Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am sure all present agree that the bus network needs serious investment. The best way to reduce congestion in our city is for more people to use public transport. That will mean less emissions and help us to reach our 2020 targets. More people will use public transport if it is high frequency, competitively priced and quicker than using one's car. I agree that the bus network in Dublin and public transport in general badly needs to be upgraded. Dublin is growing but the current public transport offering does not meet the needs of the city.

However, I have serious concerns about this BusConnects plan. I attended many of the public consultations in my constituency of Dublin Bay North and spoke to many constituents. Those people have genuine concerns regarding the changes to their bus route. Many will now have to take two buses to get to their destination. For example, residents in Howth who want to go into town will now have to either get off in Raheny to connect with the DART or travel on to Artane where they will change to a different bus. In parts of the constituency, many schoolchildren will find they have lost their direct bus route to local schools and they, too, will have to take two buses. That will mean possible delays and longer journey times. Another example is that one of the new proposed bus routes will no longer serve our local hospital. There are many issues of concern throughout the entire constituency of Dublin Bay North.

We need to be mindful of our older citizens and people with disabilities and ensure they are catered for. We need to listen to our local communities and make sure that no community is left behind.

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