I propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 360 together.
The Road Transport Act 1932, provides the statutory basis for regulating the provision of public bus services by private bus operators. In accordance with the legislation, private bus operators apply to my Department for licences to operate scheduled bus passenger services within the State. Dublin Bus is not subject to licensing in accordance with the 1932 Act. However, the initiation or alteration of a bus service by the Company is subject to compliance with the necessary regulatory requirement of giving advance notice to my Department and to compliance with the provisions of Section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 concerning competition with licensed private operators. It is open to any private operator or Dublin Bus to submit proposals to my Department seeking authorisation to operate bus passenger services.
With regard to services in Lucan, Dublin Bus made an application on 27th June 2008 seeking authorisation to provide additional services on the 25X and 25A routes serving Lucan. Dublin Bus was advised by my Department on the 18th July, 2008, that it could proceed with the proposal. My Department has no outstanding proposals for additional services on the routes in question.