Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 9: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of buses he will provide to the Cork area under Transport 21; the number of those that are replacing old buses; the number that will be extra buses over the current level; the timetable for their delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30362/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department approved total funding of €73 million — in September 2006 and April 2007 — towards the purchase of 235 new buses by Bus Éireann. I understand that Bus Éireann is in the process of taking delivery of the new buses on a phased basis. The deployment of buses, including the new vehicles, is a matter for Bus Éireann and I have no function in the matter.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Will the Minister indicate how many of these are completely new buses not meant to replace older vehicles?

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that of the 235 buses, 166 are replacement vehicles and 69 are new. A total of 117 are expected to be delivered by the end of December. The balance will be delivered early in 2008.