Blanchardstown to Dublin Airport bus route needs to operate before late 2024, says Senator

Dublin West Senator Emer Currie has called on the National Transport Authority (NTA) to reconsider the timing of the launch of a new Dublin Airport to Blanchardstown route under Busconnects.

Senator Currie said the current timeline is too late for passengers who need a direct link now.

“The Blanchardstown to Dublin Airport direct link, the N8, has been on the table now for two years under revised Busconnects plans,” she said.

“In the first plans we saw, there was no direct bus and I worked hard to ensure it was included the second time around.

“However, the earliest it will be implemented is late 2024 and as I have said previously and numerously, this isn’t a fast enough delivery for an important strategic link”.

Senator Currie met with NTA recently about the issue and encouraged them to reconsider the timings.

She said: “This is a route that will go from Blanchardstown Shopping Centre to the airport, onto Clonshaugh and Clongriffin and it’s the second half of the route where there are infrastructural delays. If the NTA can sort out capacity at Dublin Airport, there’s no reason why the Blanchardstown link can’t be prioritised”.

“I’m urging the NTA to reconsider the prioritisation of all routes to Dublin Airport that can delivered without planning requirements or tricky infrastructure.

“It would be of huge benefit to our local communities and facilitate access to an airport that is busier than ever”.