Delegates urged the Government to update the national transport system. Mr Pat Larkin, from Dun Laoghaire, warned the Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke, that overcrowding on DART trains meant a tragedy was waiting to happen. "I hope it will not, but urgent action is required. I saw a man in his late 60s having his coat caught in the door of a DART train, and it remained there until the next stop."
Ms Frances McGough (Dublin North), said there should be better facilities for the disabled. "Access to public transport is crucial if the disabled are to achieve independence and integration."
Ms O'Rourke outlined Government expenditure on public transport, noting a total of £500 million would be spent on revitalising the railways.
She said £3 million was set aside for pilot rural transport projects. "When the results of these and other pilot projects have been evaluated, I will develop a policy for rural public transport and seek additional funds to implement them."
The Minister said £10 million would be spent on improving transport facilities for the disabled. "In addition, all new urban buses, DART and suburban rail cars will be fully accessible, as will new stations and the Luas light-rail network."
