Madam, - Cllr Marie Baker suggests (September 1st) that I don't understand the issues involved in the proposed quality bus corridor for Mount Merrion Avenue.
Given that I have a copy of the plans on my desk; made a nine-point written submission to the county council back in May; met the residents' association and the quality bus network office and have spoken with Dublin Bus and the residents on several occasions, I hope at this stage I have a sketchy understanding of the issues.
Anyone with an interest in transport in Dublin believes we need a dependable and improved bus network, including direct routes that directly connect towns such as Blackrock and Dundrum.
Good design can ensure that the concerns of residents are addressed, and that Mount Merrion Avenue is improved rather than diminished by the proposals.
The mature trees along the route can and should be retained.
Dublin Bus has indicated that it intends shortening the number 17 route, which currently has more U-turns than Seamus Brennan's transport policies. This will free up additional buses.
Can I leave the last word to Fine Gael's transport spokesperson, Dennis Naughten: "Fine Gael believes that the short-term solution to Dublin's transport problems lies in the greater use of buses. The blunt reality is that only buses can offer the level of flexibility and carry the number of passengers needed to make a real difference to Dublin's traffic congestion.
"We need the immediate evaluation of a new set of bus routes in the city to accommodate recent demographic shifts around the city." - Yours, etc.,
CIARÁN CUFFE, TD, (Green Party), Patrick Street, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.