BusConnects report delayed due to volume of submissions

AN BORD Pleanála’s inspector’s report into the proposed BusConnects project from Tallaght/Clondalkin to the city centre has been delayed due to the volume of submissions.

A determination on the project was due from the appeals board by February 9, but a letter was issued informing people who’d lodged submissions that this would be delayed.

“Due to the volume of submissions made in respect of this case and the complexity of the matters raised therein the completion of the inspector’s report has been delayed,” it wrote.

It noted that the case would be determined “as soon as practicable” when the inspector’s report is received.

The proposed scheme includes the development of a construction compound at Bancroft and diverting the Greenhills Road through Birchview in Kilnamanagh.

Compulsory purchase orders for the construction of compounds in Bancroft and Rathfarnham, and a bus lane through a cul-de-sac in Kilnamanagh, have been met with disquiet in the community.

The Kilnamanagh link road, to be located between Birchview Avenue/Treepark Road and Parkview/Greenhills Road, is to provide for bus and active travel.

As reported in The Echo last June, Kilnamanagh residents expressed concerns about the changes being “intrusive” and the impact it could have on the privacy of residents and noise concerns.

Areas in Crumlin that will be affected by the project include Bangor Drive and Clonard Road, which are to be made one-way streets, while offline cycle tracks are to be added to Kildare Road.

Other plans include the construction of two new pedestrian/cycle bridges across the M50 and for the pedestrian/cyclist ramps and bridges at the Naas Road junction to be refined.