Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2014
586. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the capacity estimates for the proposed BRT line from Dublin city centre to Swords and comparable capacity estimates for an upgrade of Dublin bus frequency times along the same route; his views on the cost benefit of the proposed BRT system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45318/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects.
The NTA's Integrated Implementation Plan 2013-2018 has identified that Bus Rapid Transit schemes could play a significant role in the improvement of public transport in the Dublin region and has accordingly proposed three BRT schemes for Dublin, one of which is the Swords-Airport to City Centre corridor.
The NTA is currently undertaking a public consultation process in relation to the preferred option for this corridor, the details of which are available on their website: http://www.nationaltransport.ie/consultations/public-consultation-on-swiftway-bus-rapid-transit-swordsairport-to-city-centre/.
I have not received the business case demonstrating the costs and benefits for the Swords BRT project, which I understand is currently under preparation by the NTA and should be available by year end.
Once received the business case will be reviewed to consider all the relevant issues that will determine whether this project will adequately address a public transport deficit and deliver value for money over an appropriate time period. If the answer is positive then it will be considered for prioritisation for additional funding, if available, together with other competing transport projects.
