Bus Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022

Tuesday, 29 November 2022

Questions (202, 203)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

202. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the steps that are being taken to address the number of buses on McKee Avenue, Finglas, given that they are causing disruption to residents who cannot get out of their own homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59053/22]

Thomas Pringle

Question:

203. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the bus terminus in Finglas village for the N4 and N6 route, given that buses are piling up and blocking traffic in the village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59054/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

As such I have forwarded the Deputy's questions regarding the bus terminus, and traffic disruptions in Finglas village to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

I refer to the matter raised in Parliamentary Question No. 202 & 203 of 29 November last which has been referred to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for reply. I apologise for the delay in responding.

The Authority is not aware of any operational concerns from the operators or traffic authorities regarding the use of McKee Avenue by new route N6 and there are no current plans to change the terminus. Using the McKee Avenue alignment is the best way of providing customers and the local community with convenient, same-stop interchange between routes N4 and N6 on Seamus Ennis Road in the village. (One of these interchange stops was newly-provided as part of the scheme).

It should be noted that both the N4 and N6 are high frequency routes that interchange at Finglas. We will follow up with Go Ahead Ireland to ensure laying over buses do not restrict access to entrances to premises.

Question No. 203 answered with Question No. 202.