BusConnects Dublin - Bus Network Changes Discussion

Mad that a planning application for a bus lane can be in ABP for 1.5 years and not even a hint of oral hearing. The whole system is simply not sufficient. How can we expect to reach a 1st World infrastructure standard with all these self imposed obstacles.

Good that the word about this route is spreading out. It's also worth to mention that this route wasn't on the first version of the BC plan and only appeared at later stage. This proves that the NTA did improve the plan and considered the suggestions thorough the public consultations.

On the initial network redesign map: Blanch Centre, straight onto the N3, M50 to Ballymun exit, Old Airport Road, Airport, M1 to junction 1, R139, Hole in the Wall Road, Clongriffin

FYI Bray to City Centre Core Bus Corridor off to ABP email dated 10 Aug 2023 at 0900

Dear Community Forum Member,   

This is a no-reply email address. Please feel free to email queries to cbc@busconnects.ie 

We are emailing you to provide a status update in relation to the Core Bus Corridors specifically the Bray to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme.

This week, the National Transport Authority (NTA) gave notice of its application under Section 51(2) of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended) to An Bord Pleanála for approval in relation to a proposed road development consisting of the construction of the Bray to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme.

For information, a small number of changes have been made to this scheme following consideration of the submissions received during the third round of public consultation (at the end of 2020) and these are summarised below.

• UCD Interchange design has been further developed;
• The design has been co-ordinated with the proposed Belfield / Blackrock to City Centre CBC at the Nutley Lane Junction;
• The design at the RTE junction has been further refined to tie-in to existing infrastructure within the RTE grounds;
• Two-way cycle track connection along the N11 Merrion Grove junction to the Coláiste Eoin School to provide a more direct connection to the northbound school going cyclists;
• The proposed coach stop at the Talbot Hotel has been moved further south to remove the impact to the Talbot Hotel forecourt;
• The service road between Old Cherrywood Road Junction and Loughlinstown Roundabout has been retained as two-way, following change to a one-way road under the Emerging Preferred Route Option;
• Rebuilding of the Woodbrook Side Lodge residential property at a new location east of its current location at the southern end of the Woodbrook estate has been included as part of the Proposed Scheme;
• The design has been further developed between Ravensdale Park and Dwyer Park to provide for continuous cycle lane and bus lane while minimising the impact to properties and the heritage wall on the east side at Belton Terrace;
• A number of junction, crossings and parking modifications along the corridor;
• Layouts of all bus stops enhanced and some bus stop locations / layouts have been optimised to allow better connectivity for bus passengers;
• Landscaping updated throughout; and
• Cycle facilities have been further optimised.

A copy of the application documentation may be viewed and downloaded free of charge at www.brayscheme.ie . Please note all previous documents regarding BusConnects are still available on www.busconnects.ie

Submissions/observations on this scheme may be made in writing to the Board at An Bord Pleanála (Strategic Infrastructure Division), 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902 between Tuesday 15th August 2023 and Tuesday 10th October 2023.

Any submissions/observations must be accompanied by a fee of €50 and must be received by the Board not later than 5.30 p.m. on the 10th October 2023. This fee will not apply to certain prescribed bodies including those specified in Section 51(3)(b) of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended) or to landowners and others with a legal interest in land who are objecting to compulsory acquisition of land in which they have such an interest in a compulsory acquisition case.

Submissions/observations can also be made on the An Bord Pleanála website at the following address: https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/observations

Yours Sincerely,

BusConnects Team

Quick look at the plans shows yet again another fudge,I just looked at the central end because the rest of the route is already a dual carriageway and little will change anyway. It looks like a design focused on maximising car traffic, an actual slip lane, dual carriageway style is to be retained at the south east corner of Stephens Green, bus lanes are abandoned innfavournof right turning lanes, for example at the morehampton road/ Victoria avenue junction. Footpaths remain substandard throughout to force more car lanes in. Hatch Street is included in the scheme but only as a car parking street, to accommodate their dual carriageway designs. Earlsfort terrace is included but again only for more turning lanes and parking.

Is there a rule that the south side corridors have to be lower quality than the North side ones? They're also significantly lower spec than what was agreed at public consultation. Why have 3 rounds of public consultation on bus and cycle lanes and then scrap all that and apply for planning for basically retaining the status quo?

Interesting that there's no access for cars from Leeson Street to St. Stephen's Green. At least they've gotten rid of that awful pinch point at that junction they have at the moment.

Yeah until the signalling works are done then I don’t think there will be any change. The works are fairly drastic in comparison to what’s there now, something like relocating the stop line 70m away from the bridge.

The footpaths there aren't wide enough for a wheelchair, it's basically removing people's independence so that they can have a small central median for a signage pole. There even appears to be three medians separating lanes at one point. Bin it is the only answer. Why are these so much worse than what was presented at public consultation?

quick question- how are these bus lanes protected from encroachment from cars being parked in certain spots?

Will there be a raised kerb or those plastic bollards or will it be down to the Gardai?

I know we won’t have ANPR in place but will there be any measures at all- bar the gardai?

So essentially, this is not BRT at all despite it being marketed as such

There were 3 rounds of public consultation. The last round was supposed to be a complete version or near complete. But we see that in some cases its completely changed to a car parking scheme.

Really shocking how they've hacked out the footpath there.

Public feedback isn't sufficient to counter policy, circumvent design standards or remove the rights of the disabled.