Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken or proposes to take to reduce overcrowding on commuter trains, on all routes in the County Kildare region; if he is satisfied that full health and safety standards and requirements are being met at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21875/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply today to PQ 21953.06 regarding improvements on commuter rail services.

Iarnród Éireann's commuter train services are operated with modern diesel commuter railcars designed and constructed to current safety standards. These standards provide for safe operation under fully laden rush hour conditions with all seating and standing capacity occupied.

I understand from Iarnród Éireann that the issue of crowding is one of discomfort and inconvenience rather than a safety concern and this view is in line with consensus in the railway industry worldwide.