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

972. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of funding he has requested in budget 2020 to improve Dublin Bus services for customers in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45396/19]

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

In Budget 2020, I secured an overall allocation of €1 billion to fund public and sustainable transport projects. This includes funding for approximately 127 diesel/electric hybrid buses for the Dublin Bus fleet. 32 of these buses are additional buses and the remainder will improve the environmental performance of the bus fleet by replacing older buses.

Since 2010, my Department no longer pays subvention for public transport services directly to operators. The award of public service obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the companies are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and, in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers. The increased funding that I have secured over recent Budgets will enhance and improve the experiences of the travelling public in 2020 and beyond.

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

973. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of additional buses that will be provided in Dublin in 2020 resulting from budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45397/19]

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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including bus fleet procurement.

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.