Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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184. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent of commitments given to some local representatives and action groups to date on reversals of certain BusConnects proposals; if these commitments will not form part of the overall maximum limit for changes to the BusConnects proposals as prescribed by the designer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38153/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) - supported by Dublin Bus - have embarked on a process of full public consultation on these bus proposals, involving local brochures, local face-to-face events organised at various locations around the city, digital imaging of the network, on-line surveys and consultation with user groups. They are both in listening mode to people who have suggestions as to how these plans can be made even better. The public consultation process will run until 28th September and presents a great opportunity for people to have their say before the plans are finalised by the NTA.

I am aware that some concern and worry is being raised at the information roadshows and at local meetings however I would stress that the current consultation process is based on draft proposals - it is not a final plan. The NTA have advised that area specific issues raised at public consultation will be looked at when the consultation period is over. The NTA expect to publish the findings from the public consultation phase before the year end and any reconfigurations to these proposals will be subject to further consultation.

Under these proposals, an overall increase in services of 27% is expected, which as far as customers are concerned, can only be a good thing. The NTA estimate that, of people who currently have a direct service to the city centre, 92% will continue to have such a service under the new bus network proposals.

While it will result in a huge change for the city, it is envisaged that BusConnects will deliver a bus system that will enable more people to travel by bus than ever before, and allow bus commuting to become a viable and attractive choice for workers, students, shoppers and visitors.

Given the BusConnects initiative is the subject of a current independent public consultation process being run by the National Transport Authority (NTA), it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the proposal at this time.