Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

To confirm, in the case of these private operators, the bus is bought for them, they get a PSO levy for operating on the route and they collect bus fares from people hopping onto the bus. When Mr. Doocey reverts with the answer, he might separate out the figures for the semi-State companies such as Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus.

Turning to the proposed N80 bypass in Mountmellick, there was much talk earlier of the importance of Rosslare Europort and the volume of traffic having increased fourfold. Much of that traffic comes down the N80 from the west through Mountmellick. In fact, it passes within 150 yd of my house, along a new road, and that is welcome. The town of Mountmellick was promised that a bypass inner relief road would be built in 2004 or 2005. The proposals that were put forward would have meant it cutting through the car park of a business and community facilities and it was rejected because of that. A feasibility study has been conducted by the county council in conjunction with the Department, which cost in the region of €100,000, and it has set out a route for the bypass.

Will the Department revert to the committee on efforts to advance that project? It is of strategic importance. There is a T-junction in the centre of the town and articulated trucks have to cross to the far side of the road to get around it. It is dangerous and it chokes up the town centre. It would shorten journeys if the inner relief road were built, although it would involve a crossing of the River Owenass. I have not seen any progress in recent years but the feasibility study has been completed. It is not mentioned in the national development plan or any funding stream. Will the Department revert to me on whether there are plans to advance it over the next three or four years?

I thank the witnesses for joining us and the staff at the Department and the Irish Coast Guard for their work in preparing for the meeting. I thank also the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. McCarthy, and his staff for attending and assisting the meeting. Is it agreed the clerk to the committee will seek any follow-up information and carry out any actions arising from the meeting? Agreed. Is it also agreed we will note and publish the opening statements and any briefing notes provided for the meeting? Agreed.

We will suspend the meeting until 1.30 p.m., when we will resume in public session to consider correspondence and any other business.