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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Rail Services.

Nora Owen

Ceist:

210 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals, if any, she has to alleviate the gross overcrowding which occurs on a daily basis on the rail line between Drogheda and Dublin where commuters have to stand in very crushed and unsafe conditions five days a week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1897/00]

I am aware of the discomfort passengers have experienced due to overcrowding on trains in recent times. There has been continuing growth in passenger numbers and this has resulted in heavy loading at peak periods on some routes.

The Government has recognised the problems facing commuters in the greater Dublin area and responded by approving the purchase of 26 additional DART units and 47 suburban railcars. Two DART units have already been delivered this month and a further eight will be delivered by the end of February 2000. The remaining 16 will be delivered towards the end of this year. Twenty seven of the railcars have also been delivered and the remaining 20 will be delivered towards the end of next year. Of the 27 railcars delivered 14 have already been put in operation on the northern suburban rail line.

The national development plan sets out the Government's plans for large scale investment in public transport over the period from 2000 to 2006. This includes substantial expenditure on the acquisition of 58 additional suburban railcars and 46 additional DART cars over the life of the plan. This ongoing investment will increase the capacity available to deal with peak periods and should help to alleviate the difficulties with regard to overcrowding.

However, I have no statutory function in relation to overcrowding of public transport vehicles. Responsibility for ensuring safety on these vehicles rests with CIE and its subsidiaries. It is, therefore, a matter for Iarnród Éireann to satisfy itself that the number of passengers being carried in any particular train or carriage does not compromise overall passenger safety.
I advised the House previously that there are no safety standards in place in relation to overcrowding on trains either in this country or at EU level. However, my Department's railway inspecting officers have been in contact with Iarnród Éireann on a number of occasions drawing its attention to the importance of keeping this matter under review. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that an independent appraisal of the carrying capacity of all of its rolling stock is to be undertaken to ensure that the carriages are fit for their purpose.
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