Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 268: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the decision of the Luas operator in its by-laws to formally ban the carrying of bicycles unless they are foldable; if he will ask the operators to reverse this decision and instead allow for carrying of bikes at off-peak times on the Luas, as is stated in the national cycle policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10262/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I have been advised by the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) that the by-laws referred to by the Deputy were put on public display at their offices in Parkgate Street on 25 May 2011 and remained on display for the 30-day statutory period. The public were notified of the RPA's intention to make the by-laws by way of newspaper notices published on that day. The RPA did not receive any observations or submissions from members of the public within the statutory period.

The RPA has consistently stated that passenger safety is paramount and that neither RPA nor Veolia will do anything which might jeopardise the safety of Luas passengers. It is the view of RPA and Veolia that the services and capacity of Luas do not permit the safe segregated carriage of bicycles on Luas at present. Bicycles which are folded are permitted.

Due to the continued success and increased patronage of Luas during the peak and off-peak periods, spare capacity or the provision of a safe defined/segregated storage area on Luas is not available. There is no easily identified off-peak period as part of the success of Luas has been its ability to attract non-commuter passengers to the service.

I conveyed my consent to the bye-laws on 6 January 2012 and the Light Railway (Regulation of Travel and Use) By-Laws 2012 (S.I. No. 44 of 2012) were signed by the RPA on 3 February 2012.