Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

My questions are for the NTA. The witnesses are hearing today about areas where BusConnects routes have not been introduced and that are falling behind in terms of capacity. One of those areas is Hollywoodrath. It is an area of major housing growth but we have not seen the provision of enough investment in bus services. The NTA has worked with me on this since I was elected. The 40E bus service changes have been implemented, improving the connection between Broombridge and Hollywoodrath. The 40D service, which we previously spoke about, is to be extended to Hollywoodrath. The commitment was made that it would be in November and, just weeks later, my office was advised that it has now been pushed out until March. I find it hard to understand how those decisions can be made so quickly. I do not feel the area and the issue are being prioritised in the way they should be. I have demonstrated the level of funding discrepancies and I have shown the result with regard to usage levels. I need the NTA to understand that areas like Hollywoodrath and Clonburris, and the areas in other constituencies, have to be prioritised. They cannot fall behind because they are not part of the BusConnects route changes.