Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012
782 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of additional buses that were purchased for Dublin Bus in each of the past five years to date in 2012; if funding was received from the EU towards the cost of purchasing these buses; if so, the amount received in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20161/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the provision of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as the renewal of the bus fleet for PSO services comes under the remit of the NTA.
While the question relates to additional buses, it is assumed that the information being sought is in respect of the replacement bus fleet also. Accordingly, the information being provided relates to bus purchases by Dublin Bus over the period 2008 to 2012, whether additional fleet or replacement fleet. Following the placement of an order for 100 new buses at the beginning of 2008, Dublin Bus took delivery of that order over the course of 2008 and 2009. No EU funding was received in respect of these buses. I understand from the NTA that since that delivery, no new buses were purchased in 2010 or 2011. Dublin Bus are conducting a tender competition for the delivery of 80 new buses, with delivery intended to be over the second half of 2012 or possibly early 2013. As that is an on-going tender competition, the exact costs are not yet available. Funding for that purchase will be provided by the NTA from the capital allocation provided by my Department.
783 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of additional DART rail cars and InterCity rail cars that were purchased in each of the past five years to date in 2012; if funding was received from the EU towards the cost of purchasing these new DART rail cars or interCity rail cars; if so, the amount received in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20162/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2009 Iarnród Éireann ordered an additional 51 InterCity Railcars as part of a Framework Agreement with the manufacturer. These railcars were all delivered by the end of 2011. No EU funding was received in respect of these 51 Railcars.
No new DART railcars have been purchased in the past five years.
