Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of passenger journeys that have taken place on public transport originating from each of the towns Kells, Trim, Navan and Athboy to Dublin for each of the years 2002 to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [25185/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Bus Éireann states that the exact numbers carried on these corridors is commercially sensitive. However, the company informs me that passenger numbers have increased by the following percentages:

Kells/Navan Corridor passenger numbers have grown by 2% to 3% per annum since 2002.

Athboy/Trim Corridor passenger numbers have grown by 3% to 4% per annum since 2002.

My Department has also licensed two private operators to provide bus services between Navan and Dublin. The operators in question are Sillan Tours Limited and McGeehan Coaches. The number of passengers carried is a commercial matter for the companies.

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will permit and fund the purchase of additional buses, not replacement buses, for Bus Éireann to provide additional routes from Meath to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25186/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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In September 2006 my predecessor announced expenditure of €50 million on 160 (69 additional and 91 replacement) buses for Bus Eireann as part of Transport 21. Another €23 million was approved earlier this year for the purchase of a further 75 replacement buses in 2008. The deployment of the buses are a matter for the company.