Background

BusConnects is the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) masterplan for bus travel in Dublin. One of the key initiatives is the Core Bus Corridors, in which the NTA proposes to build 230km of bus lanes and 200km of segregated cycle track across all the routes. This would make BusConnects the largest cycling infrastructure project in the history of the state, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enhance and grow cycling for transport.

Through 2022 and 2023 the NTA is submitting planning applications to An Bord Pleanála for many of the Core Bus Corridors of BusConnects. This gives us as stakeholders (and you, as someone interested in improving Dublin’s cycling environment) an opportunity to give feedback. You can see information on the applications here, or by searching on An Bord Pleanála’s website. This application was lodged with An Bord Pleanála in July, 2022.

We need to ensure that BusConnects delivers to its full potential, and we have been engaging with the applicant, National Transport Authority, through all stages of this project including the multiple rounds of public consultation, community forums, and through one to one meetings.

Our submission

Dublin Cycling Campaign generally welcomes the design of this Corridor, as it’ll reduce bus journey times, increase separation between people on bikes and other traffic (both motorised and on foot) and it creates continuous cycle routes.

Section 3 of our submission (PDF downloadable from link below) seeks improvements, however. The junction designs mix turning traffic with people cycling straight ahead; better traffic calming on the Basin View to Echlin Street ‘Quiet Streets’, and cycle lane widths of at least 1.5m throughout to allow for less able cyclists and others who may use tricycles, recumbent cycles, cargo bikes, or handcycles.

The lanes on High Street are narrow, too, even though four full lanes of motor traffic, plus stretches of turning lanes, are allowed for.

We also call for the Authority to include a condition on all BusConnects designs to require all cycle tracks be wide enough so all users - including those with disabilities using adapted or non-standard cycles - have equal access.

Next steps

We’re looking forward to continued engagement - we’ve requested an Oral Hearing before the Bord decide on planning permission - and with the NTA as the design progresses and contractors are given final details.

Meanwhile, do have a look at our submission and the plans, and make your own submission to An Bord for future applications, if you can. Submissions are now closed for this Corridor, but keep an eye out for future ones. We need many voices demanding better cycling facilities or BusConnects won’t deliver on its huge potential. Please:

• Spread the word to your friends and family. Encourage them to make a submission too
• Contact your local councillors and TDs. Tell them you want to see these improvements

Again, you can read our full submission to An Bord Pleanála in the PDF that’s linked below.