Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 777: To ask the Minister for Transport if, during the review of the traffic management grants scheme proposed for late 2005, there will be a rigorous assessment of the demand for bus lanes and cycle lanes before public money is expended; and if buses will be available in order to ensure that anticipated demand can be met on any new bus lanes. [24588/05]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose that the review of the traffic management grants scheme proposed for later this year will involve a rigorous assessment of the demand for bus lanes and cycle lanes. In carrying out the review there will be regard to the current approval scheme which involves assessment of potential projects by both the implementing local authority and the DTO traffic management grants committee. Projects are prioritised using a form of multi-criteria decision analysis devised by Dublin City Council's quality bus network project office, QBNPO, in consultation with the local authorities of the greater Dublin area.

With regard to the provision of buses, I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, that Dublin Bus is currently carrying out a review of the bus network in Dublin to assess the impact of recent upgrades in rail capacity such as Luas and the DART upgrade and ongoing demographic changes. The company is, in the first instance, assessing how to maximise the utilisation of its existing bus fleet and it is expected that the bus network review will be completed by the end of the year.