Bus Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022

Tuesday, 13 December 2022

Questions (216)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

216. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if Dublin Bus plans to have a 51X Bus departing UCD Belfield going towards Dunawley at 6.20 p.m. on Monday to Friday during term periods only. [61887/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the 51X Bus, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

I am writing to you concerning the matter you raised in Parliamentary Question No. 216 on 13 December last which has been referred to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for reply. The Authority can confirm that there are no immediate plans for increase in services on 51x but under BusConnects Network redesign the replacement services will include a number of PM / evening services. Route 51x is due to be replaced by route X55 in phase 8 (Spring 2024). This service will run to Ringsend, not to UCD. The current plan is for 3 AM peak departures and 2 PM peak departures but this is subject to change. The Authority will be reviewing the proposed phase 8 frequencies within the next few months. As such, we can provide an update after this element of the process is complete.