Patrick Costello
Question:181. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport for an update in relation to the Lucan to city centre BusConnects scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53760/23]
View answerTuesday, 5 December 2023
Questions (181)
Written answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects Dublin.
BusConnects Dublin is a transformative programme of investment in the existing bus system providing better bus services to more people. The BusConnects Dublin programme brings together all areas of bus investment identified in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy, including enhanced and new bus infrastructure, investment in fleet and service enhancements such as higher frequency and new routes serving a wider catchment. It is a key part of the Government’s policy to improve public transport and help address climate change.
The “C-Spine” commenced on 28th November 2021 and serves the communities of Maynooth, Celbridge, Leixlip, Lucan, Adamstown, Liffey Valley and Palmerstown to the City Centre as well as Ringsend and Sandymount.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) have advised that they intend to implement an increase in the frequency on certain C spine routes, to help meet increasing passenger demand on the service, subject to operational readiness and the availability of resources, particularly drivers and mechanical staff.
The NTA has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects Dublin. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51