Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has received a report regarding the investigation into the accident involving two Luas trams at St. Stephen's Green on 17 September 2004 in which four persons were injured; if he is satisfied safety procedures for the Luas are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26976/04]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The incident referred to in questions relates to a collision between two Luas trams and not to pedestrians or drivers. What information has the Minister on that incident? Does he know how it happened? Does he know the cost of the damage to both trams? Does he consider it appropriate that Connex should investigate itself in this matter?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I presume the Deputy is referring to the collision on 17 September. Two trams collided——

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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That is the subject of the question.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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——during a crossing movement at St. Stephen's Green terminus. A defect in the system has been ruled out. Connex is the operator of Luas and is investigating the accident in close liaison with the interim railway safetycommission which is directly involved and with the Railway Procurement Agency. Following the incident, two inspectors from the interim railway safety commission inspected the scene of theaccident and since then they have been in close liaison with Connex and the Railway Procurement Agency. One tram driver was taken to hospital, three people were treated for shock at the scene. An interim report is expected in the next week. When I receive that report I will be in a position to answer the question in the fullest terms.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Is the Minister aware that such has been the success of the Luas, particularly the green line, that the morning trams are packed with passengers which is very welcome but which raises concerns about safety in the event of any further accident occurring involving congested trams? Will the Minister request the RPA to increase the frequency of the service in the morning period to make it a safer and more comfortable trip for the passengers who are flocking to use the service?

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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On a point of information and as follow-on from the question asked by Deputy Shortall about the appropriateness of self-investigation, will the new railway commission when established take over the role of investigation of accidents both on Luas and on the railways?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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That is a matter I will consider. I acknowledge the wisdom of what the Deputies have said. It is my instinct also that it would be better if it was independent. In response to Deputy Ryan's question, clearly the RPA takes on board the success of Luas. I am pleased to say it has been a success more quickly than people may have anticipated. The RPA is examining options for line capacity. I understand the Luas is currently running at less frequency for safety reasons. These issues are being considered. The justification for the investment in Luas and its success is apparent to all. We will consider putting Luas in other areas of Dublin.