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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

BusConnects route changes

Summary

Patrick Costello warned that BusConnects could leave communities like Chapelizod and Bluebell cut off if routes were reduced too far. The Taoiseach said decisions were still pending and would be handled through the transport system, while defending the aim of faster, more direct services.

BusConnects is bringing many positive changes to the city. However, the residents of Chapelizod have expressed their concern to me because six routes that go through the village are becoming one. Other areas such as Bluebell are seeing a similar level of disconnect. I do not know how we will get people out of cars to meet our climate ambition unless we give them a meaningful bus service. Will the Government instruct the NTA to ensure that no community is left behind or cut off? There should only be positive changes. Will the Government instruct the NTA to meet residents to find a way forward so that six bus routes becoming one does not leave Chapelizod cut off?

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Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

As the Deputy knows, large aspects of BusConnects are in planning. We expect decisions from An Bord Pleanála quite soon - in the next few weeks and months. The power to direct the NTA, to the extent that it exists, lies with the Minister for Transport. He is in Dubai at the moment but I will let him know that the Deputy raised this so that he can take it into account. As people know, the whole idea around BusConnects is to have direct routes that are much more frequent. The bus arrives quickly every couple of minutes and people get into town much more quickly. In some cases, that will mean that people might have to walk a bit further, maybe ten minutes instead of seven or 15 minutes instead of three or four. The idea is that because the bus service will be so frequent, people will get on the bus quicker and get to and from town much quicker.

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