In recent weeks, the National Transport Authority published the new BusConnects plan. The plan has gone through numerous public consultations, and some of the local concerns have been taken on board. For example, it was originally proposed to remove the direct bus from Rathcoole to the city centre. But following a successful campaign by local residents the service from Rathcoole to the city centre will remain. Areas that previously had no bus service will now have new routes such as Balgaddy where two new local routes are proposed. There will also be a new route from Red Cow to the city centre servicing Palmerstown Woods estate. However, concerns have been raised in relation to frequency and capacity on the spine routes, particularly in Lucan.
People Before Profit TD for Dublin Mid West Gino Kenny commented: “I’m delighted to see that the Rathcoole to city centre bus has been saved. I hosted a public meeting in Rathcoole in 2018 and organised a small campaign with residents there to save the bus route. Well done to all residents who made submissions to the NTA.”
Cllr Madeleine Johansson (People Before Profit) added: “The new local routes for Balgaddy are very welcome, for the first time the area will have a bus service running through it. The local routes will also allow people to travel between Clondalkin and Lucan by public transport. The new 60 route which will go past Palmerstown Woods will provide a bus service to residents there for the first time.
Gino Kenny TD continued: “One concern regarding this new plan is the frequency on some of the spine routes, particularly in Lucan. Even though there is a very high demand in the Lucan area, which will continue to grow as the area expands further, there is no increase in frequency on the C spine routes (currently 25A/B). We need more investment from government to put more buses on the roads. Investment in public transport is crucial for the Lucan area. With Adamstown and Clonburris the population will continue to grow and significant investment is needed to ensure a good quality of life for existing and new residents.”
