New super bus plan leaves ‘gaping hole’
By Maurice Garvey
A PROPOSED redesign of the Dublin Bus network – creating seven super frequent routes – could leave Clondalkin “left behind”, according to Fianna Fáil TD John Curran.
The National Transport Authority say Dublin Bus services will increase by 27 per cent under a new system which will involve ‘super frequency spines’ across the city.
Citing the current Dublin Bus network as “complex”, the NTA say a redesign will also feature an increase in orbital services.
With Clondalkin (and Tallaght) not featuring on the seven super routes, Deputy Curran feels this will leave a “gaping hole” for an area of Clondalkin with a “population of over 46,000.”
He said: “Areas such as Clongriffan, Swords, Ballymun, Finglas, Blanchardstown, Lucan, Ballyfermot, Crumlin, Kimmage, Terenure, Deansgrange are all proposed to benefit from a super-frequent spine route.
“While there is the Luas Red Line at the Red Cow roundabout, this is not easy to get to for many local people in Clondalkin and this has been a serious issue for Clondalkin residents for many years now, as a feeder bus to the Luas Red Cow from Clondalkin village never developed.”
Public consultation for the Dublin Bus Connects plan gets underway on July 16, and will run until September 14.
Increase in service reliability
Curran says it is important residents express their concerns during the consultation process.
“Some areas will lose direct city-centre services, but the NTA insists that passengers living in these areas will see journey times drop and an increase in service reliability. This needs to be expanded on further during the consultation process to ensure this is actually the case.”
