A NEW bus service connecting a Dublin suburb to the new Luas line is needed to ease traffic congestion and commuter frustration, a Fine Gael TD has said.
Deputy Noel Rock had a constructive meeting with Dublin Bus in recent days where he raised the proposal of a bus route which would connect Finglas and communities there with the new LUAS line at Broombridge.
“A bus connection between Finglas and Broombridge would allow commuters from Finglas to get to the city centre in around half an hour. This could be a major boost to the area, reducing the traffic on our roads and tackling the strain of overcrowded services like the 140 Dublin Bus route.
“This proposal would make a lot of sense, and has been positively received by Dublin Bus and by the people of Finglas – with over 2,300 people signing a petition in support of it. Such a route would mean more transport options for Finglas communities. They can leave the car at home. This will save transport costs for anyone working in Dublin city and result in more savings for families.
“The National Transport Authority recommended in its Dublin plan that when LUAS Cross City is completed, which it now is, that an extension to Finglas would commence,” Deputy Rock said.
“I am hopeful that this interim bus connection could be the first step in the process of getting an actual LUAS extension to Finglas, something that would greatly enhance our community here. LUAS is a great service and we cannot stop at last month’s expansion of the Green Line.
“Right now though, it’s clear that we need public transport solutions in the short-term for Finglas, and this would definitely be a solid first stepping stone that can demonstrate the demand for such a service. In the meantime such a connection would improve the public transport offering in Finglas substantially.
“Finglas has always been treated badly when it comes to investment in new public transport – that needs to end,” said the Dublin North West TD.