Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 2

Written Answers. - Rail Network.

Richard Bruton

Question:

61 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the extent to which the new investment in carriages for the DART service will increase the number of carriages per kilometre mile of track in view of the fact that these extra carriages will have to service the additional extensions to Malahide and Greystones; the current passenger volumes and carriages; the projected passenger and carriage volumes when the extensions are fully operational; and if she will give assurances that the feature of crushing which has given rise to the safety fears will be overcome by this investment. [2115/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The existing DART fleet comprises 80 vehicles. Under the Operational Programme for Transport 1994-1999 65% EU funding was secured for the acquisition of an additional ten DART carriages. Two of these have recently been delivered while the remaining eight will be delivered in tranches of two by the end of February. As a result of the reallocation of Luas funding in 1998 an additional order for 16 DART carriages is being co-funded by the EU and the Exchequer. These carriages will be delivered in the autumn. The total fleet will then be 106.

Furthermore, the national development plan 2000-06 has made provision for the purchase of a further 46 DART cars.

The present DART extends from Howth to Bray, a distance of 38 km. The extensions to Greystones and Malahide will add seven kilometres at either end bringing the overall length to 52 km. The ratio of carriages per kilometre will decrease slightly from 2.11 to 2.04. However, this may not be the most appropriate yardstick for comparison purposes for a variety of reasons: while the length of the DART will be extended by 14km or 37%, only three additional stations will be added to the existing 26 stations;the catchment areas for the new DART stations will include existing suburban rail passengers from Malahide and passengers who at present drive to Bray; it does not adequately reflect the real increase in DART capacity of 32.5%. This will be further significantly increased over the period of the national development plan through the acquisition of the additional 46 DART cars and infrastructural works, including the extension of station platforms to accommodate eight car DART and increased city centre capacity. When that investment has been completed, peak DART capacity will be almost twice what it was at the end of 1999.

The current passenger carryings are approximately 20 million per annum. In recent years the rate of growth has been of the order of 5%-6% per annum and this rate of growth is projected to continue for the foreseeable future. The Malahide and Greystones extensions will clearly give rise to some additional patronage. However, it is not possible to predict this exactly because of a likely diversion of existing passengers who currently drive to Bray to board the DART or take diesel trains from Malahide.

In relation to the safety aspect, which the Deputy has raised, I must point out that I have no statutory function in relation to overcrowding of public transport vehicles. Responsibility for ensuring safety on these vehicles rests with CIE and its subsidiaries. It is therefore a matter for Iarnród Éireann to satisfy itself that the number of passengers being carried in any particular train or carriage does not compromise overall passenger safety.

I have advised the House previously that there are no safety standards in place in relation to overcrowding of trains either in this country or at EU level. However, my Department's railway inspecting officers have been in contact with Iarnród Éireann on a number of occasions drawing their attention to the importance of keeping this matter under review. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that an independent appraisal of the carrying capacity of all of its rolling stock is to be undertaken to ensure that the carriages are fit for purpose.

I am very much aware of the discomfort that passengers have experienced due to overcrowding on trains in recent times. However, very heavy loadings of this kind are not uncommon on urban rail systems throughout the world. There has been continuing growth in passenger numbers and this has resulted in heavy loading at peak periods on some routes. I am satisfied that the ongoing investment in the DART will increase the capacity available to deal with peak periods and should therefore help to alleviate the difficulties with regard to overcrowding.