Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2017
1070. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of new buses purchased in 2016 and 2017 by Bus Éireann; the number of planned bus purchases by Bus Éireann in 2018; if new buses will have higher capacity than the current stock; the way in which the new stock will be allocated to existing routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46990/17]
View answer1072. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the known capacity constraints on Bus Éireann services; the services and or routes that currently cannot operate at full capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46992/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1070 and 1072 together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of Public Service Obligation (PSO) public transport services.
As part of the public transport investment programme, my Department provides funding to the NTA for a rolling programme of bus replacement and refurbishment of the PSO bus fleet including the Bus Éireann fleet.
I have referred the Deputy's question to both the NTA and Bus Éireann for direct reply on the issues raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
