John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

812. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the development of rapid bus transport in the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23777/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016-2035 was approved by my predecessor, Minister Donohoe, in February 2016.  It includes proposals for two specific bus rapid transit (BRT) schemes, Blanchardstown to UCD and Clongriffin to Tallaght. In addition, the Strategy indicates that the public transport needs on the Swords/Airport to City Centre corridor may require a higher level of public transport capacity than the existing provision, both in advance of the delivery of new Metro North which is scheduled for operation in 2026/2027 and also to serve areas south of the M50 subsequent to the implementation of new Metro North. The NTA indicates that this additional capacity may take the form of a BRT service or a BRT type service.  Any final arrangement will be designed to be complementary to the new Metro North scheme.  

Funding is being made available for initial planning and design work for the Blanchardstown to UCD and Clongriffin to Tallaght BRT schemes under the Government's Capital Plan 'Building on Recovery Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021'. I understand from the NTA that they are currently finalising tender documents to progress the design and planning of the Blanchardstown to UCD scheme and the route option selection for the Clongriffin to Tallaght BRT scheme.