Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason bus lanes are operational on a 24-hour 7-day basis in some locations in which buses do not provide 24-hour services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25454/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Regulations regarding the operating times of bus lanes are decided upon by the relevant local authorities. I have discussed this matter with the DTO and the Quality Bus Network Project Office (QBNPO), and I understand that locations where bus lanes operate 24 hours a day for the most part fall into two categories. Some are cases where hard shoulders have been converted into running lanes and been designated as bus lanes. In such cases, there is obviously no issue in regard to road space which might otherwise have been used by traffic. The second category of twenty-four hour bus lanes covers those cases where contra-flow bus lanes are designated. In these cases, and indeed in the case of bus lanes on hard shoulders, the safest way for all of operating such lanes is to operate them continuously.

An example of one situation other than converted hard shoulders or contra-flow lanes where twenty-four hour bus lanes have been introduced is the with-flow bus lanes provided on the Outer Ring Road by South Dublin County Council. In this case, An Bord Pleanála specified 24-hour designation as a planning condition attached to its approval of the upgrade of the road. An Bord Pleanála indicated that this condition was introduced to ensure priority for public transport. I understand that South Dublin County Council is also of the view that this decision enhances safety in relation to the bus lane.