Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020

Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Questions (161)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

161. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he will discuss with the National Transport Authority, Irish Rail and Luas the possibility of ensuring the automatic opening of all train and tram carriage doors each time the service reaches a stop without a button having to be pressed by passengers exiting or alighting as a Covid-19 precaution measure both to ensure passengers do not have to press the door opening button and also to ensure good ventilation and circulation of air in the carriages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42164/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and public transport has been designated among the essential services that have carried on during the Covid crisis.  A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services safely during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network.

The Government is committed to ensuring that essential transport services, and passengers utilising these services, are protected and supported.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) continues to be guided by public health advice to improve journey safety for all across the public transport system and is working closely with transport operators with regard to the implementation of specific measures. . 

I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.