Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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139. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of vehicles in the Dublin Bus fleet and a company (details supplied) to date; and the number in the Dublin Bus fleet in each of the years 2009 to 2018, in tabular form. [23007/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the PSO fleet for the Dublin region.

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

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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140. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of buses removed from service during the summer period in both Dublin Bus and a company (details supplied). [23008/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with both operators. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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141. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the exact low emission technology for the future purchasing of Dublin buses has been determined; the work being prepared for the implementation of no longer purchasing diesel only buses from July 2019 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23039/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including bus fleet procurement.

The Deputy is aware that Project Ireland 2040commits toward ending the purchase of diesel-only buses of our urban PSO bus fleets from July 2019 onward. The NTA has very recently advertised its intent to enter into a new bus purchase framework agreement which reflects that commitment and seeks to purchase hybrid buses for next year.

The medium and longer term approach to the NTA's procurement of low-carbon buses will be informed by a range of matters, including the outcomes of trials of low-emission buses, being conducted for my Department. Those trials, which are expected to conclude in the coming weeks, are examining a range of alternatives including electric, diesel-electric hybrid, hydrogen, compressed natural gas/biogas and retrofitted diesel buses to Euro VI-class standard.

I am pleased to see fulfilment of our commitment to ending the purchase of diesel-only buses for the urban PSO bus fleets and am satisfied that our on-going research on the medium and longer term technology potential will inform the NTA's approach to its bus purchase programme in the years ahead.