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BusConnects Dublin Case Study

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Improving Bus and Bike Access Through Environmental Assessments

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Environmental ConsultingEnvironmental Consulting

Industry

Ground Transportation

Location

Ireland

It is a key part of the Government’s policy to improve public transport and address climate change in Dublin and other cities across Ireland. BusConnects is a key component within a number of Government and regional policies which include the National Development Plan 2021- 2030, Climate Action Plan 2023, the National Planning Framework 2040 and the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042. The project includes the provision of approximately 230km of designated bus lanes and 200km of cycle tracks in 12 separate schemes across five local authority areas.

Challenge

The aim is to create a sustainable, low-carbon transit network that alleviates road congestion, supports economic growth, and strengthens connectivity. BusConnects integration with Luas, the DART and the proposed MetroLink stations will offer improved multimodal connections, creating a more accessible, efficient, and climate-friendly urban transportation system for Dublin’s future. However, with any infrastructure project, there is the potential for environmental impacts. In addition to the challenge of assessment, the scale of the project, progressing 12 separate schemes, which included 16 individual bus corridors, presented its own co-ordination challenges.

Solutions

AWN Consulting Ltd., a Trinity Consultants team, rose to the challenge of co-ordination of our expert teams to meet the deadlines set down by the client to ensure timely progression of the BusConnects program. AWN Consulting provided essential environmental services for BusConnects Dublin, conducting detailed baseline investigations and monitoring programmes, detailed air quality, noise and climate modelling and environmental impact assessment reporting. Working as a sub-consultant to Jacobs, and alongside Roughan & O’Donovan, AECOM and Arup on the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), AWN focused on noise & vibration, air quality, and climate impact assessments, crucial for understanding and mitigating potential impacts on the environment and surrounding communities.

Services Performed

The team conducted detailed baseline investigations and site monitoring, performed advanced air, noise, and climate impact modeling, prepared and submitted Environmental Impact Assessments, and coordinated with stakeholders and regulators.

Results

AWN’s expertise helped secure planning permission for nine of the twelve schemes by November 2024, with the final three pending. The program is now moving into procurement, with construction set to transform Dublin’s transit system — delivering 230 km of bus lanes and 200 km of cycle tracks. AWN’s proven performance also led to continued support for BusConnects Galway and Cork.

230 KM

Of dedicated bus lanes approved for construction

200 KM

Of new cycle tracks, enhancing urban mobility

12

Separate EIARs coordinated and submitted on schedule