Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 327: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will review the decision to prohibit the use of the Port Tunnel by the 41X bus service in order to better serve the people living in an estate (details supplied) and surrounding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8720/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I refer the Deputy to my reply dated 31st January 2008 on this matter. My Department supports the use of the Port Tunnel by any bus operator, whether it is Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann or a private operator.

My Department informed Dublin Bus on 20 February that its proposal to re-route four of its existing Route 41X services via the Port Tunnel would give rise to competition with an existing licensed service. Dublin Bus has accordingly been advised that should it wish to pursue the introduction of the proposed service changes on the 41X route so as to compete with the licensed service, the Company is required to make a request for Ministerial consent for approval of the service in accordance with section 25 of the Road Transport Act, 1958. Alternatively, the Company may review their proposal in order to avoid conflict with the commercial licensed operator.

The fact that my Department has issued a licence to a private operator in accordance with the Road Transport Act, 1932 does not automatically prevent the Department authorising Dublin Bus to operate similar type services along the route or along part of the route in question.