LIMERICK politicians have expressed deep disappointment and frustration after confirmation of further delays to the progression of the BusConnects project under the National Transport Authority’s programme.
Deferred now until at least 2028, the ambitious plans, aimed at fundamentally transforming the city’s bus system, was due to start last year. Concerns have now been raised locally that the project, to significantly increase public transport use, may never be completed.
Cathaoirleach of the Council’s Metropolitan District, Cllr Daniel Butler, has deemed the latest setback as extremely concerning for Limerick. He took the view that with the city currently experiencing significant growth, it now urgently requires the transport infrastructure necessary to support housing, economic development, and sustainable mobility.
“People across Limerick are becoming increasingly frustrated by continued delays to projects that are viewed as essential to the future development of our city,” Cllr Butler told the Limerick Post.
“There is a very real concern that these delays could impact confidence in Limerick’s ability to deliver the infrastructure needed to match our ambition and projected growth.”
According to the Fine Gael man, communities, businesses, and commuters are anxious to see meaningful progress and greater certainty around delivery timelines.
“Limerick cannot afford to stand still. We need urgent clarity on the reasons for this latest delay, a firm timeline for progression, and a clear commitment that this project will remain a priority,” he insisted.
Cllr Butler acknowledged the complexity involved in delivering major infrastructure projects but stressed that the consequences of continued postponements are being felt across the city and surrounding areas.
“Improved public transport connectivity is critical for tackling congestion, supporting new housing development, reducing emissions and ensuring Limerick can continue to grow as a leading regional city. Every delay has a knock-on effect on those wider objectives,” he added.
The Metropolitan District Cathaoirleach is now calling for immediate engagement between the NTA local stakeholders and elected representatives to provide assurances that momentum will be restored and that Limerick will see progress without further unnecessary delay.
In response, the National Transport Authority said the planned implementation date for the BusConnects Limerick Network Redesign project is currently 2028.
“Implementation dates are subject to the outcome of discussions with the Department of Transport on funding for new services. While work to progress the project continues, the pace at which these activities can be completed is dictated by the level of funding that is made available to the NTA,” the transport authority said.