Amy Rohu
The National Transport Authority in conjunction with Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland have launched the third phase of the new BusConnects network for Dublin, as part of the Transport for Ireland network. This phase, which took effect at the weekend, includes two new orbital routes the N4 and N6.
As orbital routes, N4 and N6 provide fast and frequent bus services between communities across north Dublin, without requiring customers to travel into the city centre. They represent a very significant improvement and enhancement of the existing 17a.
Go-Ahead Ireland will run the N6 route, linking Finglas and Howth Junction, via Beaumont Hospital. N4, which will be operated by Dublin Bus, will connect Blanchardstown Shopping Centre with the Point Village, via Finglas and Dublin City University, 24 hours a day.
There is a 10-minute frequency on both the N4 and N6 at most times on weekdays and Saturdays, with lower frequencies on Sundays.
Speaking about the launch, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said: “This marks another achievement for the ambitious BusConnects project.
These new services will better connect areas in the north of the city. They will provide an easy, accessible, and more sustainable way for people to travel from Howth to Blanchardstown and into the Point and the North Quays in the city centre.
This latest phase of the new network provides communities in these areas not just with increased frequency, but also a night service offering commuters 24-hour bus connections. This will enable more commuters to rely on public transport for all their needs and further reduce the need for cars on our roads.”
Ray Coyne, CEO of Dublin Bus added: “The launch of the new N4 route will provide people across west and north Dublin with 24-hour direct access to the docklands and key parts of the city’s business district.
Crucially, it will also connect Blanchardstown to The Point Village via Finglas, Glasnevin, DCU, and Clontarf. This will bring increased capacity, frequency and more connections for customers looking to use to other public transports such as commuter rail, DART and Luas.
The N4 will be the sixth 24-hour Dublin Bus service, demonstrating our commitment to meeting the changing needs of customers and the city. The introduction of the N4 and other orbitals will also help us increase growth in public transport usage, combat climate change and mitigate congestion by making bus services a better, quicker and more reliable option.”
For more information on the new northern orbital routes, visit www.transportforireland.ie/northern-orbitals.
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