'The heat was unbearable': Overcrowding on trains passing through Kildare highlighted
A local representative said that the issue is ‘becoming an all too familiar story’
Overcrowding on trains passing through County Kildare has been highlighted once again by a local councillor.
Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender, who represents the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, raised the matter on social media, following on from previous instances where he highlighted overcrowding on trains.
The situation was also raised by Athy-based Labour Party TD Mark Wall.
‘RIDICULOUS’
Cllr Pender explained that he was supplied with a photograph by a passenger travelling on the 5.30pm Heuston to Galway train yesterday (Tuesday, November 10 last).
He elaborated: “The overcrowding on [this] train was ridiculous; the heat was unbearable and no aisles or exits were free in case of an emergency."
“They also reported that every carriage was in a similar condition.”
Cllr Pender also asserted that this dilemma ‘is becoming an all too familiar story’.
“How many more photographs, complaints and passenger accounts are needed before something changes?” he asked rhetorically.
FOI REQUESTS
Cllr Pender also revealed: “I've already submitted Freedom of Information requests seeking details of passenger numbers, carriage allocations, overcrowding incidents, safety procedures and complaints.”
“I'm continuing to gather evidence from passengers across Kildare and the wider rail network,” he added. “Irish Rail needs to explain what happened on this service, whether sufficient capacity was provided and how passenger safety was assessed.”
Furthermore, Cllr Pender released the following appeal: “If you were on this train, or have experienced similar conditions on another service, please get in touch, as every report helps build the evidence for better capacity, better services and accountability.”
He concluded: “Passengers deserve better.”
Irish Rail / Iarnród Éireann has been contacted by the Leinster Leader for comment in relation to Cllr Pender’s comments and photograph.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.