Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Transport the expected increase in passenger capacity, in numeric and percentage terms, of Dublin Bus over the period 2000-06; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32251/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In 1999, prior to the introduction of the national development plan, the capacity of the Dublin Bus fleet was 74,385, inclusive of standing capacity. By the end of 2000 capacity had increased to 82,590. By the end of 2005, it is estimated that the capacity will be 94,524. Furthermore, with the purchase of a further 20 double deck buses which I sanctioned on Tuesday last, it is expected that the capacity of the fleet will reach 96,324. This represents an increase in capacity of almost 30% since 1999.

Dublin Bus is currently carrying out a review of the bus network in Dublin and future bus needs. The company has advised me that this review will be completed early next year. I consider it appropriate at this stage to review the bus needs in Dublin given the significant changes in the greater Dublin area since 1999 when the NDP was drawn up, such as the introduction of the Luas, expanded commuter rail services, the DART upgrade and ongoing demographic changes.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Transport the amount of investment promised to Dublin Bus under the national development plan; the amount allocated and drawn down by Dublin Bus to date in 2005; the amount of investment expected to be spent by Dublin Bus by the end of the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32252/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The national development plan, NDP, identifies spending of €152 million to increase the capacity and improve the quality, reliability, frequency and speed of bus services in the Dublin region. The investment programme involved the expansion of the bus network to meet demand, through the phased purchase of additional buses to increase passenger capacity and meet the development requirements of the network. In addition, an ongoing replacement and equipment renewal programme, costing €127 million, was identified to include the purchase by Dublin Bus of buses.

The NDP identifies the Exchequer, the EU and the State companies' own resources as the sources of funding for projects in the plan. A substantial element of the funding for the Dublin Bus replacement programme is provided from funds raised by the company.

Significant changes have taken place in Dublin since the start of the national development plan. These changes include substantial increases in rail capacity, such as Luas, commuter rail services and the DART upgrades, together with on-going demographic changes.

It is in this context that Dublin Bus is carrying out a review of the bus network in Dublin. The company has advised me that the bus network review will be completed early next year. The company is, in the first instance, assessing how to maximise the utilisation of its existing bus fleet. I anticipate that the company will respond to the challenge of meeting customer expectations in Dublin with new and innovative solutions.

The amount allocated from the Exchequer to Dublin Bus this year was €4.65 million and the amount drawn down to date is €1.171 million. In addition, in response to an application from Dublin Bus, I have now agreed to provide funding for an additional 20 buses this year to provide an immediate increase in capacity on the bus network.

At the end of 2005 it is expected that Dublin Bus will have received €105 million of Exchequer funds under the NDP. This is in addition to the funding provided by Dublin Bus from its own resources. Following the launch of Transport 21, the ten-year investment framework for transport, and the completion by the company of its network review, I will be reviewing the allocation of funding to Dublin Bus in respect of 2006.