Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Sinn Féin TD John Brady, has called for immediate clarity with regard to the cost of storing and maintaining over 100 new electric buses that have been sitting idle for months and years due to lack of charging infrastructure.
The call comes after the PAC previously exposed that 110 taxpayer-funded, double-deck electric buses are currently sitting idle, some for as long as 900 days, due to the government’s failure to plan and deliver necessary charging infrastructure.
In responding to the PAC, the NTA also noted that these buses are retained and maintained by the manufacturer in Ballymena but make no reference to the costs associated.
Teachta Brady said:
“The issue of costs associated with retaining and maintaining these buses is just another layer to this saga of incompetence.
“One would have to assume that the manufacturer is not doing this for the good of their health.
“The fact that any associated costs were omitted from the reply provided to the committee by the NTA raises serious concern.
“This serious concern is amplified when you consider the sheer length of time many of these have been retained and maintained by the manufacturer – 76 buses for more than 500 days, and 14 for over 850 days.
“It’s clear that these costs could be very significant.
“I have sought clarity in relation to this matter from the Minister for Transport via a parliamentary question, but he kicked the issue to touch by referring it to the NTA.
“The Minister can’t deflect blame on this – he must bring immediate clarity to this issue.
“This isn’t a delay in production or delivery, this is a delay brought about by the Government’s complete failure to plan and to ensure that the necessary charging infrastructure is in place.
“This is shocking incompetence and has become a recurring issue.
“This will rightly enrage commuters at a time when they are dealing with overcrowded services, delays and cancellations.
“The public deserves answers.”