Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 169: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the legal process that will be followed by the Office of Public Works in providing bus lanes in the Phoenix Park for example planning application to Dublin City Council or another process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21707/07]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 170: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will report on the actions of the Office of Public Works with regard to opening the Phoenix Park up to public buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21708/07]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 171: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has to apply for planning permission to make changes to the road network in the Phoenix Park such as the creation of bus lanes or alterations to the entrance gates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21729/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 to 171, inclusive, together.

One of the measures contained in the Phoenix Park Transportation Study, dated October 2006, relates to the provision of a public bus service to the city, through the Phoenix Park. Arising from this, the OPW entered into discussions with Dublin Bus who responded recently to the effect that in order to make the service feasible, the provision of at least some level of bus lanes would be necessary.

The provision of bus lanes is a new proposal and was raised after lodgement of the Planning Application by OPW for renewal of Chesterfield Avenue in July this year. If it is decided to install bus lanes on Chesterfield Avenue, a Planning Application for such work would be required.

The OPW has also been in discussions with Dublin Bus in relation to the provision of a Shuttle Bus service in the Phoenix Park, another measure contained in the Transportation Study and intends to seek expressions of interest in this regard shortly.

The introduction of a one way traffic system at Chapelizod and Islandbridge gates and the closure of Military road to through traffic, for the increased safety of all Park users, was implemented in July this year with the full co-operation of Dublin City Council. This was another measure contained in the Transportation Study but did not require planning permission. The changes affected traffic movements only and did not involve any alterations to the actual gates, which are protected structures.