Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
231. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport how the BusConnects scheme considered the access needs of people with mobility issues such as wheelchair users in the redesign of the Dublin Bus network, particularly in the context of interchanging between different bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55263/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those 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 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.
BusConnects Dublin, as overseen by the National Transport Authority (NTA), is a transformative programme of investment in the existing bus system providing better bus services to more people. The BusConnects Dublin programme brings together all areas of bus investment identified in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy, including enhanced and new bus infrastructure, investment in fleet and service enhancements such as higher frequency and new routes serving a wider catchment.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in relation to the specific query mentioned, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
