Vol. 500 No. 7
138 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has contacted Bus Éireann following the lightning strike in Cork city last week where workers were protesting regarding the deteriorating quality of the bus fleet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4756/99]
139 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals, if any, she has to invest in the bus fleet in Cork city and suburbs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4757/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together.
My officials were kept informed of the situation with regard to the recent unofficial industrial action in Cork by Bus Éireann.
Under its normal fleet replacement programme Bus Éireann hopes to purchase a total of 40 buses this year, of which 30 would be city type buses and ten would be suburban type buses. These will be allocated to a number of the cities served by the company. It is hoped that the first ten buses will be in place by May. As Cork is the largest of the cities served by Bus Éireann it will be allocated the highest proportion of these vehicles.
In addition, CIE has submitted to me comprehensive proposals for public transport projects, including bus and rail, in its investment needs review for the greater Cork area. The proposals in the review are being considered in the context of the preparation of Ireland's application for post-1999 EU funding.
