Covid-19 Pandemic

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Questions (444)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

444. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 59 of 18 February 2021, if his attention has been drawn to a bulletin (details supplied) which recommends the use of natural ventilation in trains during both train stops and train travel to further reduce the spread of Covid-19; the analysis his Department has carried out or commissioned to ascertain the adequacy of the natural, forced and air circulation ventilation systems on Iarnród Éireann trains, particularly in trains in which the windows cannot be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20578/21]

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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-19 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 regarding safety measures across the public transport system and is working closely with transport operators, including Iarnród Éireann, with regard to the implementation of specific measures.

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

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51