asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that Córas Iompair Éireann purchased new and larger Leyland buses in Britain recently and are not permitted to use them on the ordinary bus routes but only on special trips; and whether, in view of the dilapidated condition of some of the old buses, he will request Córas Iompair Éireann to put some of the new buses into ordinary every-day service.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Use of New Buses.
I am informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that the Leyland buses recently imported from Britain are all double-deck buses which are suitable only for the Dublin and Cork city and suburban services. The provincial services are operated by single-deck buses which are build in the company's works. The dimensions and weight of the vehicles which may be used on regular omnibus services are subject to regulations made by the Minister for Local Government. When the roads are narrow or otherwise unsuitable for a particular type of vehicle, permission is not given for their use.
The company are at present engaged in the building of a number of single-deck buses of eight foot width, for which class of vehicle there is the greater demand. As soon as this programme is complete they propose to build a number of seven-and-a-half foot vehicles suitable for roads which are unable to take the larger vehicles.