Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 December 2007
9 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Transport the number of buses he will provide to the Cork area under Transport 21; the number of those that are replacing old buses; the number that will be extra buses over the current level; the timetable for their delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30362/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department approved total funding of €73 million — in September 2006 and April 2007 — towards the purchase of 235 new buses by Bus Éireann. I understand that Bus Éireann is in the process of taking delivery of the new buses on a phased basis. The deployment of buses, including the new vehicles, is a matter for Bus Éireann and I have no function in the matter.
Will the Minister indicate how many of these are completely new buses not meant to replace older vehicles?
I understand that of the 235 buses, 166 are replacement vehicles and 69 are new. A total of 117 are expected to be delivered by the end of December. The balance will be delivered early in 2008.
