Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
117. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether all future provision of urban-style bus services should use electric buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5558/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future commits to a requirement that all new urban buses be electric hybrid or electric.
In that regard I very much welcome the National Transport Authority’s announcement in December in relation to the launch of a procurement process for electric buses. As I stated at the time I think the introduction of zero emission buses will help reduce air pollution, improve public health and improve access to public transport for people of all abilities.
While that announcement was primarily in relation to the bus fleets in major urban centres across the five cities, I understand that the NTA is exploring options with regard to similar such procurement frameworks in relation to town bus fleets, such as those referred to by the Deputy and referred in the response already provided by the NTA.
