Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
613. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with Irish Rail to ensure sufficient numbers of carriages are available on the Dublin to Sligo route at peak times, particularly at weekends, in the interest of passenger safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28202/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. While the issue of reduced carriages is a matter for Irish Rail in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA), I have previously been in contact with both in relation to this issue.
I raised public concerns about overcrowding with the Chief Executive of Irish Rail earlier this year and the company responded and re-introduced larger carriages to accommodate passengers where this was considered necessary. The Chief Executive agreed then to continuous monitoring of carriage levels on both DART and Intercity services to ensure they match passenger demand.
The National Transport Authority (NTA), as public transport regulator, must approve any changes to train services and at that time also monitored passenger loadings and peak crowding on all Irish Rail services. The NTA also undertook a national rail review in conjunction with Irish Rail and this review is now largely completed. The aim of the review is to better match service levels and service capacity with demand for travel. That work will now feed into the planning of services for 2015, which has already started.
I have asked the NTA to respond to the Deputy in relation to the availability of sufficient carriages on the Dublin/Sligo route. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
