Written answers

Tuesday, 16 June 2009

Department of Transport

Public Transport

8:00 pm

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Transport if, arising from his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 324 of 9 June 2009, he will explain the terms on which a licence could be granted to a company (details supplied) to operate bus passenger services between Dalkey and Dublin Airport; the reason the company appealed such terms; the company's submission to his Department and its proposed significant changes to its service; the new terms for the grant of a licence presented by his Department to the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23550/09]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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As I advised the Deputy in my previous reply of 9th June 2009, the company to which the Deputy refers was advised by my Department on 26th May 2009 of the new terms on which a licence could be granted in respect of the operation of the services in question, following an appeal by the applicant concerned in which the applicant amended its original application. A response to my Department's letter is still awaited.

In accordance with long standing practice, details of all applications received in my Department remain confidential between the applicant and my Department until a final decision has been made.

My Department is waiting to hear from the applicant. If the applicant declines the offer, my Department will move to consider an application from another operator to provide similar services.

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the commitment in the programme for Government to move existing Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann fleets to a 5% bio-diesel blend and a 30% bio-diesel blend in their new buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23552/09]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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A number of pilot initiatives have taken place both in Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in relation to more sustainable fuels for its fleet.

The commitment in the Programme for Government relating to biofuels has been superseded by the more ambitious targets for transport as set out in the Government's Smarter Travel policy, launched by me in February, 2009. Specifically, in relation to public transport fleets Smarter Travel proposes that all public transport providers will prepare a plan for fleet replacement based on the most sustainable vehicle and fuel type. The actions in Smarter Travel are to be implemented over a twelve-year period. In relation to new technology the immediate focus of Government policy at the moment is to prepare a plan to deliver the 10% target for electric vehicles by 2020. Nevertheless, progress is also being made on sustainable technology in relation to Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. Last year I provided significant funding for the purchase of a hybrid electric double-deck bus, which is being trialled by Dublin Bus at the moment. In addition, my Department is carrying out research of international practice relating to sustainable bus fleets. I would envisage progress on fleet replacement plans in 2010.

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