Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 January 2024
85. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to provide assurances that the BusConnects project will not result in the removal of the 33 bus route, which serves as a direct bus from Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush and Lusk to the city centre, in favour of a bus that will go from Balbriggan/Skerries to the Airport where a connection will be available from the airport into the city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3202/24]
View answerBusConnects Dublin is a transformative programme of investment in the existing bus system, providing better bus services to more people. It is the biggest ever investment in our bus system in the history of the State.
In some cases customers may have to interchange between two routes to get to their destination. However, given that the new services will be more frequent, the waiting time at the interchange point will generally be low and the overall journey time in most of these cases will be similar to today. This Government has made interchange easier through funding not just improved service frequency but also through funding the Transport For Ireland 90 fare.
The National Transport Authority (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.
