The Connecting Ireland programme is very welcome to address gaps in connections to local and regional centres in rural Ireland. It would be beneficial to ensure that the Strategy prioritises connecting rail stations together and with centres of employment. For example, between Celbridge and Leixlip as outlined in the North Kildare Study, Backweston is not adequately serviced by cycle infrastructure or buses and yet this campus will see significant growth over the coming years. There is an opportunity provide cycle infrastructure and a bus service connecting Louisa bridge and Hazelhatch station in Celbridge to Backweston campus.
I would also like to see consideration for the Luas to be extended to Hazelhatch to be included in the Strategy. The extension of the Dart to Hazelhatch is very welcome.
With regard to the following measures, it would be beneficial to strengthen the language by removing the text in brackets and inserting the word 'will'.
Measure BUS15 – Local Link and Demand Responsive Transport [It is the intention of] The NTA [to] will further develop the Local Link programme as a key element of the regional transport system, in order to ensure that rural areas are adequately served.
Measure BUS13 – Connecting Ireland [It is the intention of] The NTA [to] will complete and implement the Connecting Ireland programme in the short term as a means of ensuring that the towns and villages of the GDA are well served by public transport.