Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rationale for the National Transport Authority proceeding to make an application to An Bord Pleanála for the proposed Templeogue and Rathfarnham to city bus corridor, despite the dramatic impact this proposal would have on the local area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26267/23]

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

196. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the National Transport Authority would proceed with a 'bus gate' as part of the proposed Templeogue/Rathfarnham to city bus corridor without considering the operational requirements of a church (details supplied), especially as the proposal poses a serious threat to the church's ability to operate effectively over time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26268/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects Dublin.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects Dublin. The Core Bus Corridors project, an important element of the BusConnects Dublin programme, has been the subject of a comprehensive public consultation process.

The specific scheme referred to by the Deputy is currently the subject of a further statutory consultation being held by An Bord Pleanála as part of the planning process. Submissions can be made to the Bord until Tuesday 20th June, including on issues such as those raised by the Deputy. It would not be appropriate to comment further on this matter until the planning application process has concluded.