Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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266. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement his Department or the National Transport Authority has had with the residents of Ayrfield, Dublin 13, in relation to the proposed BusConnects plan which would see the removal of a section of the estate boundary wall between Ayrfield Drive and the Malahide Road; if the Minister is aware of the serious safety concerns which have been raised by residents that the removal of this wall between the residential estate and a large main road would pose to children; the actions the Minister or the NTA is proposing to address those concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1564/25]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The specific issue which the Deputy has raised relates to the Clongriffin Core Bus Corridor (CBC) and proposals for a pedestrian/cycle connection which is planned to provide direct access for the residents of the Ayrfield estate to the bus service on the Malahide Road.

I understand that the NTA met with a delegation of the residents in July 2022, following the submission of the Clongriffin CBC to An Bord Pleanála to discuss concerns related to the proposal. The NTA committed to further discussion regarding the final details of the link design following a decision by the Board.

The issue of connection route at Ayrfield Drive was also subject to a number of submissions and considered by An Bord Pleanála as part of its review of the Clongriffin CBC planning application, with the inspector noting that there is a "justifiable need for the connection route at Ayrfield Drive based on the level of car dependency within the area".

The inspector also concluded that there had been extensive public consultation on the proposed changes.

The Clongriffin CBC received planning approval in January 2024, and Judicial Review proceedings have been commenced seeking to quash An Bord Pleanála's approval of the project by a resident in a different area of the scheme on a matter unrelated to Ayrfield Estate.

Due to those proceedings, the scheme is currently paused. The consultation with the residents in relation to the scheme details is also paused pending the outcome of the (separate) Judicial Review proceedings.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply in relation to this project. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.