624. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Dublin Bus has applied to the National Transport Authority for funding of extra buses in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40413/15]

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, and for the provision of  bus fleets for operation of PSO services throughout the country.

My  Department provides funding each year to the Authority for public transport projects and programmes, including a rolling programme of fleet replacement and refurbishment for buses used on Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann PSO routes. Funding will continue to be allocated for this purpose in 2016, in line with commitments made in the context of the new Capital Plan 2016-2021. The Plan also envisages the enlargement of PSO bus fleets in response to market growth.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.