Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I agree entirely with the Deputy about Luas safety. I, along with the Rail Procurement Agency, launched a campaign last week to make pedestrians more aware of the presence of the Luas when walking and going about their business in the city. The centrepiece of the advertising campaign is videos, provided by the RPA, of people walking in or near a Luas when moving. The agency has informed me that it has had 70 reported instances of near or actual contact with a Luas carriage over the past year. It has an advertising campaign under way to address the issue.

In regard to the Luas cross-city project, I am very much aware of the disruption caused and I thank the business community and Dublin Bus for all that is being done to minimise it . Further changes will be under way in early 2016. I chair the Luas cross-city group at the moment. I have asked it to look at how we can minimise disruption and communicate clearly to Dubliners what is under way in order they can adjust their plans accordingly.

The Deputy asked a question on the age of buses. The average age of the Dublin Bus fleet is seven to eight years which is well inside the industry norm. We have an objective in place to reduce the average age. The average age of buses in Bus Éireann is between five and a half years and just over six years. I will provide funding to maintain the fleet and ensure it is as modern as possible and delivers on the needs of passengers. Both operators are doing a fine job in that regard but I know funding is needed to continue that work.