Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)

As the Deputy will be aware, there is no ministerial role in the operation of Dublin Bus and the provision of services, including the rerouting of some services. It is a matter for the company in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, NTA. The funding of public service obligation, PSO, services is governed by a public transport contract between the NTA and Dublin Bus. That said, I have raised this issue with Dublin Bus repeatedly.

The Deloitte cost and efficiency review of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann was published in January 2009 and identified some scope for greater efficiencies in Dublin Bus. Following the report's publication, Dublin Bus undertook an extensive review of its bus network and subsequently announced plans for the re-organisation of routes and timetables. The objective of the redesign was to provide current and future bus customers with a service that will be modern, accessible, integrated, easy to understand, punctual and frequent.

I understand that Dublin Bus has held more than 30 public meetings and 250 meetings with key stakeholders as part of its consultation programme. All changes are advertised in advance through national and local media and through social media, as well as house leaflet drops to areas serviced by the bus routes where changes occur.

I support the efforts of Dublin Bus to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness under the Network Direct programme and significant efficiencies and savings already have been achieved. Given the losses recorded by Dublin Bus in 2010 and further reductions in the PSO subvention due over the coming years, it is important that the Deloitte report and the Network Direct programme are fully delivered on to ensure the viability of the service. In some instances, Network Direct has led to an increase in passenger numbers for some communities. I will continue to raise this issue with Dublin Bus to ensure the transport needs of many communities continue to be served. It is an iterative process.

See this speech in context