Jan O'Sullivan
Question:565 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he is planning to privatise some of the routes serviced by Bus Éireann in parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11797/03]
Written Answers. - Public Transport.
In November last year I published a report on the regulation of bus services outside the greater Dublin area which had been prepared for my Department by independent consultants, Steer Davies Gleave. I initiated a public consultation process on the reports findings and recommendations and that process ended recently. I have received a large number of submissions, including a response from the public transport partnership forum. I am examining these submissions in detail with a view to bringing forward policy proposals for regulating bus services outside the greater Dublin area.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:566 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the reason there is only a bus connection from Limerick to Ennis at the times when the train runs to or from Ennis via Limerick; and the reason through tickets to Ennis are only valid on a limited number of bus connections during the period of remedial works to the railway line. [11843/03]
Iarnród Éireann's timetabling and ticketing arrangements are a day-to-day operational matter for the company. However, it has informed me that it is investing up to €11 million on upgrading the Limerick to Ennis line as part of the national development plan. This work is expected to be completed this year.
In the interim, Iarnród Éireann charter buses from Bus Éireann or a private operator to cater for their passengers inconvenienced by these works. The chartered bus operates non-stop between the two railway stations. If the bus were to operate to a Bus Éireann timetable and stopping arrangements, it would further inconvenience Iarnród Éireann passengers and could also be too full to cater for those passengers.
There is already a well established service operated by Bus Éireann between Ennis and Limerick on an hourly basis. This service operated before the current disruption to the Iarnród Éireann services.
Train services between Limerick and Ennis have now been restored at weekends, from Friday evening to Monday morning, with substitute bus services in place for weekday services only. This pattern of train-bus service will continue until the end of June when morning and evening train services on the Ennis-Limerick line will be restored.
I have asked Irish Rail to look at the Deputy's suggestion and to contact him directly in the matter.