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

For the past two years, this Government has delivered a new or enhanced rural bus service every week. The numbers have doubled in the past year so I do not agree with Deputy Tóibín’s analysis in terms of inability to deliver new services.

I also fundamentally disagree if he is saying it is acceptable that a car would be in the bus lane. It is not. That is illegal and subject to a fine and penalty points. Through some of the measures we are looking at, such as increased use of cameras and other mechanisms, we will make sure the enforcement of bus lanes is rigorous. If we do not keep them clear, the whole system will not work. The real challenge now will be to reallocate space and build new bus lanes. That is what BusConnects is fundamentally about. It is a core change that is going to be delivered. As these corridors are built from such places as Clongriffin and Liffey Valley, we will have a system that works for everyone. However, I do not disagree with the Deputy’s analysis, the current car-dependent system whereby everyone is stuck in traffic works for no one. The bus system is going to be the core of the alternative solution which is more sustainable, efficient, social and cost-effective.

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