asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that Córas Iompair Éireann state that they are unable to run Nos. 9 and 10 bus services beyond Aberdeen Street, Infirmary Road, and that considerable inconvenience is thereby caused to hundreds of workers resident on the north side of the city whose work takes them via Parkgate Street; and, if so, whether he will request the company to extend the service to Parkgate Street for at least a period in the morning and evening.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Dublin Bus Services.
I have made inquiries from Córas Iompair Éireann and I am informed that to extend the Nos. 9 and 10 bus services to Parkgate Street would add eight minutes to each round trip. To provide the extension and to maintain the existing frequency the company would have to provide two additional buses at the peak hours. On the other hand, they consider that the number of additional passengers who would avail of the facility would be small. In the circumstances, I would not feel warranted in pressing Córas Iompair Éireann to make the extension.
Might I direct the Minister's attention to the fact that the request mentioned in the question is merely a request for an extension of the service for a short time in the morning and in the evening, whereas the reply he has received from the company indicates that the company would have to put on a team of workers for the whole day?
No, I did not say that. What I said was that it would add eight minutes to the round trip and would require two additional buses at the peak hours.
Having regard to the fact that a number of workers in that area are seriously inconvenienced by the present working of that route will the Minister make further representations to the company with a view to ascertaining from them when they might be in a position to give the extension which is so very badly needed in that part of the city?
I shall do that, but I should like to assure the Deputy that the company are anxious to meet the requirements of the citizens to the fullest possible extent.