Paschal Questions Minister for Transport on Public Bus Service

5th January, 2009

In response to queries from constituents I raised the status of requests for additional bus routes from Dublin Bus. The Department of Transport provided the below response to me. I will continue to raise this issue in the Seanad and Dail as more buses are needed for all parts of the constituency, regardless of how they are provided.

To ask the Minister for Transport if additional bus route licenses were sought for the 37, 38 and 39 Dublin Bus routes; if they were granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Answered by the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, T.D.

REPLY:

Dublin Bus is not subject to the licensing regime under the Road Transport Act 1932. The initiation or alteration of a bus service by the Company is, however, subject to compliance with a requirement to give advance notice to my Department and to compliance with the provisions of Section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 concerning competition with licensed private operators.

My Department received a proposal from Dublin Bus on 1st May, 2008 for changes to its Route 37. Following an initial examination, which included consultation with Dublin Bus, my Department deemed that the proposal would give rise to competition with an existing licensed service. Accordingly, my Department advised Dublin Bus on 9th June, 2008 that an application in accordance with Section 25 of the Transport Act, 1958 was required should the Company wish to pursue the introduction of the change.

Dublin Bus subsequently sent a revised proposal for this route to my Department and also proposals for alterations to routes 38 and 39. My Department is currently considering these proposals and expects to revert to the Company in this regard shortly.