Significant sustainable transport for Dublin in Budget 2021 – Higgins

Budget 2021 commits to significant sustainable transport for our capital city, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Emer Higgins said the suite of measures included in the Budget will provide Dubliners with viable and affordable transport alternatives, while also working to meet our climate and environmental objectives.

Deputy Higgins said: “Funding of approximately €1.8 billion has been allocated for sustainable mobility around the country, including public transport, carbon reduction programmes, active travel and greenways.

“Next year in Dublin we will see construction continue on the National Train Control Centre at Heuston Station and the completion of the city centre re-signalling programme which will improve safety and reliability and increase capacity within the existing city centre rail network.

“It will also see the enhancement and expansion of the PSO bus fleets, including Dublin Bus, through the purchase of additional buses, and will also see more new hybrid buses enter into service.

“We will also see the roll-out of BusConnects Dublin improved services on two of the new network spines, as well as submission of the planning application to An Bord Pleanála for the Dublin BusConnects Core Bus Corridors.

“Next year we will also see the progression of Next Generation Ticketing, or account-based ticketing under the BusConnects programme.

“In West Dublin, construction will continue on a new rail station at Pelletstown, as well as re-commissioning works at Kishogue station and construction will begin on a new DART station at Woodbrook in South Dublin.

“Commuters will also welcome the delivery and entry into service of the remaining additional longer trams and tram extensions to the existing tram fleet on the Luas Green Line.

“For travel beyond the capital, Budget 2021 will see the expansion of the rail fleet with the construction of 41 additional InterCity Railcar carriages.

“The contract will also be signed for the largest ever rail fleet expansion with potential for up to 600 electric or battery electric carriages.”

Deputy Higgins concluded: “Overall the money we have secured as part of Budget 2021 will help to further develop our transport system by linking and strengthening communities across the capital.”

ENDS