Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2017
1080. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the up-to-date schedule for the tendering of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus routes between July 2017 and 2019; and if the planned redesign of the Dublin Bus route network will have any impact on the tendering schedule. [34313/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with its statutory functions, the NTA is currently managing three procurement competitions in relation to approximately 10% of current PSO routes operated by Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann. These competitions are known as Dublin Metropolitan (currently Bus Átha Cliath), Dublin Commuter and Waterford (both currently Bus Éireann).The planned redesign of the bus network in Dublin, which is being developed by the NTA as part of the broader BusConnects initiative, has not impacted on the procurement schedule of the Dublin Metropolitan competition. As I previously informed the House recently, I understand that the NTA expects to announce preferred bidder status in relation to the Dublin Metropolitan competition during this summer, with the other two competitions reaching that stage by late summer/early autumn. Subject to the timing of the provision of depot facilities and other mobilisation activities the NTA expects services to commence in 2018.
