Olivia Mitchell
Question:173 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when it is intended to grant the latest round of licences to private bus operators. [16664/01]
Written Answers. - Bus Passenger Licences.
Guidelines for the consideration of applications for annual bus passenger licences in respect of the greater Dublin area under the Road Transport Act, 1932 were published last December and applicants were invited to submit applications before 16 February 2001. A total of 26 applications from private bus operators were processed in accordance with the guidelines.
Following consideration of the applications, offers of 21 licences were made to the successful applicants on 31 May 2001. Applicants have been asked to indicate, in principle, within a two week period if they wish to accept the licence offers. Applicants who accept the offers will then have a further two months to submit the necessary documentation. Licences will be granted once all the relevant documentation is in order and will be subject to a condition that the relevant service, in its entirety, is commenced within a period of four months of the licence award.