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Public Transport Safety.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2004

Wednesday, 7 July 2004

Ceisteanna (94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99)

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

73 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the progress made with regard to the review of the location of bus stops announced by him following the serious accident at Wellington Quay, Dublin, on 21 February 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20420/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

282 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself that adequate safety standards apply in respect of all rail and road public transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20849/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

283 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if public health and safety requirements are being met at all bus stops and rail stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20850/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

284 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if health and safety requirements are a prerequisite in the location and construction of all bus stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20851/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

285 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has issued instructions in regard to the location and construction of bus stops in the future arising from the Dublin bus stop tragedy with a view to having primary reference to health and safety requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20852/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

286 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his views in respect of the location and construction of bus stops in the wake of the Dublin bus stop tragedy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20853/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73, 282, 283, 284, 285 and 286 together.

The power to determine the locations for the provision of bus stops is vested in the Garda Commissioner under section 85 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. Under that section, the commissioner may issue a direction to a bus operator identifying the specific location of bus stops in respect of any bus route. I understand that the gardaí engage in a consultation process with both the local authority and the bus service provider before issuing a direction under section 85. The review of the location of bus stops following the Dublin Bus tragedy is ongoing by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann and any concerns in that regard are raised with the local authorities and Garda Síochána.

In regard to the safety of bus services, all bus operators are required to demonstrate to my Department that all their vehicles are taxed, insured, roadworthy and approved as public service vehicles. Safety on our railway systems is the legal responsibility of the operator. Iarnród Éireann has responsibility for safety on the heavy rail network while Connex Ireland Limited has responsibility for the Sandyford Luas line. The Railway Procurement Agency has responsibility for safety on the Tallaght Luas line while construction work continues.

Iarnród Éireann has assured me that all railway operations on its network operate to strict standards, to ensure the highest level of safety for its customers and staff. The Sandyford Luas line is being managed in accordance with the safety case approved by the interim railway safety commission. The same safety case will apply in respect of the Tallaght line once passenger operations commence.

In addition, the Railway Safety Bill, when enacted, will provide an up to date framework within which railway undertakings must demonstrate safety adequacy and provides for the establishment of a railway safety commission, which will have the necessary powers to monitor and enforce compliance. The Bill also places duties on railway undertakings, their staff and third parties and requires railway undertakings to put in place formal safety management systems and to submit a safety case to the commission for approval.

Question No. 74 answered with QuestionNo. 43.
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