Written answers

Thursday, 22 June 2017

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Railway Stations

Photo of Thomas ByrneThomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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197. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on Irish Rail's strategy to make train stations staffless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29325/17]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​The Deputy is presumably aware that staffing at train stations is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and not one in which I have any statutory function.I understand that the Company is keeping staffing under review as there have been changes in customers' purchasing preferences. Overall, only 17% of revenue is now via the traditional booking office, and booking office volumes dropped by as much as 55% in a single year in some locations, as overall passenger numbers rose.

Iarnród Éireann's priorities in determining staffing levels are:

- To ensure busier stations are manned at all times.

- To provide a more flexible resourcing to respond to customer demand, and improve response for customers requiring assistance.

- To ensure a safe and secure environment, working with live monitored CCTV system, contracted private security resources and Garda liaison.

- To ensure revenue is protected, working with the Company's Revenue Protection Unit.

As previously noted, the issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

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