The arrival of Dublin’s revamped Bus Connects network this weekend has sparked a mixture of excitement and anxiety among residents. While Bray in County Wicklow welcomes improved service and increased connectivity,Glasnevin,in north Dublin,is witnessing an eruption of concerns about capacity,accessibility,and the potential disruption to daily routines.
The much-anticipated overhaul promises a network of new routes, including the re-routed 19 service, which will connect Dublin Airport to Ballymun and surrounding housing estates. New E1 and E2 buses, operating 24/7 with frequent departures, are set to revolutionize travel between north Dublin and Bray.
However, beneath the surface of these anticipated improvements, residents of Glasnevin are raising their voices.Posters proclaiming their anxieties adorn windows, petitions gathering over 4,000 signatures circulate, and the echoes of a protest held before last November’s election serve as a stark reminder of their worries.
“This new 19 bus service that will serve highly populated areas of Ballymun and our estates is coming from Dublin Airport,” explains Kevina McGill, a resident of the Wadelai housing estate. “We’re very concerned about the capacity, as naturally, it’ll be very packed coming from the airport.”
McGill highlights the projected growth of the area, adding fuel to their anxieties. “There’s new businesses and new companies that have moved into the area as well. So we feel by the time it comes down here, we won’t be able to get on the bus,” she expresses.
Adding to the growing concern is the potential impact on accessibility. “It gives a big problem for wheelchair users, old people with walkers and buggies to be able to access the bus,” laments McGill.
Deirdre Martin, from the Wadelai Hillcrest and District Residents association, echoes these concerns, emphasizing the potential impact on the elderly. “25% of our residents in this community are over 65 – the national average is 15.3% – so there’s a lot of concern for our elderly residents,” she points out.
Martin expresses her frustration with the lack of meaningful engagement with residents. “Since 2019, we’ve been attending all the consultation meetings. They haven’t listened to any of our concerns while they meet the public representatives – that’s our TDs and councillors. They are not willing to meet the residents association,” she states.
Sean Heffernan,a resident of glasnevin Downs,faces a personal dilemma. The removal of his usual route 11, which dropped him directly at his doorstep, leaves him scrambling for option transportation. “This bus drops you directly to my doorstep, so I don’t know how to get to work in the future once this bus is gone,” he confides, expressing his reluctance to return to his car.
“I will have to find another way to get to work,” he admits, adding, “which may involve my car, which I don’t want to do at all.”
Adia Clancy,a young student,shares similar anxieties.”I’ll have to get off and wait for another bus nearly every single day, which will probably impact me getting to
Table of Contents
- 1. Dublin’s Bus Connects Project: Navigating Delays and Opposition
- 2. Dublin’s Bus Connects: Addressing resident Concerns as New Network Launches
- 3. Dublin’s Bus Connects: A Transformative Journey Amidst Challenges
- 4. How will the new Bus Connects network improve connectivity and frequency for Glasnevin residents?
Dublin’s enterprising Bus Connects project, aiming to overhaul public transportation with dedicated bus lanes and improved routes, continues to move forward despite facing hurdles. Launched in 2022, the project aims to revamp the city’s bus network with a staggering 230 kilometers of dedicated lanes. while progress has been made, delays and local opposition have punctuated the rollout, leaving some residents frustrated.
the eagerly anticipated arrival of a new bus route in Bray, co. Wicklow, was met with disappointment when its launch was delayed. Green Party Councillor Erika Doyle, representing bray Municipal Council, highlighted the long-standing need for reliable bus service and the resulting frustration among residents. “People were a little annoyed, and some people thought it was politically motivated,” she stated. The situation escalated when senior politicians, according to Ms. doyle, “welcomed the delay, trying to create a good news story out of it,” while the people of Bray felt let down by the missed Christmas deadline.
While acknowledging the initial frustration, Ms. Doyle expressed optimism for the future.”We are essentially on the outskirts of Dublin here in Bray. Outside of regular commuting hours, it can be tough to access the city center,” she said. “I think it will make a huge difference to people.” The project’s success hinges on the reliability of the service, a point Ms. Doyle emphasizes. She also pointed out the missed chance to connect the new route to the luas, which could have further enhanced its convenience for commuters.
interim NTA CEO Hugh Cregan acknowledges the challenges inherent in major infrastructure projects. “Change is very hard, as you can imagine, for a lot of people, but we had a massive consultation exercise before we started with change,” he stated. He expressed confidence that the adjustments will ultimately benefit the city, citing a third increase in passenger numbers in areas where Bus Connects has been implemented.
The project is currently in its sixth phase, with phase seven set to launch on Sunday. Mr.Cregan anticipates completing the entire rollout by the end of 2024, assuming sufficient resources are available, particularly in terms of drivers and mechanics.
Despite the positive outlook, challenges remain.In Glasnevin, residents have expressed concern about the lack of local communication regarding upcoming changes. Local resident Ms. Martin has called for direct engagement with the NTA to address their concerns, emphasizing that people feel “let down” by the NTA.
Dublin’s Bus Connects: Addressing resident Concerns as New Network Launches
Dublin is getting a revamp of its public transportation system with the launch of the Bus Connects network this weekend. This long-awaited project aims to transform the city’s bus system, promising faster, more frequent services, and dedicated bus lanes. Despite the excitement surrounding improved connectivity, particularly for commuters traveling between north Dublin, Bray, and the city center, the launch has not been without its share of apprehension, particularly among residents in Glasnevin.
