Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
630. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the full year cost if the subvention allocated to Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann increased by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30773/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe last available full year figures for subvention allocated to the three Companies are from 2015 when the total amount of money made available amounted to €209million. Included in that amount is €19m that was paid to Iarnród Eireann's Infrastructure management business under changes made in accordance with EU law.
The full year cost of a 10% increase in those figures would be approximately €21m.
As the Deputy is aware, in last week's Budget I was able to announce €31m increases to PSO subvention funding and rural transport programme funding for next year. The allocation of funding is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the NTA will decide upon 2017's exact allocation to each operator in the coming weeks.
However, I expect next year's additional money will provide for much needed improvements to public transport services such as -
- Rolling out 10 minute DART services;
- Extending Kildare Line commuter rail services through the Phoenix Park Tunnel and into the heart of the city;
- Maintaining progress with the bus market opening competitions.
It is clear that this increase in PSO funding is a welcome one and one which will assist the NTA and the operators in their delivery of services for next year.
