Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 1

Written Answers. - Public Transport.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

156 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the level of financial support given to Dublin Bus to meet its operational costs, as distinct from the purchase of buses; the total percentage of revenue this represents; his plans to increase the level of subvention having regard to the need to encourage people to use public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23452/02]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

In 2002, €233 million is being provided in subvention to the CIE group as a whole, and this is being increased to €245 million in 2003. Agreement has been reached with the Minister for Finance to increase the subvention by 5% each year under the national development plan. This reflects the commitment of the Government to the continued promotion of the use of public transport.

Distribution of the total subvention between the operating companies is a matter for the CIE group. However, I have been advised that €54 million in subvention was provided to Dublin Bus in 2001 and €55 million is being provided in 2002. In 2001, subvention accounted for 26.3% of the total revenue of Dublin Bus. It is not possible at this stage of the year to provide a ratio of revenue to subvention for 2002.