Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 September 2022
17. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to new BusConnects routes and scheduled implementation of same in Dublin given the difficulties in recruiting and retaining drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45703/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Bus Network Redesign is an important element of the overall BusConnects programme, which will ultimately transform bus services and infrastructure in Dublin. Implementation of the Network Redesign is designed to roll out over the course of 11 phases over the coming years and that roll out has already commenced.
The first phase - the H-Spine - launched in June 2021 and serves Howth and Malahide. Initial reactions have been positive with good bus passenger numbers, even with COVID restrictions in place at the time of launch. The second phase - the C-Spine - launched in November 2021. This serves the west of Dublin and east Kildare, including Lucan, Leixlip and Maynooth. It also introduced a much-improved network of local services, and some 24-hour bus services. The 90-minute fare was launched to coincide with Phase 2 on 28th November 2021.
The third phase was rolled out in May this year and introduced two new Northern Orbital routes, the N4 connecting Blanchardstown to Point Village, and N6 connecting Finglas with Howth Junction.
With new bus services being introduced as part of BusConnects, there are varying impacts on staffing requirements. Both Dublin Bus and Go Ahead Ireland are running extensive driver recruitment campaigns. Recent discussions have indicated confidence in their ability to deliver phase 4, of BusConnects, the G-Spine from Spenser Dock to Ballyfermot, in mid-October. This phase has been given the formal approval to proceed.
The launch of Phase 5, the Southside Orbitals, is currently planned for early December. The launch date will, however, continue to be monitored to ensure driver availability and a formal decision on when to introduce the new services will be made in late October. A similar approach will be adopted for phases scheduled to be introduced in 2023.
Assuming the 2023 rollout of the Network Redesign proceeds on schedule, the F-Spine from Finglas to Kimmage and the E-Spine from Ballymun to Bray will be introduced in the first half of next year. The D-Spine, from Clongriffin to Crumlin is then expected to launch in the second half of 2023.