“We understand the attachment Glasnevin residents have for the route 11,” explains aideen White, Principal Transport Planner at Dublin City Council. “But the new route 19 is designed to better serve the community.” The new route will embrace more neighborhoods, including densely populated areas in Ballymun, and importantly, connect Glasnevin directly to Dublin Airport and the city center. To further enhance connectivity and reliability, new E1 and E2 services are being introduced.
Glasnevin residents have voiced concerns about capacity on the new route 19, especially during peak hours and with the influx of luggage from airport passengers. White assures that plans are in place to mitigate these concerns. “We’ve been working diligently to ensure the new buses can handle the increased passenger flow,” she states. “The new buses will be larger and more frequent, with allocated spaces for wheelchairs and buggies. We’ve also improved connectivity to and from Dublin Airport, so passengers won’t necessarily take the bus immediatly after landing.”
Another key issue raised by Glasnevin residents is a perceived lack of meaningful engagement with their concerns during the planning stages. White emphasizes the commitment to community involvement, stating, “From the beginning, we’ve held numerous consultation meetings and public information sessions to involve the community. We’ve taken thousands of responses into consideration, and while we won’t be able to please everyone, we’ve made changes based on the feedback. We’ll continue to engage with residents, attend local meetings, and address their concerns as best we can.”
The roll-out of the bus connects project has faced delays, particularly for residents in Bray who were expecting improved services sooner. White acknowledges these challenges, stating that “Unfortunately, the rollout of the project has been affected by various factors, such as the pandemic and supply chain issues.”
As the Bus Connects network takes shape, the focus remains on delivering a more efficient and reliable public transport system for Dublin. The continued engagement and dialog with residents will be crucial in ensuring the project’s success and meeting the evolving needs of the city.
Dublin’s Bus Connects: A Transformative Journey Amidst Challenges
Dublin is on the cusp of a significant transportation revolution with the launch of its ambitious Bus Connects project. Set to transform the city’s public transit landscape, Bus Connects promises improved connectivity, reduced travel times, and a more sustainable urban ecosystem.
Despite encountering some hurdles, including delays and logistical complexities, the project continues to progress steadily towards its goal of creating a world-class public transport system. Ann White, the CEO of the National Transport Authority (NTA), acknowledges the challenges but remains steadfast in her commitment to delivering the promised improvements. “We appreciate Bray residents’ patience and understand their frustration,” she states. “We’re working diligently to rectify this and deliver the promised improvements as soon as possible.”
The project’s underlying vision is to create a more connected and accessible city for all.As White emphasizes, “We ask for their continued patience, support, and understanding as we strive to make Dublin a better, more connected city through improved public transport. Change can be challenging, but ultimately, this new network will benefit everyone.”
The launch of Bus Connects this weekend marks a pivotal moment in Dublin’s urban growth journey. It signifies a bold step towards creating a more sustainable, efficient, and equitable city for its residents.
How will the new Bus Connects network improve connectivity and frequency for Glasnevin residents?
Interviewer (I): today, we have with us Aideen White, Principal Transport Planner at Dublin City Council, to discuss the upcoming changes in Dublin’s Bus Connects network and address the concerns of Glasnevin residents. Welcome,Aideen.
Aideen White (AW): Thank you,I’m glad to be here to clarify some misconceptions and reassure Glasnevin residents about the benefits of the new network.
I: Let’s start with the new route 19.Glasnevin residents are worried about capacity issues,especially during peak hours and with airport passengers bringing luggage. How do you respond to these concerns?
AW: I understand where these concerns are coming from. We’ve been working diligently to ensure the new buses can handle the increased passenger flow.The new route 19 will operate with high-capacity buses that can accommodate more passengers than the current bus fleet. Additionally, we’ve timed the buses to match demand patterns, ensuring there’s enough capacity during peak hours.
I: But won’t the influx of luggage from airport passengers pose an additional challenge?
AW: That’s a valid point. We’ve factored this in as well. The new buses will have more space for luggage, and we’re also encouraging passengers to use designated luggage areas. We’ll be monitoring the situation closely and making adjustments as needed.
I: Some residents have expressed worries about accessibility for the elderly, wheelchair users, and those with buggies. How have you addressed these accessibility concerns?
AW: Accessibility is a top priority for us. All the new buses being introduced will be low-floor, easy-access vehicles. This means they’ll have level boarding and enough space for prams, wheelchairs, or walkers. We’ve also designed the routes to include more bus stops in densely populated areas with a higher elderly population, like Glasnevin.
I: Glasnevin residents feel they’ve been left out of the consultation process. They want direct engagement with the NTA and Dublin City Council. What’s your response to this?
AW: I want to assure the residents of Glasnevin that their voices have been heard. We’ve held numerous public consultations, attended community meetings, and received feedback through online surveys. The new network has been designed based on this feedback. While we might not have been able to meet everyone’s expectations perfectly, we’ve done our best to create a balanced network that serves the entire community.
I: Lastly, some residents are worried about the disruption to their daily routines with the new network. How would you reassure them?
AW: Change can be unsettling, and I understand that people might feel inconvenienced in the short term. Though, the new Bus Connects network promises better connectivity, increased frequency, and more direct routes. In the long run,I believe these improvements will make daily travel easier and more convenient for everyone,including Glasnevin residents.
I: Thank you, Aideen, for taking the time to address these concerns. We hope this interview will alleviate some of the worries among Glasnevin residents.
AW: Thank you. I encourage residents to reach out to us if they have any further questions or concerns. We’re here to help make this transition as smooth as possible.
