On Air Now East Coast FM 2:30am - 6:00am Email
Now Playing Moondance Van Morrison Download

Calls To Abandon Metro And Bus Connects Projects Widely Criticised

The National Bus and Rail Union says they should be replaced by lower cost plans because of Covid 19.

The NBRU has written to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and other party leaders calling for radical changes to Ireland's transport system.

It says public transport cannot work with social distancing if it goes back to pre-Covid-19 norms and has called for the Metro and BusConnects projects to be scrapped for cheaper options.

General Secretary Dermot O'Leary says Bus Connects may not be needed if less people are using public transport:

CEO of Dublin Bus Ray Coyne has called the proposals odd while Green Party MEP Ciaran Cuffe says Dublin Metro and Bus Connects can’t be scrapped.

The NBRU has also called for staggered opening times for schools and workplaces and proposes park and ride facilities around urban centres and more frequent busses

The controversial €2 billion plan has been redesigned again, following a record 50,000 public submissions.

Under the plans, more 'bus gates' like the one at Trinity College will be brought in as well as more one way systems for private cars.

8 high frequency routes would serve Dublin City Centre, with a spine serving Howth and the north-east city, while 10 orbital routes would reduce the need for people to go into the city centre.

The NTA says it will increase bus services in Dublin by 22%.

Areas that'll have direct routes to the city centre include Donaghmede, Tyrellstown, Sallynoggin and Enniskerry.

While Dunboyne, Mulhuddart, Lucan, Blessington, Greystones would get a rush hour service.

 

More from East Coast FM Wicklow News

Later...

Co Wicklow Weather

  • Bray

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 11°C | Low: 4°C

  • Wicklow

    Light rain shower

    High: 11°C | Low: 5°C

  • Arklow

    Light rain shower

    High: 11°C | Low: 3°C

  • Blessington

    Light rain shower

    High: 11°C | Low: 3°C

  • Baltinglass

    Light rain shower

    High: 12°C | Low: 2°C

Listen Live Listen