NTA Response to F-Spine Residents' Queries

I want to thank everyone who took the time to share their experiences and concerns about the F Spine route launch under BusConnects, particularly around the replacement or withdrawal of existing routes including the 49 and 65B. I raised these issues directly with the National Transport Authority (NTA), and their response (published in full below) confirms that these routes will not be reinstated. While the NTA highlights increased frequency, free 90-minute interchange, and new links via the A-Spine and S6, many residents rightly feel that these changes do not reflect how people actually travel, especially students commuting to schools in Templeogue and Terenure.

What is most disappointing is the lack of meaningful engagement with local communities before these decisions were finalised. This process has felt like it happened to us, not with us. And while BusConnects was developed under Fine Gael in government, it appears that representatives from that party have been noticeably absent from this debate. I have received feedback from individuals saying that they have not responded to questions or made themselves available to address the real-world impact these changes are having.

I will keep pushing for better public transport, but also for better public consultation. If we want a network that truly serves our communities, then residents need to be at the heart of changes and not seen as an inconvenient obstacle.

For travel between Oldbawn / Firhouse it will be possible to interchange at Templeogue between either new route F1 (running every fifteen minutes) and the new A-Spine routes A1 or A3 (with a combined frequency of at least ten buses per hour). Interchange is free of charge using the 90-minute fare. New route S6 also serves Oldbawn and northern Firhouse, giving direct links every fifteen minutes with Dundrum and UCD and connecting with new routes A2/A4 for Terenure, Rathgar and Rathmines.

We recognise that some current direct links are no longer provided in the new network. However, the new services are generally more frequent and new connections are created. Combined with free interchange using the 90-minure fare we consider that the changes offer an improved overall network.

There are therefore no plans to change the plans for new route F1. Detailed information will be delivered to local residents and businesses in the weeks before the new service is introduced.

Please note that the new network is being implemented in stages. Route F1 will replace route 49 this autumn with a more precise date to be confirmed in due course. Route 65b will continue until the new A-Spine services start, currently planned for Q3 2026, subject to operational readiness and funding.

NTA Oireachtas Liaison 5th August 2025