Sir, – As the National Transport Authority responds to some public criticism evident in relation to the Bus Connects plan, it is important to highlight that while there are indeed concerns about numerous existing routes, there are some very positive reforms proposed within the plans.
As a case in point, locally in my area one welcome change would be to see the introduction of a new service on Mount Anville Road, serving in effect a catchment area of Goatstown, Mount Merrion and Clonskeagh where there is an existing gap in service provision.
In contrast, an example concern I have raised at council level relates to a proposed loss of service on the Upper Kilmacud Road (serving a long-established suburban area and two schools), yet instead of obstinate rejectionism, I have made a public submission seeking an additional variation to be added in relation to a new proposed route (adding what could be termed to be the “225A” route, to complement the new proposed “225” route) which would involve a relatively minor detour via Drummartin Link Road and in effect largely sustain the existing service provision on Upper Kilmacud Road.
I think that a greater attempt should be made generally to see where similar detours and adjustments to proposed new routes could be made to cover catchment areas where concerns have arisen (as highlighted in the public consultation) because in striving to make Bus Connects more workable in this manner, it not just serves to protect existing services but also champions some welcome new ones. – Yours, etc,
Cllr JOHN KENNEDY,
Dún Laoghaire
Rathdown County Council,
Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.