Watering down of Safety measures on the Liffey Valley BusConnects Scheme

The Dublin Commuter Coalition have criticised the proposed changes from the approved planning documents of the Liffey Valley BusConnects corridor that is scheduled to begin construction later this year. Not only do the proposed design changes seriously reduce public transport priority along Ballyfermot road and make the new junction far less safe for pedestrians and cyclists, the changes make a mockery of the fundamental principals of BusConnects by removing a proposed east bound bus lane in favour of a general traffic lane.

Furthermore, the impact of these changes would completely undermine the traffic assessments that took place as part of the formal planning process and were approved by an Bord Pleanala. Local residents will also miss out on two new children's playgrounds which have been removed to facilitate car parking spaces outside the church and an access way that will likely allow cars to skip the lights at the junction.

Approved Design

Newly proposed layout

The new layout also makes the junction far more confusing and dangerous for all road users. Not only are crossing distances for pedestrians increased, which will further delay vehicular traffic, the layout creates a new stopping point halfway through the junction. The newly proposed green area in front of the church is a very worrying point of conflict between various users as the area will clearly be used for drivers to skip the junction between Ballyfermot Road and Kylemore Road.

We are calling on the NTA and elected officials to immediately return the Liffey Valley BusConnects route back to the version that went through various rounds of consultation and was approved by An Bord Pleanala. The Commuters of Dublin are relying on the BusConnects project to deliver on its objectives. To reduce congestion, support active travel and make Dublin a more Commuter friendly city.  We will not accept last minute changes to facilitate the selfish interests of private motorists.

Chairperson of the Dublin Commuter Coalition Jason Cullen said:

The proposed last-minute changes to the Liffey Valley BusConnects route are a complete and utter insult to public & active transport users and the planning process itself. We cannot have such sweeping design changes being made just months ahead of construction after almost a decade of engagement with the planning and judicial processes.

It’s quite clear to anyone who understands transport design that this proposed approach will completely undermine the corridor by removing the east-bound bus lane, while also making the junction worse for everybody.