Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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1814. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the new National Transport Authority bus transport proposals for Dublin BusConnects and the subsequent redrawing of the city's bus routes will see Dublin Bus operate those routes; if the NTA has plans to licence private bus operators on some of these new radial and orbital routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26655/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) recently launched the BusConnects initiative which proposes a radical transformation of the bus system in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) that will involve, inter alia, the development of a network of 'next generation' bus corridors and a complete redesign of the network to be accompanied by a network of bus-based park and ride sites at strategic locations.

As regards the operation of services on the redesigned network, under EU and Irish legislation, the NTA has the statutory power to assess the appropriate mix of directly awarded and competitively tendered public service transport contracts.  It utilises its statutory powers with a view to ensuring value for money in terms of the use of taxpayers' money in securing the provision of public transport services.  The Deputy is likely aware that the NTA is currently finalising procurement competitions in relation to approximately 10% of current directly awarded PSO services. These competitions relate to current Bus Átha Cliath services (Dublin Metropolitan competition) as well as current Bus Éireann services (Dublin Commuter and Waterford competitions). I understand the NTA expects to announce the completion of these competitions over the summer/autumn period.  This position is not impacted by the BusConnects initiative.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.