Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 February 2014
299. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the terms of reference of the consultation for the bus rapid transit corridor and swiftway system which commences on 17 February 2014; with whom will the final route decisions rest; and the role of the local authorities in same. [7364/14]
View answerThe NTA has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects.
I understand that the NTA is commencing a non-statutory public consultation on 17th February 2014 in relation to the proposals that it is developing in respect of a possible BRT service for Dublin. This initial consultation will focus on explaining the concept of BRT, providing an overview of the overall BRT network proposed by the NTA and identifying what is termed as an “emerging preferred route” for each of the proposed network corridors. Further public consultations are envisaged at the later development stages of the schemes.
The NTA has advised that the development of each BRT corridor will require the preparation and publication of an environmental impact statement and its submission to An Bord Pleanála for determination. The NTA has also advised that it has engaged extensively with the relevant local authorities in the development of these BRT proposals and that it is its intention that the further development of these proposals would be undertaken in cooperation with the local authorities. I am happy to arrange a briefing on this matter from the NTA for members of the Oireachtas if the Deputy believes this would be of benefit.
