COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

MOTION NO.13

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

Cathaoirleach's Business

This committee requests that the Chief Executive provide an explanation as to why the council has not engaged with the relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Education and Bus Éireann, to explore the introduction of a school bus service in the Lucan area, particularly in light of motions raised in previous years.

With the continued growth in both traffic volume and the school-going population, the need for such a service has become increasingly critical. The existing public transport infrastructure in Lucan is facing significant challenges, including overcrowded buses and many students unable to secure seats, resulting in higher traffic congestion and safety concerns for schoolchildren.

Given the council's role as a Roads Authority, it is imperative to consider how a dedicated school bus service could relieve pressure on local traffic and enhance road safety. The motion calls on the Chief Executive to liaise with the appropriate national bodies and actively explore the feasibility of introducing a school bus service in Lucan to improve traffic management and provide a safe, efficient transportation option for students.

REPORT: 

School transport does not fall within the function of the Local Authority but rather is the responsibility of Dept of Education, and delivered on its behalf by Bus Éireann.

The Council has a very positive approach to Active Travel across the county with significant investment in walking and cycling schemes via  Cycle South Dublin (CySD) which was adopted in 2021 and proposes a set of 45 routes that will deliver over 260km of new and improved cycle lanes over a ten-year period.   These programmes are aimed at making cycling a realistic and integral part of how people move around the County. 

Active Travel schemes also incorporate the Safe Routes to School Programme and Traffic Schemes (New Pedestrian Crossings). The Safe Routes to School programme aims to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities, alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing walking and cycling facilities.

In summary there are no proposals to explore the feasibility of introducing and implementing a Council led school bus service anywhere within the county.   However, given the sentiments outlined in the motion relative to Lucan, if the motion is passed by this Committee, a copy will issue to the NTA Bus Route Planning department, Bus Eireann and the Department of Education on behalf of the AC Members.