Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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784. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding overcrowding on the Sligo to Dublin train. [7610/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  While the issue of reduced carriages is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA), I have been in contact with both in relation to this issue.

I have also  raised public concerns about overcrowding with the Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann and I understand that the company has already responded and re-introduced larger carriages to accommodate passengers where this has been considered necessary.  The Chief Executive has agreed to continuous monitoring of carriage levels on both DART and Intercity services to ensure they match passenger demand.

The most recent information I have now received from the Railway Safety Commission (RSC) is that a total of 64 trains services were inspected prior to Christmas and a further 36 inspections were undertaken last month.  However, all recent instances of reported “overcrowding” have been determined to be well within the design capacity of the vehicles.  Findings from individual service inspections have been brought to Iarnród Éireann's attention and, while these are more in relation to passenger comfort as opposed to safety, the company has confirmed that they have an ongoing process of monitoring passenger loading on its services.

The National Transport Authority (NTA), as public transport regulator, must approve any changes to train services.  The NTA has confirmed that it is monitoring passenger loadings and peak crowding on all Iarnród Éireann services.  The introduction of a 20-minute standing rule on those sections of Intercity services that operate a commuter service into Dublin has been discussed with Iarnród Éireann.  The NTA is also undertaking a national rail review at present in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann and this is due to be completed early this year.  The aim of the review is to better match service levels and service capacity with demand for travel.

During the course of 2014 both Minister of State Kelly and I will be meeting regularly with senior management in all of the publicly funded transport companies and the NTA to focus efforts to improve public patronage of our buses, trams and trains. I will ensure that both the NTA and Iarnród Éireann are made aware of the concerns raised by the Deputy with regard to the particular incident on the Sligo-Dublin service.