Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to recent comments from a UK-based health and safety consultant (details supplied) that overcrowding on commuter trains here may result in passenger deaths should trains be forced to stop suddenly; if he has plans to bring forward proposals to address overcrowding on commuter trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12487/04]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of comments made on the "Pat Kenny Show" in March by Mr. Dave Roberts, said to be a UK-based health and safety consultant. I understand Mr. Roberts expressed the view that crowded trains posed a risk of death to passengers should a train stop suddenly. It is not clear if Mr. Roberts was referring to a collision or emergency braking. Clearly, there is some element of risk to all passengers in the event of emergency braking and a significantly greater risk in the event of a collision.

Research data on the safety implications of crowding on passenger trains is scarce. I am aware of one study published in 2000 by the UK Health and Safety Laboratory. That study concluded that there is no evidence to suggest that the net level of risk to the individual standing in a crowded train is any greater than that presented to a person standing in an uncrowded train. The study also concluded that, in the event of a higher speed collision, whether a passenger is seated or standing makes little difference to the overall severity of injuries sustained.

This conclusion appears to support the view in the railway industry worldwide that crowding is more a comfort issue than a safety issue. Indeed, crowding appears to be the norm on mass transit systems worldwide, particularly at peak times. However, I am aware of the extent of the discomfort and inconvenience crowding causes many passengers, particularly those on longer journeys.

I previously informed the House in response to Parliamentary Question No. 439 of 14 October 2003, that I intend to bring forward an amendment on Report Stage on the railway safety Bill to provide the proposed railway safety commission with the power to make regulations to address the issue of crowding on trains.

The benefits of the Exchequer investment in infrastructure can now be seen with the introduction of the 80 new diesel rail cars into revenue service over the last year. The additional carriages, together with Iarnród Éireann's revised and enhanced timetable, introduced in December 2003, have helped to alleviate the problem somewhat. A further 36 diesel rail cars, 40 DART railcars and 67 intercity carriages are on order. The DART rail cars are presently being delivered. I understand that Iarnród Éireann is also examining the possibility of ordering 68 higher specification rail cars for use on regional services.

This substantial modernisation and expansion of the fleet will go a long way towards solving the problem of crowding on the Iarnród Éireann network.