Martin Ferris
Ceist:400 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Transport the measures he proposes to take to ensure maximum safety on the Luas, especially during the initial months. [20517/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 6 July 2004
Ceisteanna (367)
Freagraí scríofa
Section 51 of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 provides that the Luas system may not be opened for testing and commissioning or for passenger services until it has been demonstrated to the satisfaction of an inspector appointed by the Minister under the Regulation of Railway Act 1871 — that is, the Interim Railway Safety Commission, IRSC — that the infrastructure and rolling stock is safe and suitable and that the safety management systems will be appropriate to ensure safe operation of the railway.
The IRSC issued a letter of approval on 28 June 2004 for the commencement of passenger services on the St. Stephen's Green to Sandyford Luas line. The letter set out certain conditions for passenger service operations, including a number of standard provisions normal for such a large and complex project. Passenger services commenced on this line on 30 June 2004 and the system has operated satisfactorily since then. The primary duty of care from a safety perspective lies with the operator, Connex. The IRSC will continue to meet regularly with Connex to review the operation from a safety perspective.
There is also an onus on road users and pedestrians to take due care along the Luas route. The National Safety Council and I have called on road users and pedestrians in recent days to exercise due care, particularly in the early period of the operation of the Luas system.