Enda Kenny
Question:220 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Education the estimated replacement cost of the existing yellow school bus fleet; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Enda Kenny
Question:221 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Education the number of vehicles, by category, in the school transport fleet; the average age of the large yellow school buses; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 221 together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the replacement costs of the existing yellow bus fleet is not readily available.
Bus Éireann has been pursuing a replacement programme for the buses in question for some years now, and the total number of yellow buses in use has been reduced from 798 in 1983 to 455 at present.
Under its replacement programme, Bus Éireann seeks to replace an average of 60 yellow buses a year through the acquisition of more modern stock. However, the rate at which such replacements can be acquired, and the cost involved at any particular time, will be dictated by the availability of suitable alternative vehicles.
The following is a breakdown of existing vehicles operating in the school transport fleet:
|
Department/ Bus Éireann |
Contractors |
|
|
Medium buses |
68 |
135 |
|
Large buses |
680 |
304 |
|
Mini-buses/cars |
30 |
1,107 |
The average age of the yellow buses is approximately 20 years.