Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2006
73 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the submission made by Dublin Bus requesting an extra 200 buses to serve existing and new routes and to meet demand from areas of rising population; when he intends to make a decision on this matter; the amount of funding set aside in 2006 for the purchase of new buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16218/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra104 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport the number of new buses which will be added to the Dublin Bus fleet in 2006; the funding arrangements that will provide for them; the timetable he will follow for the opening up of bus routes to new private operators in Dublin; and the arrangements that will apply. [16282/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra116 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recent Dublin Bus Network Review; and its recommendations he intends to implement. [16173/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra138 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has approved increased funding for Dublin Bus to allow for the purchase of additional buses; if he has agreed to provide funding to fully meet the capacity increases envisaged by Dublin Bus up to 2010, as outlined in its recent network review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16205/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra142 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Transport if he has received a request from Dublin Bus for additional buses; if so, the number requested; and if Dublin Bus will receive the required number. [16174/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 73, 104, 116, 138 and 142 together.
As I indicated in my reply to Priority Questions 66 and 676 my Department is currently considering an application from Dublin Bus for funding for 200 additional buses to be delivered in 2006 and 2007. The application is being considered in the context of Transport 21, the bus network review completed recently by Dublin Bus and the bus market reform process. I expect to make a decision shortly on the application having regard to the outcome of my deliberations on bus market reforms.
The Dublin Bus Network Review completed recently by MVA consultants for Dublin Bus demonstrates the continuing key role of the bus in meeting Dublin's transport needs. It also provides a comprehensive assessment of the challenges facing the bus service arising from traffic congestion, growing peak time demand and the perception of the service as fragmented and limited. The review outlines a staged plan for the improvement of the network including the provision of additional buses on a phased basis commencing with 200 in 2006 and 2007 period. As I have already indicated an application for funding for 200 buses is under consideration.
The review also proposes very significant changes in the service including substantially more cross city services, limited stop express services from outside the M50, high frequency orbital services and local self contained networks in some of the larger towns. It also calls for radical additional traffic management and bus priority measures to favour bus movements.
I understand that Dublin Bus is consulting widely on the review including with the Dublin local authorities, the DTO and Quality Bus Network office. Having regard to the outcome of this consultation process and developments in relation to bus market reform, my Department will discuss with Dublin Bus and other interests how best to pursue the development of the Dublin bus network and services.
