to maximise efficiency of delivery speed, ensure high-quality outcomes and enable seamless coordination between construction teams across the capital. In addition to the Liffey Valley scheme, the Ballymun/Finglas to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme is currently at the tender stage and is due to be awarded in Q4 2025, with construction to begin in early 2026. It is also anticipated that the Tallaght Clondalkin to City Centre Core Bus Corridor will be brought to market in 2025.
BusConnects Programme to Deliver 20,000 Jobs
BusConnects Dublin is expected to create up to 20,000 full-time equivalent jobs over the program’s lifecycle. This will, in turn, benefit Ireland’s economy through investment in local infrastructure, local jobs as well as benefits for suppliers within the construction and public transport supply chain.
BusConnects Enters Delivery Phase: A Transformational Leap for Dublin’s Public Transport
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said: “Today marks a major turning point for BusConnects and for public transport in Dublin. We are now entering the delivery phase – turning plans into action and construction on the ground.
“The phased rollout of the Core Bus Corridors starting with the Liffey Valley to City Centre Scheme will make bus journeys more reliable, faster and more accessible for everyone, while also delivering safer cycling infrastructure, improved urban centres and lower emissions.
“BusConnects is about futureproofing our city’s transport network – creating a cleaner, better-connected city that works for commuters, communities and the climate. I’m confident the NTA will continue to work closely with local residents and businesses every step of the way to ensure that the benefits of this investment are shared by all.”
BusConnects Marks Milestone with First Contract Awarded
Hugh Creegan, Interim CEO of the NTA said: “We have reached a landmark moment for the BusConnects programme with the award of the first Core Bus Corridor construction contract for the Liffey Valley to City Centre Scheme to GMC, and the establishment of a framework of six contractors to deliver the remaining Schemes in the years ahead.
“BusConnects is a once-in-a-generation investment in more sustainable, reliable and inclusive public transport for our capital city. It is also an investment in communities and the economy, creating jobs, enhancing public spaces and improving daily life for residents, workers and visitors.
Aidan Gallagher, Head of BusConnects Dublin Infrastructure of the NTA said:
“The NTA is proud to deliver BusConnects Dublin alongside our client partner in Jacobs, Arup SYSTRA and Cumming Group and it’s exciting to bring in GMC into the fold to deliver our first scheme in Liffey Valley to City Centre.
“The BusConnects Dublin programme is a fantastic opportunity for the NTA to invest and improve our sustainable transport infrastructure across the city, that will have real positive impacts for everyone, including creating more sustainable transport choices and a better environment in Dublin.”
Shane McCloskey, GMC Utilities Group, commented: “We are proud to be entrusted with the delivery of the first BusConnects Core Bus Corridor and to play our part in this landmark project for Dublin. We look forward to working closely with the NTA and the local communities to deliver an infrastructure that not only improves transport but contributes to a more connected and sustainable future for the city”.
Community engagement will be key
Community engagement will be a core element of BusConnects Core Bus Corridors Schemes. The NTA is finalising detailed communication arrangements to ensure that residents, businesses, community groups and elected representatives are fully informed throughout the construction period. A dedicated website, phone line and email address will be made available for each scheme, along with regular updates and local outreach events.
The NTA will also establish Local Area Engagement Groups to ensure that local voices are heard, issues are addressed early, and benefits for communities are fully realised.
Further Information
- Stay informed about the delivery of the BusConnects Core Bus Corridors programme.
- Learn more about the Liffey Valley to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme