John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

227. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of low-emission buses that will be added to the bus fleet in Dublin during the remainder of 2019 and 2020 to 2022; if they will be hybrid or electric; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27281/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 public transport infrastructure, including the purchase of buses for the PSO bus fleets.

In terms of policy, my Department has funded trials of various different technologies for low emission buses in both Dublin and Cork in recent months. The outcome of these trials will inform our medium and longer term policy as regards the most appropriate type of low emission buses for our urban PSO bus fleets and that policy will guide the procurement strategy to be adopted by the NTA.

In the meantime, and in line with the commitment made in Project Ireland 2040, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has ended the purchase of diesel-only buses and has advertised its intention to enter into a new procurement framework agreement for hybrid buses.

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