Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 225: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of new bus routes created by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann for the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; the location of each new route; if he has made an evaluation of operation of the Network Direct redesign of the Dublin Bus network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24468/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The operation and provision of bus services is a matter for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. The details of routes operated by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann are a matter for the companies and I have referred the Deputy's question to both for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.

The Deloitte Cost and Efficiency Review of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, published in January 2009, identified some scope for greater efficiencies in Dublin Bus. Following the publication of that Report, Dublin Bus undertook an extensive review of their bus network and subsequently announced plans for the re-organisation of routes and timetables. The objective of the redesign was to provide current and future bus customers with a service that will be modern, accessible, integrated, easy to understand, punctual and frequent.

I understand that Dublin Bus has held over 30 public meetings and 250 meetings with key stakeholders as part of its consultation programme. All changes are advertised in advance through national and local media, and through social media, as well as house leaflet drops to areas serviced by the bus routes where changes occur. All proposed changes to services require the approval of the NTA who have a mandate to oversee the provision of a well functioning, attractive, integrated and safe public transport system for all users.

I am supportive of the efforts of Dublin Bus to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness. Given the losses recorded by Dublin Bus in recent years and having regard to unavoidable constraints on the availability of Exchequer funds for PSO subvention, it is important that Dublin Bus deliver greater efficiency and effectiveness in order to safeguard the overall sustainability of public transport services in the future.