Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 300: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the lack of sufficient buses to meet the requirements of the commuters leaving the city centre and travelling to the towns of Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth and Kilcock during the peak evening rush; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8007/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 301: To ask the Minister for Transport further to a recent controversy, the position in regard to the adequacy of the bus fleet at Bus Átha Cliath; when it is expected that the necessary funds in line with requirements will be provided; if his attention has been drawn to the lack of capacity and frequency of the services to the towns of Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth and Kilcock, with particular reference to the need to address the issue of buses that are fully laden before entering these towns; the proposals he has to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8008/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 300 and 301 together.

The matters raised are operational issues for Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath. However, Bus Éireann has informed me that in recent years it has increased its services to Kilcock by 50% and it has also substantially increased its services to other North Kildare towns such as Celbridge. The Prosperous-Clane-Celbridge-Dublin route, has a 15-minute frequency during the peak times with a 30-minute frequency throughout the rest of the day. These services are operated by high capacity commuter coaches supplemented by sub-contracted vehicles at peak times. Extra buses are provided where necessary in line with demand from Bus Éireann's own resources or through the contract of private sector buses.

The overall capacity of the Bus Átha Cliath bus fleet has been increased by approximately 25% under the NDP to date. Bus Átha Cliath has informed me that they have seven routes from the area referred to, with 30 morning peak departures and 30 evening peak departures. Of the above departures, 40% are direct routes thus providing faster journey times.

With regard to a further expansion in the Dublin Bus fleet, the management of the company is currently examining ways of maximizing the utilisation of the existing bus fleet in light of the significant investment made to date under the national development plan, including investment in other modes and the ongoing changes in demand patterns for Dublin such as Luas and Dart.

Discussions are also taking place on reform of the bus market between officials of my Department and the management of Dublin Bus to meet the expanding transport needs of the greater Dublin area.