Bus Timetables Anti-Competition (Route 67)

As a regular commuter from Celbridge it has become apparent that the level of service has gradually deteriorated over the past month. After a series of 1 hour waits at the bus stop I phoned the controller for the 67 route this morning. He informed me that the service is getting progressively worse but there is nothing that can be done about it. Previously when a bus was running so late as to miss its departure time, another bus was sent from the garage to cover it. This is no longer possible, as an application has to be made to the Department of Transport, because running extra buses can be construed as anti-competition. Effectively then, any attempt by Dublin Bus to stick to its timetable is deemed as unfair to private operators! A similar thing happened on No Car Day, when Dublin Bus tried to lay on extra buses.
Can it be merely coincidence that this downgrading of the 67 coincides with plans by Mortons (Circle Line) to introduce a "full" service from Celbridge in the New year?