Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I want to reassure the Deputy that the Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens, including students, reliable and realistic public transport options. To assist with the cost of public transport travel, under budget 2023 I secured funding for the continuation of both the 20% average public service obligation, PSO, fare reduction and the young adult card scheme, which provides eligible third level students with a 50% reduction on PSO and participating commercial bus services. These fare initiatives make a real difference to those using our public transport system. Further, the roll-out of projects like BusConnects, Connecting Ireland, and new town services are among the improvements we are making to achieve our ambitious goals for the sector. In addition, we are in the process of implementing a major redesign of the bus network in Dublin, which aims to provide a modernised service that is fully integrated with other public transport, including Luas and rail.

In the Blanchardstown area specifically, new local routes, the L61 and the L62, will serve TU Dublin Blanchardstown directly. Both services will accommodate students by operating seven days per week, from early morning until late at night. These new services are due to be implemented in 2025 as part of the introduction of the BusConnects B spine, and a transformation of the entire local network around Blanchardstown. Before that, in 2024, the intention is to upgrade the 139 Naas-Maynooth to TU Dublin Blanchardstown bus service to operate hourly, seven days a week. It is important to note that the rate of delivering the overall BusConnects programme is dependent on funding and the availability of key staff, including drivers. However, I firmly believe that with continued investment in public transport services, we will build a more efficient and attractive network for all transport users.

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