Mr. Gary Owens:

I am impressed with the strategy that has been adopted, including BusConnects. I believe in the sustainable agenda so I feel I can contribute something there. I have chaired loads of committees and boards in the private sector. There are three fundamental things in this area. First, the strategy has to be right. Second, there must be as much intelligent input into the strategy as possible, with good data analytics, good research and good competency around the table. Third, one needs to set ambitious strategies. I have always wanted to be part of an ambitious strategy and I think this one is.

As part of the role as chairperson, it is important to have a good, open and transparent relationship with both the directors and the CEO. That is an important relationship. The most important thing is the appointment of the CEO. Ray Coyne has done an excellent job. He has a brilliant track record and everybody I have met has been hugely complimentary of him. The committee has heard that here today. I need to find somebody who is as good as him. I would have loved to retain him but he is beyond the seven-year term. I have been very impressed with the board members. They are very experienced people and they have the same ambition we all have. When we get to the next award tender, we want Dublin Bus to be in a very strong competitive position. We want a lot more customers using the facility. We want to implement the strategy we have agreed with the NTA and we all want to be proud that we have delivered it. That is what I would hope to achieve as chair for the next five years. I want to be part of it because I am a Dub. I believe the city can be much more vibrant without cars, or with fewer cars, and the only way to do that is to have an integrated transport system that involves buses, bikes and walking. I am fully committed to that and I believe in it.