Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
192. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport his views on the feasibility of delivering the impending Hazelhatch greenway in tandem with the works needed to widen the road at the canal bridge in order to deliver the full W6 bus route service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50798/22]
View answerI understand that Hazelhatch Bridge is classified as a protected structure in South Dublin County Council’s register and thus any material change to the bridge itself would be very difficult to obtain. The Greenway works are ongoing and it is not considered appropriate to delay these as the road-widening solution has yet to be agreed.
I understand that Route W6 is planned to start during the first half of 2023. Initially this route will operate in two sections. As the Deputy is aware, there is an issue with the width of the road south of the canal at Hazelhatch Bridge that makes it difficult for one bus to successfully pass another. I understand that the NTA are currently working on an engineering solution to resolve this, however as it is desirable to deliver a number of the benefits of the service as soon as possible it is likely that the route will be operated as two separate routes in the short term with the W61 operating from Maynooth (Moyglare) to Hazelhatch Station and the W62 operating from Newcastle to Tallaght.
I further understand that the benefits of the full route will be delivered as soon as an engineering solution is developed, agreed between the NTA and South Dublin County Council and implemented. Meanwhile the temporary W61 and W62 services will enable the NTA to provide a service to the Moyglare area in Maynooth, strengthen links to rail and Luas at Hazelhatch, Saggart and City West, and deliver a bus link between Newcastle and Tallaght. It is anticipated that the temporary services will need to be in place for 12-18 months and the NTA will be working to minimise this time period.
