To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the concerns highlighted recently regarding the passenger capacity of the proposed light rail carriages for the Tallaght Luas line; and if he has had discussions recently in relation to this matter.

- Seán Crowe.
For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 1st June, 2004.
Ref No:   16243/04

Answered by the Minister for Transport
(Séamus Brennan)

REPLY

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has informed me that when the Luas tram fleets were originally determined, based on projected demand foreseen at the time, it was envisaged that there would be twenty 30metre trams on the Tallaght line.  It was later decided to increase capacity by 30% by acquiring six additional 30metre trams.

The RPA will monitor capacity levels on the Luas lines once passenger services commence and they have assured me that there is some flexibility to increase service frequency should the demand so require.