Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I again welcome the visitors in the public gallery. I did not respond to the issue the Senator raised around the shuttle bus. We have implemented similar schemes in Glenveagh National Park, and we are looking at this because there are increased visitor numbers across our parks. The National Transport Authority is reviewing bus options for a pilot bus route linking the Phoenix Park to Heuston and Broombridge stations. That might be an option.

The Minister and the Office of Public Works are deeply committed to ensuring that the Phoenix Park is for everybody and that people can access it and feel safe in it. That is critically important for people of all ages. Long-stay commuter parking, as well as high levels of illegal parking around the perimeter of the park, were identified as major issues in the transport and mobility study. Therefore, those issues have to be addressed. We have to look at this outside the context of the park itself and look at parking options as well. We want the park to be a sustainable place for everybody to enjoy. It is a huge amenity for the people of Dublin. As I said, the Minister of State, Deputy Donovan, is committed to ensuring the park is available for everybody to enjoy.