Vol. 497 No. 2
91 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will make a statement regarding the serious overcrowding on trains on the Cork to Dublin line; and the steps, if any, she has taken to remedy the situation. [24360/98]
The question of assessing and meeting public demands for transport services is a matter of Córas Iompair Éireann and its operating subsidiaries. I have no function in relation to this matter.
There is no legislation dealing with the issue of overcrowding on trains. However, I am aware of the discomfort that passengers have experienced due to overcrowding on trains in recent times. There has been continuing growth in Intercity passenger numbers and this has resulted in heavy loading at peak periods on some routes including the Cork to Dublin line. It is a matter for Iarnród Éireann's operational personnel to satisfy themselves that the number of passengers being carried in any particular type of carriage does not compromise overall passenger safety. I understand my Department's railway inspecting officer has recently been in contact wiht Iarnród Éireann regarding the carriage of standing passengers on trains.
Ongoing investment in rolling stock will increase the capacity available to deal with peak periods.
