Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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67. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address the capacity shortages that exist across the Dublin Bus system and the lengthy lead-in times that exist for the procurement of additional buses. [17779/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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In 2016, the NTA published its 2016-2035 Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services for Dublin over the next two decades. The measures proposed in the strategy are linked to an analysis of current and projected levels of travel demand across the region.

Investment in public transport in recent years has enabled renewal and expansion of the bus fleet as one of a number of measures to increase capacity and improve services, responding both to demand growth and to the need to provide a viable alternative choice for private car users. In 2017, a total of 102 buses were purchased for Dublin Bus both for their replacement programme and to cater for market growth, and similarly it is expected that 140 buses will be purchased in 2018 for the Dublin Region. These buses were purchased through a bus supply framework agreement put in place by the NTA.

Looking to the future, the Bus Connects programme will fundamentally transform our bus system, so that journeys for bus passengers will be fast, reliable, punctual, convenient and affordable. This programme was launched last year by the NTA, and it is identified in the National Development Plan (NDP) as a key public transport investment priority for completion in the GDA over the period of the plan. Amongst other features, BusConnects will see the transition to the use of lower emission vehicles.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport in the Greater Dublin Area.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.