Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 June 2005
91 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the pilot use of hard shoulders for public buses; the results from the pilot project to date; if it is intended to extend this concept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21174/05]
View answerI have met with Bus Éireann management and it has brought to my attention a number of issues, one of which is the use of hard shoulders. Proposals are now being pursued by my Department to progress how the hard shoulder area could be safely used at "congestion hot spot" locations on national roads, including those linking Dublin and its satellite towns. The objective of such hard shoulder usage is to assist bus operators in meeting their schedules, thereby assisting in the achievement of modal shift from the private car to public transport.
Pilots of this type of bus priority initiative are being developed at present at a number of locations including the northbound and southbound approaches to Dunshaughlin and at Bracetown between Dunshaughlin and Clonee in County Meath, and at various locations on the Naas Road in the South Dublin County Council area.
The quality bus network office of Dublin City Council is currently overseeing tendering and design work as a prelude to having these pilot projects implemented for use by buses. It is expected that some of these pilot projects will be operational in the near future.
The operation of the pilot measures will be monitored with a view to having similar measures introduced at other suitable locations throughout the country.
