Massive scheme includes 90km of bus lanes, 95km of cycle tracks, and 24-hour routes across city
The Irish government has officially approved BusConnects Cork, a transformative bus and cycling network upgrade valued between €2.3 billion and €3.5 billion, clearing the way for planning application submission early next year.
The ambitious project, developed after extensive public consultation, will deliver 90km of new bus lanes, 95km of dedicated cycle tracks, and 11 sustainable transport corridors throughout Cork. The scheme promises to revolutionize public transport with a zero-emission bus fleet, cashless ticketing, new bus shelters, and over 50% more bus services citywide.
Two new 24-hour routes—one running east-west and another north-south—will provide round-the-clock connectivity. The project aims to enable 13,000 people to reach Cork city center via public transport within 30 minutes.
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien described the initiative as bringing “a major public transport revolution to Cork,” making journeys to school, work, and social visits “quicker and easier” while creating safer streets with reduced congestion.
Minister of State Jerry Buttimer called the project “a game-changer in urban transport,” while NTA interim CEO Hugh Creegan characterized it as “a significant step towards sustainable transport in Cork.”
Labour Councillor Peter Horgan, chairman of Cork City Council’s transport committee, welcomed the announcement and urged swift publication of final plans.
The National Transport Authority will now prepare a comprehensive planning application for submission to An Bord Pleanála in early 2026. If approved, construction would represent one of Ireland’s largest urban transport infrastructure projects, fundamentally reshaping how Cork residents move throughout the city.
The scheme follows similar BusConnects projects in Dublin and other cities as part of Ireland’s broader sustainable transport strategy.