Derek McDowell
Question:131 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the criteria which is used to measure overcrowding on the DART; and the frequency with which these measurements are taken. [4625/02]
Written Answers. - Rail Services.
Management of crowding on the Iarnród Éireann railway is an operational matter for that company and I have no statutory function in that regard.
There are currently no quantitative safety standards in place regarding the maximum number of passengers permitted on trains, either in this country or at EU level. I am advised by Iarnród Éireann that the capacity of a DART vehicle is calculated on the basis of six people per metre squared. This passenger loading calculation is done on the basis of the entire DART vehicle, including the seating area. In practice, therefore, the maximum capacity of a DART vehicle is unlikely to be achieved, even at peak times.
I am, nevertheless, fully aware that there can be uncomfortable levels of crowding at peak times. This has arisen due to the significant increase in passenger numbers using the DART since its introduction in 1984. Figures from Iarnród Éireann indicate that weekday passenger numbers on the DART have increased from 35,000 in 1984 to 85,000 today. In order to address this, significant funding has been, and continues to be, made available to Iarnród Éireann for investment to increase the physical capacity of the system.
Over the past two years, 26 new DART cars were brought into service and a further 12 DART cars, delivered in 2001, will go into service in the coming months. Preparatory work is under way on a project which will further increase the capacity of the DART network, particularly the lengthening of platforms and the upgrading of power supplies to enable eight-car DART trains to operate at peak times. In the meantime, the railway inspectorate of my Department continues to monitor developments in regard to crowding on trains and keeps me informed on the matter. The inspectorate has been in contact with Iarnród Éireann on a number of occasions drawing its attention to the importance of keeping the issue of crowding under review. The chief railway inspecting officer has also raised particular aspects of crowding on rail services with Iarnród Éireann.
Question No. 132 answered with Question No. 53.