Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I also thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this important issue together with my colleagues, who are Deputies from the south side. I am a Deputy from the north side with eight DART stations in my constituency. The DART is a vital lifeline to my constituents, who use it on a daily basis to travel to and from the city, as well as to the south side and beyond. As noted earlier, customers experienced an extremely crowded situation on the DART last Monday, with some services operating with four-carriage trains or even with two-carriage trains in some instances, particularly at peak times. As the Minister of State is aware, this was due to the dispute between train drivers and management. However, this has been an ongoing issue for some time, with fewer carriages coming into play. As Deputy Harris noted, Iarnród Éireann has stated this pertains to saving energy costs. The company has a smaller budget as a consequence of the economic situation. However, customers have been paying more in increased fares and it was announced recently that the cost of ticket prices is set to increase by a further 10.3% next year. These price increases are not justified, particularly if customers are receiving an inferior service.

Customers do not expect to get a seat at peak times in particular, that is, before 8:30 a.m. or after 5:30 p.m. However, they deserve better than cramped, extremely harsh and overcrowded trains. The Evening Herald newspaper reported on the conditions experienced last week and, having experienced it myself at first hand, it certainly is a major health and safety issue. Given the claustrophobic conditions in which commuters can find themselves, one certainly must take heed of the situation and ensure this does not happen.

What discussions has the Minister of State had with Irish Rail in respect of the length of trains and number of carriages? Does he believe Iarnród Éireann has the funding to provide six or eight-carriage trains at peak times? The Minister of State also might provide an update regarding the industrial dispute. In addition, is there any way in which commuters can be forewarned as to the length of the approaching train? Could such a warning be displayed on the screens located in all DART stations in order that at least, the actual arrival of a train with only two carriages does not create panic with everyone running about?

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