Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Transport when the 200 extra buses allocated to Dublin Bus will be operational in their fleet; when the second round of the Dublin Bus network review, including the introduction of feeder bus services, will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35835/06]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will confirm the allocation of funding to Dublin Bus for the promised 100 new buses; the time scale for this delivery; and when they will be brought into service. [35783/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 94 together.

On the 28th of September 2006, my Department approved funding of €30m for the purchase of 100 additional buses and a further €2m for the upgrading of garage facilities at Broadstone. I understand from Dublin Bus that the additional buses will begin to enter into service by the end of the year. Delivery of the buses will be completed by end of January 2007. The deployment of the additional buses, including for feeder services, is a matter for Dublin Bus. In line with my announcement of 28 September, 100 buses are also to be procured by the proposed Dublin Transport Authority from the private sector, by way of competitive tendering. This forms part of an initiative to facilitate the entry of private operators by awarding franchises to operate routes accounting for 15% (approximately 200 buses).