Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of applications for licences of new public transport routes which are being considered by his Department; the locations to which these licences refer; the date on which the applications were made; and the providers who made the application. [15485/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Transport Act 1932 provides the legislative basis for entry to the public transport market by private bus operators. In accordance with this legislation, private bus operators apply to my Department for passenger licences to provide bus services on specific routes within the State. In accordance with long-standing practice, details of applications received in my Department remain confidential until a decision is made.

However, as of 10 May 2005, there are two applications outstanding from 2003. My Department has had extensive correspondence with these applicants. They are now at an advanced stage of consideration and I expect decisions will be given shortly in respect of them. A total of 31 applications are outstanding from 2004 and 40 applications are outstanding in 2005. In addition to these outstanding passenger licence applications for new routes, my Department also has 106 requests to amend current passenger licences under consideration.

Applications under the Road Transport Act 1932 are generally dealt with on a first come, first served basis. However, pressing or exceptional circumstances can be taken into account in determining the order in which applications are dealt with.