NTA must get serious about public transport to Phoenix Park – Currie

Transport officials must consider providing public transport that operates within Phoenix Park and connections for residents from surrounding areas, according to Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie.

Senator Currie, who represents Dublin West, said: “Last weekend we once again saw the shortcomings of Phoenix Park connectivity as the Bloom festival overwhelmed the Park at times with congestion and delays. This was despite the free shuttle buses running from Park Gate Street for the duration of the event and various road closures.

“Advice from the organisers estimated a 20-minute walk from the numerous bus stops outside the Park. The 46a which terminates at North Circular Road Gate, with Phoenix Park displayed at the front of the bus, was a 30-minute walk. These distances are off-putting for people who want to access landmarks or attractions around the Park, not just at Bloom but all the time.

“Last July, nearly twelve months ago the OPW launched a Phoenix Park Transport Plan including several actions, some of which have been implemented like the 30kph speed limit and using Chesterfield Ave for cycling. But others have not been progressed such as a new bus route from Heuston to Broombridge Stations via the Phoenix Park and a Parking Strategy. Both of which need to be prioritised as soon as possible.

“According to the OPW, the protected pillars at Cabra Gate can’t be moved and even if they could then the protected gates, which have just been refurbished, wouldn’t fit. The NTA has known since last October a standard bus isn’t an option but yet there doesn’t seem to have been any progress.

“The OPW knows that a significant proportion of the public is in favour of more sustainable ways to access the Phoenix Park and over 77 percent of respondents in their Transport and Mobility Study last year supported the provision of public transport to major visitor attractions within the Park. If specific shuttle buses, ideally electric, have to be purchased for the Park they can be put to good use, not just with the limited route they are currently seeking to introduce, but with an internal route that operates around the Park connecting the various landmarks. An external route should also be reconsidered to access the Park from Dublin 15.

“Currently, only 6% of the public avail of public transport while accessing the Phoenix Park. The demand is there for more. It would be good for visitors. It would be good for tourism. So I just don’t understand the delay,” Senator Currie concluded.