Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of the public and private bus transport service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18328/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I am committed to the continued development of the bus sector, as provided by both public and private sector operators.

I established the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. The NTA is tasked with the development of all public transport services.

With regard to the publicly supported bus services, the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 sets out a framework for the introduction of competition in the market for subvented bus services. The NTA is empowered under the Act to invite private operators to tender for new services requiring subvention, introducing competition and increasing efficiencies in the subsidised bus market.

With regard to private bus operators, the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 reforms the bus licensing regime, replacing the 1932 Road Transport Act. The new licensing regime, to be administered by the NTA, provides a level playing field for all bus market participants, both public and private and will foster a competitive market which best serves the needs of bus users.

In addition to the NTA's role in the development of bus services, the Government adopted a sustainable transport policy for Ireland in February 2009, set out in the Smarter Travel Plan 2009-2020. This strategy includes a number of specific actions to improve bus services, including improved frequency, reliability and accessibility of bus services.