I want to give you an update on the 123 bus. Obviously the main over riding problem is the fact the bus does not now travel through Marino (incl Marino Park & Croyden Park Ave) on its way back from the city centre. This is causing hardship for a considerable number of our residents.

I mentioned in a very recent local newsletter /update that I was working on an idea for an alternative route that may be helpful in alleviating some of the hardship. I ‘m not promising for one moment that this might solve our problem completely but I do want to let you know that I am trying and the situation has not been forgotten about. While the ideal solution would be to revert back to the old route, Dublin Bus are adamant that this is not possible at the moment, identifying parts of Brian Road including junction with Philipsburg Ave, as well as Morrough Tce and it’s junction with Philipsburg Ave (at C&T’s) as being particularly hazardous.

Recently, and after speaking to both former and current drivers I suggested to Dublin Bus that the 123 (even 2 or 3 times only in the afternoon on a trial basis.. even call it a 123A) on its way out of the city doesn’t turn up Philipsburg Ave at the Players Lounge but journeys past Fairview Church and along Fairview Strand until it turns left at Marino Mart / St Joseph's CBS.....on to Marino Park Ave (a bus previously travelled on this road)....on up to Marino Park (Bottom Circle)....up Croyden Park Ave (thereby avoiding Brian Road hazard) ....up to Croyden Gardens (Top Circle) and out to Philipsburg Ave using Croyden Tce ( the right turn onto Philipsburg Ave could be improved if necessary as there is small green (known locally as the three trees) at the location of the left turn and /or the yellow traffic box could be extended. Also buses turning onto Croyden Terrace (either City bound or Griffith Ave bound) could give way to a bus already on Croyden Terrace, which is a very short terrace and would only take a moment if necessary...and that way the buses would never have to pass each other on Croyden Tce.

This proposed route could be further enhanced with one or two strategically placed new bus stops.

I’m only proposing that a small number of buses travel this journey (maybe a 123A) in the afternoon to give people a chance to come back from town with their shopping etc. The proposal’s intention is to try and alleviate hardship and accommodate residents in our area but also not to disadvantage others and I would be still expecting a full service for residents on or near Philipsburg Ave. (as I’m sure time is been saved by Dublin Bus on the full schedule with buses travelling directly up Philipsburg Ave at the moment).

I will be investigating this matter further with Dublin Bus and I will keep up updated if anything positive happens.