asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his attention has been drawn to the suggestion made at a recent inquest into the death of a garda in Dublin, who was struck by a DART train, that inadequate lighting on DART trains may have contributed to the accident; if he has satisfied himself that existing safety precautions, expecially in relation to lighting, are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - DART Safety Precautions.
28.
I would like in the first instance to extend my sympathy to the family who were bereaved in this accident.
I have seen a press report on the inquest in which there was a mention of the possibility of poor illumination on DART trains, though I should point out that the matter was not referred to in the coroner's report.
I have been informed by Iarnród Éireann that the illumination on the front of DART trains, that is marker lights, headlamps and destination indicators, adequately meets the requirements for which it is provided and is of similar standard to that used on other railway systems.
Following an initiative by my Department procedures have now been introduced which can be used by gardaí to alert train drivers when the need arises for gardaí to enter on to the railway. This should further improve safety on the DART system.