Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

Connex Ireland Ltd., which operates the Luas system, is carrying out an investigation into this accident in close liaison with the interim railway safety commission and the Railway Procurement Agency. The commission is expecting an interim report from Connex in the next week or so. The primary duty of care from a safety perspective lies with the operator — Connex — but there is also an onus on road users and pedestrians to take due care along the Luas routes.

The interim railway safety commission 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 green line. The letter of approval for the commencement of passenger services on the Tallaght to Connolly line, the red line, was issued on 27 September 2004.

The letters of approval issued by the commission followed the submission by the Railway Procurement Agency and Connex of draft "safety cases" earlier this year in respect of Luas. The "safety case" submitted by the agency was to demonstrate the management of the safety aspects of the infrastructure and rolling stock, while the Connex "safety case" related to the management systems for the safe movement of trams and the safe operation of passenger services. The interim commission continues to meet regularly with Connex to review the operation of both lines from a safety perspective.

The Railway Procurement Agency and Connex have engaged in an extensive publicity campaign in relation to Luas safety, which included both national and local media. They have also conducted targeted campaigns in areas close to the particular routes and covering specific categories of road users such as cyclists or motorists. Both companies are continuing with the safety communications programmes, including regular school visits in the Luas catchment area and other targeted communications. These initiatives are being reviewed in light of the first few months of operating experience.

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