Bus Connects & Stoneybatter

Throughout the last number of weeks, I have engaged directly with officials in the National Transport Authority in an effort to ensure that the civic green space at the junction of Aughrim Street, Prussia Street and Manor Street is retained, irrespective of the proposed Core Bus Corridor that will affect Stoneybatter.

The National Transport Authority responded to me formally this evening stating that:

“While the current proposals regarding the Blanchardstown to City Centre Core Bus Corridor including through the Stoneybatter Area are concept plans only, we are aware of the issues and suggestions being raised through the very useful public consultation submissions received to-date. We are actively engaging through the various public consultation mechanisms, particularly in regard to urban realm impacts in the vicinity of the Prussia St & Manor St / Aughrim St intersection.

We are already looking at possible modifications to the layout of the proposals in this area and more widely in regard to parking, business access, etc. and we expect that the current open space layouts at the intersection area can be substantially retained.

This is a most welcome commitment by the National Transport Authority. We saw last Saturday, just how important and loved this civic green space is to Stoneybatter residents by the huge turnout at the Community Day of Action organized by local businesses and supported by myself, Pride of Place and other local representatives.

As your LOCAL Councillor, I have spent much of my time arguing for more and better public green spaces in Stoneybatter and across the North Inner City. That is why I have engaged directly with the National Transport Authority to secure this commitment about the retention of our civic space and will continue to do so throughout the coming months.

Notwithstanding this commitment, I urge all Stoneybatter residents and householders concerned about the wider impact of Bus Connects on our community to lodge a submission with the National Transport Authority ahead of Friday’s deadline.

Remember, you can submit your observations by:

• Online at http://www.BusConnects.ie
• Emailing cbc@busconnects.ie
• Writing to National Transport Authority, Dun Sceine, Harcourt Lane, Dublin 2, D02WT20.