The National Transport Authority (NTA) has opened a €20m bus plaza facility at Liffey Valley shopping centre as part of the BusConnects programme.
The plaza provides a new hub for bus services connecting south and west Dublin, north Kildare and the city centre. Almost 200,000 people visit Liffey Valley every week
The NTA expects the opening will support a 75% increase in bus services as part of a revised network, with the number of buses stopping at the shopping centre per hour set to increase from 12 to 21. Bus services from Liffey Valley to the city centre will also increase 50%.
Six bus routes will terminate at the new hub, including the BusConnects 'G-Spine' route G2, orbital routes S4, W2, radials 80, and local routes L51 and 53.
Located near the N4 footbridge, the bus plaza will also enable easy access to all 'C-Spin' routes as well as to orbital route W5 and local route 52.
In Association with
Figures show that approximately 2,260 bus journeys are completed in the area every day with this number set to increase under the revised network. Buses will use the plaza for set down and pick up, with park-up facilities located to the rear of the centre.
“By investing €20m in this new bus plaza and by rolling out new services across the city, we can encourage more people to use public transport and reduce their reliance on the car to get to work, school or for shopping," said Minister of State Jack Chambers.
Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA, said: “The launch of this new bus plaza facility at Liffey Valley marks an important milestone in the rollout of BusConnects in Dublin. BusConnects' main focus is to provide a better, more reliable and more efficient bus service for everyone.
“This new hub will help to make public transport the number one choice for those traveling to the centre and increase connectivity between suburbs and town centres, without having to travel into the city Centre. Designed for ease of access, the bus plaza will support a 75% increase in bus services operating in the area.
“The opening of this new bus plaza is one further step in the delivery of a high-quality bus system that meets the needs of communities in west Dublin.”
Frank Martin, managing director, asset management, Hines Ireland, which manages Liffey Valley, welcomed the opening of the bus plaza, saying it would improve access to the shopping centre and enhance the visitor experience.
"Liffey Valley Shopping Centre is committed to providing sustainable transport for customers and staff and we are delighted that the Bus Plaza and associated bus services now enables a seamless arrival to and departure from our front door," he added.
The plaza features a canopy with six bus bays along with a fully accessible set-down area.
The nearby Yellow car park area has been redeveloped and now increases additional spaces for drivers with disabilities and families, as well as electric vehicle charging points, street furniture, passenger waiting areas, real-time data on car parking space availability, real-time passenger journey signage and new public lighting.
Photo: Minister ack Chambers and Anne Graham. (Pic: Julien Behal)
