Blanchardstown Bus Corridor planning lodged as part of #BusConnects

The National Transport Authority has formally applied to An Bord Pleanála seeking permission to advance the Blanchardstown Core Bus Corridor as part of BusConnects.

The planning application was lodged on July 5^th last, and it has been submitted under the terms of Section 51(2) of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). It is my understanding that a number of changes have been made to the proposed Blanchardstown Core Bus Corridor scheme, following consideration of the submissions received during the third round of public consultation (at the end of 2020). I have summarised the main changes, as follows:

• The N3 on-slip from Old Navan Road at Corduff modified to include a left turn filter lane.
• A Bus Driver Welfare Facility introduced along Blanchardstown Road South.
• Two bus stops and associated pedestrian ramps to the north of N3 Navan Road have been relocated to west of Mill Road.
• The Ashtown Road roundabout has been amended to a four-arm signalised junction.
• A number of Junction, Crossing and Parking Modifications introduced.
• The previously proposed two-way cycle track on Brunswick Street North has been amended to two one-way cycle tracks.
• The previously proposed two-way cycle track relocated to east side of Queen Street, with a reduction to one traffic lane from Blackhall Street to the Quays.
  • Offline traffic management strategy prepared to offset diversions due to online measures.
  • Landscaping updated throughout; and
  • Cycle facilities have been further optimised.

All the relevant documentation lodged with An Bord Pleanála as part of this planning application can be found online at www.Blanchardstownscheme.ie.

For ease of access, I have attached below a link to the Location Map which will enable you to delve deeper into what exactly the planning application means for Stoneybatter, particularly, Manor Street, Prussia Street, Aughrim Street and Hanlon’s Corner. It also provides details of the proposed traffic management changes submitted as part of the planning application.

A statutory consultation is now underway and will remain open until August 30^th next. As this is a statutory consultation, it will not be extended unlike the various informal consultation events organised by the National Transport Authority, so it is important that if you are making a submission that you get in before the deadline expires on August 30^th.

You can make a submission either online or by hand.

ONLINE – via https://online.pleanala.ie/en-ie/sid/observation.

BY HAND – Delivered in writing to An Bord Pleanála (Strategic Infrastructure Division), 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902.

Any submissions/observations must be accompanied by a fee of €50 and must be received by the Board not later than 5.30 p.m. on the 30th August 2022.  This fee will not apply to certain prescribed bodies including those specified in Section 51(3)(b) of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended) or to landowners and others with a legal interest in land who are objecting to compulsory acquisition of land in which they have such an interest in a compulsory acquisition case.

If you have any questions or queries arising from the details of the application process or specific proposals contained in the application, please get in touch with me by email at RayMcAdam@gmail.com.