Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

Yes, to the stage it is now at. The estimated total cost was in the region of €49 or €50 million. When tenders came in that was revised up to €54 million. That is the figure we are looking at.

I hope the Dublin Transport Authority will be established and operational before the end of this year. The new chief executive officer has been notified of his appointment and some matters remain to be finalised in that regard. As soon as the person is in place we will establish the board itself and move forward.

I join Deputy O'Dowd in commending Dublin Bus on securing agreement for a new streamlined service and for the necessary economies. The plans for improvement do not need extra money. The recommendations of the Deloitte report will save money. I meet Dublin Bus representatives every four to six weeks to discuss the Deloitte report. The company has set up a steering group which is dedicated to implementing the recommendations of the report.

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