Galway's long-awaited fleet of electric buses is expected to enter service by the end of this year, following months of controversy over delays caused by a lack of charging infrastructure.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed that 42 electric buses earmarked for Galway are projected to begin operating during the final months of 2026 and early 2027, once new charging facilities at the city's Bus Éireann depot are fully operational.
The development comes after criticism emerged earlier this year when it was revealed that dozens of electric buses had been purchased but were unable to enter service because the necessary charging infrastructure was not yet in place.
Last week, it emerged that almost €7 million has been spent on the storage and servicing of electric buses awaiting deployment.
Correspondence from the NTA to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) revealed that 98 electric buses have been purchased but are not yet in operational use, while a further 12 buses remain on order and have not completed the manufacturing process.
The issue prompted questions about whether buses had been purchased before the infrastructure needed to support them was ready.
A total of 132 electric buses cannot currently be put into service due to a lack of charging points.
However, the NTA has defended its approach, telling the PAC that it remains satisfied it received value for money and that purchasing vehicles ahead of immediate operational need is necessary to maintain fleet renewal targets and support the transition to greener public transport.
The authority said it must acquire at least 162 new buses each year to ensure vehicles do not exceed their efficient operational lifespan of 12 years and to meet Ireland's goal of operating a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.
The delays in Galway appear to be nearing an end following the granting of planning permission in March for a significant upgrade of the city's bus depot. The project includes the installation of 70 charging stations, allowing the electric fleet to be brought into service.
Meanwhile, 56 electric buses destined for Dublin are expected to enter operation during the third quarter of this year as additional electrical grid capacity becomes available at the Phibsborough depot and further charging infrastructure is completed at the Harristown depot.
According to the NTA, the buses currently awaiting deployment account for approximately 5% of the national operational bus fleet.
Once the charging infrastructure is completed, Galway's new electric buses are expected to play a major role in reducing emissions and modernising public transport services across the city.
