Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for Transport his priorities in terms of the development of the bus and rail services for the future within the constraints of prevailing economic circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6189/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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As I have stated previously the provision of increased capacity is my key consideration in determining public transport investment priorities in the period ahead. In that context, Metro North and the DART Underground are particularly important rail investments as they form a core part of the planned integrated public transport network for the Greater Dublin Area envisaged by Transport 21.

In relation to the bus network, the recent Deloitte report concluded, in the case of Dublin Bus in particular, that the current fleet size is adequate to serve current demand. My priority in relation to the bus network is, therefore, working with the bus companies and the local authorities to maximise the efficient and effective utilisation of the existing fleet. In this context, Dublin Bus will focus in the period ahead on a reorganisation of their network in accordance with the recommendations contained in the Deloitte report. My Department is also engaged with local authorities on the provision of bus priority measures such as the bus gate at College Green and green routes in the provincial cities in order to maximise the potential of the network.