During a recent meeting with the National Transport Authority, I sought an update on the status of the BusConnects project and the anticipated timeframe for the submission of a planning application for the Core Bus Corridors.
As you will be aware there are two aspects to this project. Firstly, the new Bus Service Network and secondly, the dedicated Core Bus Corridors. I plan to provide a specific update on both aspects.
New Bus Services Network
The National Transport Authority published the finalised network last September. The delivery of the revised network will be undertaken in eleven separate phases and I believe this will begin in April. The initial phase will focus on the north-eastern part of the city. As and when I have details of the specific phases affecting communities across Dublin Central, I will share that information with you.
Planned Core Bus Corridors
The third round of public consultation on the proposed Core Bus Corridors was completed prior to Christmas. Officials in the National Transport Authority are still reviewing the submissions received during the consultation process in order to bring forward further changes to the 16 proposed Core Bus Corridors. Many of the issues that have been raised will be addressed as the design process is finalised across the coming weeks. Residents across many communities from Stoneybatter to Glasnevin and Phibsborough to Drumcondra and the North Strand have raised specific issues with me during and since the consultation process concluded. I am working to have these ideas examined by the National Transport Authority with a view to implementing them as part of a formal planning application. Such an application, I expect, will be submitted directly to An Bord Pleanala by April or May. This will follow on from approval of a Preliminary Business Case that will be submitted to Minister Ryan and Government later this month.
As is the case with any formal planning application, a statutory consultation process is required and that will provide a further opportunity for anyone to submit an observation detailing how additional changes or amendments can be made by An Bord Pleanala in making a determination of the application. It is my understanding that a single application will be lodged but no decision has been taken on this. Let me say that I will provide a further comprehensive update on each of the specific Core Business Corridors located within Dublin Central when a draft planning application has been prepared.
Further Information
I hope this information is of assistance to you and your neighbours. Should you have any questions or queries arising from the details provided above, please get back in touch with me at Paschal.Donohoe@oireachtas.ie.