Better public transport a necessity, not a luxury – Brennan

Fianna Fáil General Election Candidate for Dublin Rathdown, Cllr Shay Brennan, has said better provision of public transport is absolutely necessary.

He said that improving public transport will incentivise more people to make use of it, and called on the National Transport Authority (NTA) to collaborate closely with local communities to ensure the BusConnects project benefits as many people as possible.

He said: “It is hard to ignore the pressing urban transport issues that persist, particularly in Dublin Rathdown. This is despite efforts like the BusConnects project, which has been in the works since 2017.

“The promise of better public transport seems increasingly distant, leaving residents grappling with unreliable bus services that often come with delays, missed stops, and a complete lack of options during the night.

“For many, this dire situation forces reliance on taxis or personal vehicles, both of which come with their own set of burdens, such as substantial maintenance costs.”

Cllr Brennan also said the loss of key bus routes in the Dublin Rathdown area has meant the loss of a lifeline for many residents.

He said: “The 17, 75, and 175 bus routes were lifelines for many residents, and their removal has significantly impacted accessibility. While BusConnects promises improvements, it has left many without adequate access, forcing them to either rely on their cars or potentially miss important appointments.

“It is crucial that the NTA collaborates closely with local communities and public representatives to ensure that the BusConnects project benefits everyone, not just a select few.

“Additionally, we cannot overlook the pressures created by major developments such as Cherrywood. The rapid expansion in our area necessitates a corresponding upgrade in our transport infrastructure. I firmly believe that cancelling the Metro upgrade to Sandyford was a grave mistake. It is vital that we advocate for this critical improvement, as a robust public transport system is essential for a thriving community.

“As we move forward, it’s imperative that we come together to demand a transport network that meets the needs of all residents in Dublin Rathdown. Let’s push for a system that connects us, rather than one that isolates us. Public transport should be a right, not a privilege, and we must hold our decision-makers accountable to ensure that it becomes a reality.”

-ENDS-