Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 326: To ask the Minister for Transport if, in the process of considering an application from Dublin Bus to expand its fleet and in examining the prospects of increasing competition in this sector, he has considered the implications of delays in expanding services for users in view of the increasing demand for services; his views on the effect that opening competition in this sector will have for users with regard to continuity of service, price and ticketing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8023/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On 20 January 2006 Dublin Bus submitted an application for funding to me for additional fleet requirements. I will make a decision on this application when the assessment of the application by my Department has been completed.

In modernising the regulatory framework governing public transport, there is a need to ensure that proposals in that regard are coherent with the institutional arrangements being made for the implementation of Transport 21, particularly in the greater Dublin area. I will review how best to proceed with public transport reform after the team chaired by Professor Margaret O'Mahony, which has been appointed to finalise the remit, structures and human resource requirements of the proposed public transport commission, has reported to me and the Government has made decisions on the proposed transport authority for the greater Dublin area. In the meantime, my Department continues to grant applications from Dublin Bus and private bus operators to provide additional services and adapt existing services to changing demand patterns, in accordance with the provisions of relevant legislation.