David Stanton
Ceist:140 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport his plans to deal with the overcrowding on mainline rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2620/03]
Vol. 560 No. 4
140 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport his plans to deal with the overcrowding on mainline rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2620/03]
I am very much aware of the problem of crowding on our railway network, particularly at peak periods and am conscious of the discomfort and inconvenience this causes to passengers. Iarnród Éireann has a statutory responsibility for ensuring the safety of its passengers. It is therefore a matter for the company to satisfy itself that the number of passengers being carried in any train or carriage does not compromise overall passenger safety.
The railway inspectorate of my Department continually monitors developments in regard to crowding on trains and have stressed to Iarnród Éireann the importance of keeping this matter under review. I am advised that consultants for Iarnród Éireann expect to finalise their independent review of its crowding management strategy on inter-city services by the end of March. In addition, I am advised by Iarnród Éireann that it plans to introduce a reservation system later this year, allowing pre-booking on key peak services.