Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
224. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the adjustments that have been made to the BusConnects plan in view of the likelihood of a significant number of persons working from home in the future. [12745/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
At a policy level I firmly believe that high-quality public transport will still be necessary as we recover from the longer term effects of the current pandemic, notwithstanding the changes it may bring about to certain aspects of our behaviour, such as the traditional commute.
Obviously, issues in relation to potentially changed commuting demand will need to be reflected in the development of Preliminary Business Cases for transport projects in the future but I would note that the Central Statistics Office’s National Travel Survey shows us that commuting accounts for less than 25% of all trips. Projects that can facilitate high-density residential development, support localised travel, and/or provide connectivity to citizens wishing to undertake a wide range of daily activities will continue to have a place in our investment programme in my opinion.
In relation to the specific impacts on BusConnects, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, 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.
