Sir, - Iarnrod Eireann was reminded earlier this months that accidents happen in rail transport. Luckily there were no deaths or serious injuries. I had a letter written but not posted when the accident occurred. I was seriously worried about the safety of passengers on Iarnrod Eireann trains for the following reason.
During the month of October I travelled from Limerick Junction to Dublin on the 8.28 a.m. train on 12 occasions and on four of these I had to stand in the doorway of the carriage or between carriages, a position that I believe increases the danger of death or serious injury in the event of an accident.
I would therefore like to know the answers to the following questions:
Is there a limit to the number of people per carriage who may be transported?
Is Iarnrod Eireann covered by insurance if the train is overcrowded?
Who is responsible within Iarnrod Eireann for passenger safety?
If there is a major accident causing deaths or serious injury contributed to by overcrowding, where does the buck stop?
It may be interesting to note that tea and coffee provided by the trolley service cannot be served to passengers who are not seated. The reason given by one of the attendants was the risk of an insurance claim. - Yours, etc.,
Donohill, Co Tipperary.