Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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167. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of EV charging points currently available for use in each Dublin Bus depot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46394/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including public transport fleet.

No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for urban public service obligation bus fleets since July 2019, as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The transition to a zero-emission urban bus fleet is currently programmed to take up until 2035, based on the replacement of non-zero-emission buses as they reach the end of their efficient service lives.

In November 2023, the initial element of the first phase of depot electrification to support the transition of Dublin city bus services to operation by zero-emission buses was completed with the inauguration of 56 charging guns and associated infrastructure funded through the NTA at Dublin Bus's Summerhill bus depot. In December 2023 and January 2024, a further 80 charging guns were commissioned at Dublin Bus’s Phibsborough bus depot, which was also funded through the NTA. Following this installation, the first 100 double-deck electric buses ordered have entered service in the Dublin area using charging facilities in Phibsborough and Summerhill.

Electric buses produce no tailpipe carbon emissions and offer reduced interior and exterior noise levels compared to diesel buses. This transition to electric buses will result in cleaner air and less noise pollution in areas where the buses are operating, while also providing a quieter journey for passengers.

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