Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2018
473. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage of the proposed BusConnects budget allocated to cycling, including the creation of new cycle paths, upgrading existing cycle paths and other cycling related projects under the BusConnects plan; and the cost of same. [27379/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the BusConnects Programme, in addition to transforming the bus system in Dublin including a full redesign of the bus network, will also provide much needed cycling facilities and make it easier and more attractive to cycle around the city region. Given the increasing number of cyclists across Dublin there is an imperative to provide safe and segregated cycling facilities where possible.
Last week, the NTA published a discussion document outlining the Core Bus Corridor Project that is part of a wider BusConnects programme for Ireland’s cities, starting in Dublin and rolling out to Galway, Cork and Ireland’s remaining cities.
The NTA’s document provides an update on the 230 km of continuous bus priority across 16 core bus routes, expected to achieve up to 40%-50% savings on current journey times, that are emerging as the likely core bus corridors in and out of Dublin city under this new investment Programme. These main bus corridors are also the main cycling arteries. The widening of roads for these bus lanes provides the opportunity to transform the cycling infrastructure at this time.
Despite the fact that the project is at an early stage of planning, with the details to emerge later in the year and progressive elaboration of the overall budget, at this point NTA calculates that over 200km plus of cycle tracks/lanes and will be built or improved on as one of a number of a key components to BusConnects.
Following, last week’s launch by the NTA of a discussion document focussed on 16 core bus routes, the NTA will conduct a public consultation on the redesign of Dublin's bus network, including proposals on a major redesign of routes, schedules and fare structures. This is expected in July.
Later this year, the NTA then plans to hold a public consultation on the emerging proposals for the 16 core bus corridors, expected in September/October.
This is to ensure that the public are fully informed by NTA about the BusConnects programme as it progresses and have ample opportunity to input at various stages to its development. It should be stressed that all of the routes and options are indicative only at this stage. The detailed designs when completed will feed into the consultation process expected in September/October.
Noting its responsibility with regards to this matter, I have referred your queries to the NTA for consideration and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
