Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
632. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the funding he is providing for 110 buses for the Dublin region fleet in 2017 is for new and additional buses or if it is to replace existing older buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30824/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area and for securing the provision of Public Service Obligation (PSO) public transport services.
Under the Public Transport Capital Investment programme, funding is provided annually for the renewal of the PSO bus fleet. The bus replacement programme will ensure a modern, reliable, comfortable and accessible PSO fleet and help reduce the average age and associated maintenance costs of the fleet.
As part of Budget 2017, I announced that funding would be provided next year that will facilitate the purchase of 110 new buses for the PSO bus fleet for the Dublin region. This will allow for replacement of older vehicles and will also cater for increased demand. The extent to which these buses will be used to replace older vehicles or to expand the current PSO fleet will be determined by the NTA taking account of demand.
