Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Finance if the buses run by the Office of Public Works in the Phoenix Park could be eco-friendly buses; if the OPW has examined this possibility; his views on this as a positive development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46960/08]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 207: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of passengers who have used the bus services provided in the Phoenix Park; the cost to the Exchequer on an annual basis since the services commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46961/08]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.

The buses used for the shuttle service are powered by liquid petroleum gas and were the most ecologically friendly vehicles available on the market at the time of tender 2007 / 2008. These buses offer significant environmental benefits over diesel, including 96% lower emissions of nitrous oxide, zero particulate emissions and much lower noise levels.

The total number of passengers carried on the service between 4 May 2008 and 26 October 2008 was 17,345. The total cost of providing the service between the beginning of May to the end of October was €183,934.00. The business plan for the service envisaged a build-up of passengers on a progressive basis from a small start-up base. Given the take-up on the service to date however, its continued operation at its present level is being reviewed.