THE NATIONAL TRANSPORT Authority (NTA) has issued a tender competition for the construction of the Clongriffin to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme, marking a significant step forward in the delivery of the BusConnects Dublin Infrastructure Programme.

Once the tender process is completed at the end of 2026, construction is expected to commence in early 2027.

The tender competition builds on the momentum already established through works beginning on the Ballymun/Finglas and Liffey Valley Core Bus Corridor Schemes, marking another significant milestone as the third BusConnects Dublin infrastructure project moves from planning into delivery.

Welcoming the launch of the tender competition, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, said:

“As Dublin continues to grow, investments such as the Clongriffin Core Bus Corridor Scheme are essential to delivering a more connected, sustainable, and accessible city. By improving public transport, walking, and cycling infrastructure, this project will make it easier for people to travel, support new housing and economic development, and reduce reliance on private car travel. As part of the wider BusConnects programme, it also reflects the Government’s commitment to delivering high-quality transport infrastructure in a way that embeds sustainability, innovation, and climate resilience at every stage.”

Meanwhile, Anne Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of the NTA, commented:

“The launch of the tender process for the Clongriffin to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme marks another important milestone in the delivery of BusConnects Dublin. This scheme will provide more reliable public transport, improved walking and cycling facilities, and lasting benefits for local communities, helping to create a more sustainable and connected Dublin for current and future generations.”

The Clongriffin Core Bus Corridor Scheme will transform one of Dublin’s busiest and most strategically important transport corridors, delivering important transport options for public transport, cycling, and walking. The scheme will enhance bus reliability and capacity, provide high-quality segregated cycling infrastructure, improve accessibility for all users, and contribute to the creation of safer, greener, and more integrated public spaces for local communities.

Building on lessons learned and innovations being introduced as part of the delivery of the Core Bus Corridor Schemes, the Clongriffin Scheme incorporates ambitious sustainability measures designed to reduce construction-related carbon emissions, increase the use of lower-carbon and recycled materials, enhance biodiversity, and drive innovation throughout project delivery.

Sustainability and climate resilience are central to the contract requirements, which set out a range of measures to reduce the environmental impacts of construction. These include, where feasible, use of reclaimed materials, use of low carbon cement mixes, and green-roof bus shelters that will enhance urban biodiversity and support climate adaptation measures.

Significant progress

Commenting on the launch of the tender competition, Aidan Gallagher, Head of BusConnects Dublin Infrastructure, said the scheme ”builds on the significant progress already being made on the Ballymun/Finglas and Liffey Valley schemes”.

In addition, the Scheme will function as a pilot for a digital logistics management approach, aimed at improving construction logistics, reducing vehicle movements and emissions and generating valuable data and lessons learned to support future BusConnects delivery.The contract also includes a strong social value programme designed to maximise community benefits through the creation of employment, skills development, and educational opportunities. This includes the delivery of new entrant opportunities into the construction industry, educational engagement events, job-seeker engagement initiatives and weeks of work placement opportunities.

The Clongriffin to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme forms part of the wider BusConnects Dublin programme, which will transform public transport across the capital through the delivery of a network of Core Bus Corridors. These will provide faster and more reliable bus services alongside high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure.

Together, these improvements aim to support more sustainable travel choices, enhance connectivity, improve quality of life for communities, and contribute to the long-term development of a more accessible and climate-resilient Dublin.

To stay informed about the delivery of the BusConnects Core Bus Corridors programme, visit BusConnects.ie.