Gay Mitchell
Question:62 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he has received a report from the Luas project team on the safety of the Luas lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20305/04]
View answerWednesday, 7 July 2004
Questions (77)
Written answers
I refer the Deputy to my response to his Parliamentary Question No. 58 of 4 May 2004.
The IRSC issued a letter of approval on 28 June 2004 for commencement of passenger services on the St. Stephen's Green to Sandyford Luas line. The letter set out certain conditions for passenger service operations, including a number of standard provisions normal for such a large and complex project.
Passenger services commenced on this line on 30 June 2004 and the system has operated satisfactorily since then. The primary duty of care from a safety perspective lies with the operator, Connex. The IRSC will continue to meet regularly with Connex to review the operation from a safety perspective.
There is also an onus on road users and pedestrians to take due care along the Luas route. The National Safety Council and I have both called on road users and pedestrians in recent days to exercise due care particularly in the early period of the operation of the Luas system.