John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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222. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the exact low emission technology for BusConnects have been determined; the technologies being considered; the details of the research and analysis that has been carried out into electric bus solutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27179/18]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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223. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there has been a further detailed assessment carried out as part of BusConnects as to the key locations being considered for park and ride facilities along the radial road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27180/18]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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224. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the provision of continuous bus lanes as planned by the Lucan to city centre BusConnects route will have (details supplied); his plans to prevent further congestion at this point; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27181/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 to 224, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy is aware, the BusConnects Programme aims to transform the bus system in Dublin. It will include a full redesign of the bus network in order to provide a better and more efficient network for passengers; an expanded and modern fleet of vehicles; new road infrastructure to facilitate bus priority and faster journeys for public transport users, and also upgraded facilities for cyclists and pedestrians; improved passenger information and ticketing technology; and transition to a lower emission bus fleet.

Last week, the NTA published a discussion document outlining the Core Bus Corridor Project that is part of a wider BusConnects programme for Ireland’s cities, starting in Dublin and rolling out to Galway, Cork and Ireland’s remaining cities.  The NTA’s document focusses on the 230 km of continuous bus priority across 16 core bus routes expected achieve up to 40%-50% savings on current journey times and the 200km plus of cycle tracks/lanes and pedestrian facilities that are emerging as the likely core bus corridors in and out of Dublin city under this new investment Programme. It also confirms investment in low emission vehicles.

According to the most recent (2016) estimates from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), only about 3% of all transport-derived CO2 emissions come from bus and coach fleets. Therefore, converting these vehicles to low-carbon alternatives will have a limited mitigation impact on Ireland's overall CO2 emissions; however, it will show some important leadership in this area and will undoubtedly begin to promote and normalise the use of non-conventional fuels and technologies to the public. Under the new National Development Programme, we have committed that, from July 2019 onwards, we will no longer buy diesel-only buses for the urban public bus fleet. Work is underway on preparing for implementation of this.  In tandem, an up-to-date and comprehensive set of vehicle trials is being planned to commence later this year to help further inform purchasing decisions for new buses over the coming years. The technologies likely to be tested include full electrification, diesel-electric hybrids, and compressed natural gas; it is expected that the vehicles will be tested in both the GDA and in a regional city. The trials are likely to consider CO2 emissions, air quality impacts, and contribution potential towards renewable energy targets as well as costs, vehicle availability, and operational/infrastructural requirements. In 2017, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport established a ‘Green Public Transport Fund’ to support the uptake of energy-efficient technologies for PSO operators within the bus and small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector and it is envisaged that in 2018 the NTA will employ the Fund to support the alternative urban bus fleet trials.

Noting its responsibility with regards to this matter, I have referred the Deputy's queries to the NTA for consideration and direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.