Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Murphy for coming before the committee to make his presentation to members.

Very often what we hear about Bus Éireann is negative and relates to problematic situations. The system that operates in and out and within County Kerry is effective and serves the needs of the community as best as possible within realistic levels. Of course, there is always room for improvement and to do things better. My contacts with Bus Éireann, employees and with the company representatives have always been very positive.

I have three questions about savings, areas where more money could be spent and technology. Has Mr. Murphy and his team considered the new technology in terms of fuel efficiency devices that can be fitted to HGVs and buses that will reduce the fuel consumption levels by up to 10% in some cases? Obviously the fuel bill for buses must be enormous and anything that could reduce it will produce significant savings for the company. Has Mr. Murphy considered this or would he consider it if he was to be pointed in the right direction?

If the company were achieving savings in this area, it might be able to spend more money on bus shelters. I appreciate they are expensive, that the company must apply for planning permission and that the process takes time. The bus shelter in Killorglin will be ready shortly but I remember campaigning for it in 2002 when I was a student and people have been waiting for 12 years since then. We live in a very wet climate and in towns and villages throughout the country there are no shelters. Is it possible that Mr. Murphy will be able to focus more on this? I am not suggesting that we erect similar shelters to those in urban areas in rural towns and villages but a very tasteful shelter has been put in place in Dingle with the theme of an upturned currach forming the roof. One can use other materials rather than plastic and glass. A bus shelter would prevent customers getting wet while waiting for buses.

Transport apps have changed things significantly. How does Mr. Murphy envisage Bus Éireann moving forward on that front in the next number of years?