Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.

I am committed to the further expansion of bus services both in Dublin and nationally. In this context, Transport 21 provides for significant Exchequer investment in expanding bus services in the greater Dublin area and in other urban and rural areas outside Dublin. As regards the bus market in Dublin, as I have indicated to this House previously, I requested Dublin Bus to carry out a network review to examine the impact of recent investment in rail infrastructure and demographic changes and if the existing bus fleet was being utilised to maximum effect. The review is also a necessary first step in the new investment programme set out in Transport 21. I understand the company is currently finalising the reviewand I expect to receive the completed report shortly.

In the meantime, Dublin Bus has recently submitted an application for funding to me for additional fleet requirements, which has due regard to the emerging findings of the network review. I will make a decision on the number of buses to be provided in 2006 when my Department's assessment of the application has been completed. I understand Bus Éireann is also finalising proposals for the expansion of its fleet and an application will be submitted to the Department shortly.

I appointed Professor Margaret O'Mahony of Trinity College Dublin, as chairperson of the Dublin Transport Authority establishment team, which will make recommendations to me regarding the structure, remit and responsibilities for the new authority. I will make my decision on the future regulation of the bus market throughout the country after Professor O'Mahony's team has reported on the structure, remit and responsibilities of the Dublin Transport Authority and the Government has made its decisions in this regard.

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