Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Transport the position in respect of the proposed route change for the number 37 bus in Dublin 15; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this route change will, in effect, replace the existing 237 service which currently operates that route, taking in Blanchardstown town centre; the way the proposed new 37 route is judged to be in competition with a private operator in view of the fact that it is replacing the existing 237 route; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that a range of much needed bus service improvements are being held up until the location of the new terminus for the 37 bus is resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47334/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department received a proposal from Dublin Bus for revised services on Route 37 on 1st May 2008. Following an examination of the proposal, which included consultation with Dublin Bus, my Department deemed that the proposal would give rise to competition with an existing licensed service. Accordingly, my Department advised Dublin Bus on 9th June, 2008 that an application in accordance with Section 25 of the Transport Act, 1958 was required should the Company wish to pursue the introduction of the change. Dublin Bus subsequently submitted in July a revised proposal for this route. This revised proposal raised certain concerns of a legal nature from a competition point of view which have only been clarified in recent days. The application is now being processed and a decision in the matter can be expected shortly.