Dublin has gone “overboard” with number of bus lanes, councillor claims

Fianna Fáil councillor John Stephens has said that Dublin has gone “overboard” with the number of bus lanes.

The Cabra-Glasnevin councillor was speaking at a recent meeting of the Central Area Committee, and questioned whether so many bus lanes were needed as they were not used as often on weekends.

The Deputy Lord Mayor told the meeting that constituents on Navan Road have asked him if bus lanes, strictly speaking, needed to be in operation 24/7.

“It’s something we may look at going forward, but I don’t think we need bus lanes in operation seven days a week, 24/7”

Stephens questioned the necessity of having the 24/7 bus lane services in operation during weekends, at a time he perceives to be less busy on Dublin’s roads.

“During the weekends, I don’t see the congestion, and I really think we should free up a lot of these areas because it’s adding to congestion during the weekends. I don’t think we need bus lanes in operation 24/7.”

The Fianna Fáil councillor said “we should be able to give the motorists a break,” and that bringing back business and activity to central Dublin should be a key priority of the council.

In relaying his concerns to fellow councillors, Stephens told the meeting, “I was asked a few residents who live in the area ‘do they ever go shopping in the city centre?” and asked, ‘would you carry out seven bags on a bus?’”

“If we want to get real about bringing activity back into the city, we have to encourage motorists to go in and do their shopping, I think we’ve gone overboard as regards to bus lanes,” he said.

Stephens’ comments stand in contrast to other elected representatives, who don’t believe there are enough bus services in the West Dublin area and that more public transport is needed in the area.

The 120 and 122 bus routes, in particular, has become a point of contention for people in both Dublin 7 and Dublin 15, with residents noting that the route has suffered a decline in quality in recent times.