Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 6

Written Answers. - Dublin Bus Link Project.

Tony Gregory

Question:

205 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the shortfall, if any, in EU funding for the Dublin Bus omni link project; if capital or operational costs were involved; if the project is now working satisfactorily; if there is sufficient public awareness of the project; and his views on whether the alternative pilot routes such as Route 103 should be tested. [11432/95]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

Omni link is a new wheechair-accessible minibus service for the general public operated as a pilot scheme by Dublin Bus on behalf of the Interdepartmental Transport Accessibility Committee, which is chaired by my Department.

The project was undertaken by the committee on the basis that it would attract a grant of £592,000 under the EU Horizon Programme, representing a contribution to the capital and operating costs over a two-year period. In the event, total EU funding made available was limited to approximately £210,000, relating almost entirely to the capital element. In view of the shortfall in the EU contribution, the project was reviewed and it was decided that a city centre service linking the O'Connell Street and St. Stephen's Green areas to the wheelchair-accessible DART system would be introduced instead of the Clontarf-Finglas, Route 103, service originally planned.

The new service, Route 222, which went into operation on 28 May was publicised by means of newspaper advertisements, press releases and leaflets circulated to 34 organisations representing people with disabilities and has also been featured on a number of radio programmes. While I am advised that revenue on the route has been poor so far, I understand that it is considered too early to draw any definite conclusions about the viability of the pilot scheme at this stage. The interdepartmental committee is monitoring the situation and will review every aspect of the project, including the question of public awareness and the desirability of alternative routes and other service arrangements.