Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

We would not have the problem had the Deputy's party not been in government.

Since 1997 over €177 million has been provided for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann for the expansion and modernisation of their fleets, resulting in improved fleet quality and reliability, as well as providing for increased services. It has also facilitated the upgrading of many stations throughout the Bus Éireann network and funded the construction of a state-of-the-art garage in Harristown to facilitate the expansion of the Dublin Bus fleet. In September 2006 the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, announced that the Government had decided to provide up to €30 million to enable Dublin Bus to buy 100 additional buses for delivery in the period 2006 to 2007. Over €15 million is also being provided for Dublin Bus to part fund the replacement of 100 buses.

In addition, there has been significant investment in initiatives such as the rural transport initiative, traffic management grants, quality bus corridors, green routes and accessibility.

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