Big crowds turning up to Dublin Bus meetings
By Maurice Garvey
CONCERNS over proposed changes to the Dublin Bus network has led to big crowds turning out to public meetings and protests in recent weeks, notably in Greenhills, Ballyfermot, Chapelizod, Crumlin and Drimnagh.
Residents have been urged to challenge the National Transport Authority at information sessions taking place throughout September.
Big crowds have turned up to the meetings
The NTA say Dublin Bus services will increase by 27 per cent under a new system which will involve ‘super frequency spines’ across the city.
However, the loss of numerous direct bus routes will have a major impact on people who rely on the bus service.
Another public criticism is that the online Bus Connects maps are difficult to understand.
People Before Profit TD Brid Smith says the Bus Connects proposal affects “working class people more than anybody else.”
Speaking at a packed Ballyfermot Civic Centre meeting on Tuesday evening, Deputy Smith encouraged residents to challenge the NTA at the local information session on September 19.
She also said the privatisation of 10 per cent of the Dublin Bus network has to be fought.
We can win again
“What this will allow Dublin Bus and the government to do, is piece by piece, sell off a proper public transport service that is working for this city,” said Deputy Smith
“We fought privatisation of water and we won, we can win again.”
Meanwhile, Fianna Fail Senator Catherine Ardagh said scrapping the 123 service means “people attending St James’s Hospital will have to take two buses rather than one” which places a “burden on the vulnerable and elderly.”
Over 60 people attended a public meeting to ‘Save the 69 bus’ in Rathcoole on Tuesday, amid concerns that Rathcoole and Newcastle will lose a direct service to the city centre.
NTA public information sessions take place at Rathfarnham Shopping Centre (Sept 7 – 2pm to 8pm), South Dublin County Council offices Clondalkin (Sept 10 – 3pm to 7pm), Richmond Barracks (Sept 11 – 3pm to 7pm), Ballyfermot Community Civic Centre (Sept 19 – 3pm to 7pm), and Citywest Hotel (Sept 25 – 3pm to 7pm).
Public consultation for Bus Connects continues until September 28.
Visit www.nationaltransport.ie/consultations/public-consultation-on-the-dublin-area-bus-network-redesign for further information.
