asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport regarding an application by a private operator for a road passenger licence to operate bus services between Dublin and north west Clare and his refusal to grant the said licence on the grounds that there were sufficient services into the area, if he will indicate the nature of the sufficient service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dublin-Clare Bus Service Licence.
22.
In considering applications for road passenger licences I am required, in accordance with section 11 (3) of the Road Transport Act, 1932, to have regard, inter alia, to the passenger road services and other forms of passenger transport available to the public on or in the neighbourhood of the proposed service.
As the Deputy is aware, I discussed this matter last week with a delegation from west Clare when I outlined particulars of the improved services now being provided by Bus Éireann to this area. In the light of the discussions I am reconsidering the question of the provision of bus passenger services to north and west Clare.