Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
166. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that he has had with Irish Rail in relation to the ongoing overcrowding issue on trains from Mullingar to Dublin on the morning trains given that those trains consist of only four carriages. [63507/22]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
I last met with the CEO of Iarnród Éireann, Jim Meade, on the 2nd December to discuss a wide range of issues concerning public transport.
As Minister, I meet with the Chairpersons and CEO's of CIÉ and its subsidiaries on a regular basis, or as the need arises. In addition to these meetings, my Department has regular engagement with the company at all levels, including at CEO level, in relation to issues including governance, financial, investment, safety and service-related issues, and I am of course briefed by my Department on any relevant issues which arise during the course of such normal administrative and corporate governance related contact between my Department and the companies in question.
The issue of overcrowding issue on specific train services on the Mullingar to Dublin line an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
