Here’s what the NTA had to say about the changes...

The NTA would not respond to the specific issues we put to them but insisted they are taking on board the concerns people have about the new routes.

A spokesman for Bus Connect said: ‘We have held 33 public meetings across Dublin during the consultation period. We’ve been north, south, east, west of the city and out to Wicklow to listen to people’s concerns. We feel we’ve given as many people as possible the opportunity to speak locally. It’s a robust process — there’s been a great level of engagement and that’s very positive.

‘What we’ve proposed is a draft plan. We’re listening, are hearing loud and clear what people are saying and will respond in the best way we can. When we’ve looked at all the feedback, we will come back with a better version of the plan. That’s what we were always going to do and that’s the whole point; we’re a public agency, we’re happy to talk to politicians and constituents and continue to do that. The process of looking at the feedback has already begun with submissions collated and divided into geographical areas.

‘We have diverted NTA staff from other projects during the consultation period because we think it’s important. We will also work with consultant Jarrett Walker who’s due back next month.’