Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 55, 58, 59, 88, 115, 122, 136, 156 and 160 together.

I am committed to the delivery of a high quality, effective public transport system and Transport 21 is testimony to this commitment. I am also committed to modernising the regulatory framework governing public transport, not only in Dublin but nationally. Specifically, at the launch of Transport 21 I stated I was convinced that we need a new approach to transport in the greater Dublin area, delivered through a single authority with the power to ensure joined up thinking and delivery across all transport modes.

In advancing the regulatory agenda discussions have taken place with the key stakeholders. These discussions form part of a process of engagement which will facilitate and inform the determination of the appropriate structure for the new framework and supporting legislation. This process will also be informed by the work of the team appointed to finalise the remit, structures and human resource requirements of the proposed Dublin transport authority. I will finalise my consideration of how best to proceed with public transport reform and the proposal for a public transport commission in light of the report from the team and I hope to be in a position to publish legislation on the matter in the current year.

Meanwhile, Dublin Bus submitted an application for funding to me on 20 January 2006 for additional fleet requirements for 2006 and 2007. In recent days, I also received an application for funding for additional buses from Bus Éireann. My Department is examining these applications in the context of Transport 21, the future bus needs of the Dublin area and provinces, the bus network review completed by Dublin Bus, which was forwarded to my Department on Thursday last, and the Bus Éireann development plan which my Department received late in 2005. I will make a decision on these applications when the respective assessments have been completed and having regard to the outcome of my deliberations on the reform of the bus market, which I intend to conclude in the coming weeks.

As regards the bus network review, I understand copies of the review, which the Department finally received last Thursday, are available from Dublin Bus.

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