Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
145. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will liaise with the NTA around the issue of direct bus services from Chapelizod to the city centre, which, up until BusConnects, had six services in total, and currently only has one service (the number 26), and under upcoming plans to implement the S Spine, will have no direct routes to the city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41439/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both the policy and funding areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects Dublin.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects Dublin programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply regarding the implementation of the BusConnects programme in the Chapelizod area. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
