Vol. 433 No. 1
268 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Education the average age of the yellow school bus fleet; the overall replacement cost; the proposals, if any, she has to renew the fleet during 1993; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The average age of the yellow buses is approximately 20 years. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the replacement costs of the existing yellow fleet is not readily available.
Bus Éireann has been pursuing a replacement programme for the buses in question for some years now, and the total number of yellow buses in use has been reduced from 798 in 1983 to 455 at present.
Under its replacement programme, Bus Éireann seeks to replace 60 yellow buses a year. However, the rate at which such replacements can be acquired, and the cost involved at any particular time, will be dictated by the availability of suitable alternative vehicles.
