COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

MOTION NO.3

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

That this Area Committee requests the Chief Executive to provide an update regarding the longstanding issue of private vehicles parking within the bus lane corridor extending from the Castle Gate area towards the Adamstown Link Road and to outline what measures, engagement, communications strategy or enforcement planning has been undertaken or is proposed in advance of any future expansion or introduction of additional bus services within the Adamstown area. And further, having regard to the fact that sections of this bus lane have remained largely unused for public transport purposes for many years, during which time significant numbers of local residents have come to rely upon the area for informal parking due to ongoing parking pressures within Adamstown to ask how the Council intends to manage any future transition away from such usage in a manner that minimises conflict with residents while facilitating the delivery of enhanced public transport infrastructure and bus connectivity within the wider Adamstown area.

REPORT:

The bus lane along Adamstown Link road is currently marked and lined as a bus lane as part of the strategic transport infrastructure for the Adamstown area. While it is accepted that there are presently no active bus services operating along this specific route, the infrastructure has been preserved to facilitate future public transport provision in line with wider transport planning objectives.

The Traffic section is aware that informal parking has developed within the bus lane, largely due to ongoing parking pressures in the Adamstown area.
 
However, the Council’s position is that:
  • The bus lane designation remains in place intentionally and is being protected for future operational use.
  • Enforcement of parking restrictions within the bus lane is not currently being prioritised, given that the lane is not yet in active use for bus services.
  • The existing informal parking arrangement is not giving rise to significant or immediate road safety concerns at this time.
The Traffic section believes it inappropriate to formally re-designate the area as car parking, as doing so would create greater conflict and disruption at a later stage when bus services are introduced and the lane must revert to its intended purpose.
 
In terms of future commencement of Bus Routes:
Advance public communication will be undertaken once details of new or expanded bus routes are finalised and publicly announced.  The NTA will lead on the communication of any bus route changes. This communication will ensure that residents are given adequate notice of the need to cease parking in the bus lane.

Following the commencement of bus services, an Garda Síochána and the Council will implement appropriate enforcement measures to ensure the bus lane operates effectively and safely.

In summary, when better bus services are introduced, it is expected that less car use will be necessary in the Adamstown area.  And consequently, the overspill of car parking to the bus lane will be unnecessary. The actions outlined above, are considered the most practical measures the council can undertake in relation to the bus corridor item raised.