Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
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152. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will clarify with a company (details supplied) the reason there are consistent delays on the Luas red line in view of the fact that on 14 July 2020 there were announcements that there were delays on the line again. [16714/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding relating to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport.

The issue of delays on both Luas lines is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the Luas operator Transdev, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. I ask her to advise my private office if she does not receive a response within ten working days.

Following the commencement of Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business on 29 June 2020, changes to the existing public transport social distancing restrictions were agreed, allowing a move from 2 metres social distancing to utilising 50% of the passenger-carrying capacity of public transport fleet. This will help to underpin public transport services during these unprecedented times, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity in Phases 3 and 4 of the Roadmap for Re-opening Society and Business.

Alongside this change, it was also decided that the wearing of a face covering when using public transport would be made mandatory. The new Department of Health Regulations, which came into effect on 13 July, require passengers, with some exceptions, to wear face coverings. This gives additional protection to both passengers and transport staff.