Vol. 568 No. 1
617 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the action he intends to take to address an unlicensed bus operation (details supplied) in view of the fact that two other operators have applications for licences with his Department for the operation of limited routes for the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15507/03]
Applications from bus operators for proposed bus services on the route referred to by the Deputy, including one from the operator mentioned, are under consideration in my Department. Publicity relating to the unlicensed bus operation mentioned by the Deputy came to the notice of my Department on 29 May 2003. My Department made immediate contact with the operator concerned and asked for full information as to the nature of the proposed travel club operation and the company's intention. A response was received from the company. My Department sought legal advice from the Attorney General's office in the matter. That advice has now been received and is being urgently considered.
618 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport when he will make a decision on the issue of bus licences for three routes (details supplied); the date each application was submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15508/03]
Under the Transport Act 1958, Bus Éireann is exempted from passenger licensing. However, since 10 January 2001 Bus Éireann is required to notify my Department at least four weeks in advance of the commencement of proposed new services or proposed amendments to existing services. In line with this direction, my Department received a notification from Bus Éireann on 4 October 2002 for the proposed introduction of a new early morning commuter service between Dublin, Athlone and Galway.
Following an initial examination of the notification, my Department identified two licence applications from private operators for services on and along the same route, which were received prior to the Bus Éireann notification. Applications and notifications are dealt with on a first come first served basis and accordingly the prior applications fall to be dealt with first. Both prior applications are being processed and will be finalised shortly. My Department has been in contact with Bus Éireann to advise it of the position and the Department will revert to the company as soon as decisions are made on both applications. To date, my Department has not received a notification from Bus Éireann for a Lanesboro-Roscommon-Athlone bus service.
619 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the current bus licence applications with his Department which will service County Roscommon, Athlone or Ballinsasloe; the date upon which each application was submitted; the operator involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15509/03]
My Department currently has on hand one licence application for a proposed bus service in one of the areas mentioned by the Deputy. This application, received on 29 July 2002, covers parts of County Roscommon. All applications for bus passenger licences are dealt with by my Department, in accordance with the provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932 and on a confidential basis. I am not, therefore, in a position to supply the name of the operator involved.
The application has been considered by my Department, which sought further information from the applicant on 13 November 2002. The Department repeated this request on 20 February 2003. The applicant has not yet responded to the Department. My Department will be in further contact with the applicant shortly in an effort to finalise consideration of this application.
