11th July 2001

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY CALL FOR MERRION ROAD QBC

The Green Party has called for a Quality Bus Corridor along the Merrion Road between Dun Laoghaire and the City Centre. The route would run along the Coast between Dun Laoghaire and Merrion Square. There are currently no plans to introduce a QBC on this key route.

“A QBC would take some of the pressure of the DART” explained Councillor Ciarán Cuffe of the Green Party today. Even the new DART carriages are packed full to capacity in the morning and evening rush. The introduction of a Quality Bus Corridor would spread the load and get more people to and from town quicker.

“Merrion Road is a very dangerous road, and the introduction of a QBC might help prevent some of the weaving and dangerous driving practices that occur on this stretch of roadway. I also feel a cycle lane should be provided as part of the upgrading.

“Public transport needs investment now. It is crucial that people taking the bus are not kept waiting while streams of cars with one person in them pass them by. A QBC would make life easier for thousands of hard-pressed commuters. I have written  to the Dublin Transportation Office, urging them to include a QBC on the Merrion Road in any future Transport Plan.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Ciarán Cuffe   6183082   or   087 265 2075