Barry Kenny writes in Metro

wests · 25-01-2006, 14:03

Did anyone see the letter from Barry Kenny in todays Metro paper.
it reads:

"On the issue of rail customers using folding chairs on trains...We do not allow the use of folding chairs or other temporary seating on trains for two reasons: they take up capacity which is critically needed, espically at peak times; and, critically, because in the unlikely event of a safety situtation they would be an impediment to the safe exit from the train of cummunters.
We are constantly striving to add capacity to our services but such is the demand for DART and Commuter rail tht when additional capacity is added it is filled quickly.
We will continue to enhance capacity with investment in resignalling of the city centre, Docklands Station and the the Kildare Route project all set to deliver additional peak trains for the Drogheada, Maynooth adn Kildare lines.
In the meantime we would ask our customers to ensure that capacity is maximised on board by not using folding chairs or other temporary seating. For those such as P Burke (Metro, tuesday) who experience discomfort standing, a number of seats in each carriage are designated priority seating for those who require it, and we urge customers to vacate these seats if required by others.
Barry Kenny - Manager, Media and PR, IE.

LOL - Maximise capacity - has he been on the 17.10 Heuston to Athlone train???

There is NO CAPACITY TO MAXIMISE. I do love the feeling of a strangers breeding on my neck in the evening. That's my experience of I.R. idea of capacity!

Also his comment on "unlikely event of a safety situation they would be an impediment to safe exit from the train of commuters"
What about the crowds of people standing in the exit doors on trains - is this not an impediment to safety???
Does anyone read his press releases before he issues them????

PaulM · 25-01-2006, 14:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by wests

Also his comment on "unlikely event of a safety situation they would be an impediment to safe exit from the train of commuters"

What about the crowds of people standing in the exit doors on trains - is this not an impediment to safety???
Does anyone read his press releases before he issues them????

Mark can give details but I'm pretty certain they are not breaking any safety rules. Uncomfortable though it may be, it is still legal.

Mark Gleeson · 25-01-2006, 15:39

Barry is a very slick media operator, always remains cool even in the no win situation (unlike the spokesperson of another agency) and its generally very hard to catch him out. That the whole problem you can't win, IE have legal authority to refuse access to anyone but in particular:

Quote:

Originally Posted by SI.109 1984, CORAS IOMPAIR ÉIREANN BYE-LAWS (CONFIRMATION) ORDER, 1984

18. (1) No person shall take or cause to be taken on to or into, or cause or allow to remain upon or in, the railway or any lift or vehicle, if requested not to do so by an authorised person, any animal, bird, article or thing which by reason of its nature, dimensions, weight or for any other reason whatsoever is in the opinion of such authorised person likely to cause or in fact does cause annoyance or injury to any passenger or damage to any property or an obstruction in any lift or in any corridor or gangway of any vehicle.

When you consider the fact Drogheda, Maynooth, Kildare and some DART services load to there design capacity (160-175) it is clear the presence of any temporary seating whatsoever would reduce the space available for others. I've experienced close to 200 in a DART coach you don't want to try that. Imagine everyone showed up tomorrow with a seat imagine the number of people left behind, its not fair on your fellow passengers

In a rush to exit it is likely that persons would trip over or be obstructed by any temporary seating in particular where intercity type coaches are used.

Contrary to some uninformed reporting the total number of rush hour seats to all destinations has increased over the last few years. You will have to stand thats a fact of life of commuter rail and while investment will reduce the numbers standing, there will always be people standing

25-01-2006, 14:03	#1
wests New to the board Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3	Barry Kenny writes in Metro Did anyone see the letter from Barry Kenny in todays Metro paper. it reads: "On the issue of rail customers using folding chairs on trains...We do not allow the use of folding chairs or other temporary seating on trains for two reasons: they take up capacity which is critically needed, espically at peak times; and, critically, because in the unlikely event of a safety situtation they would be an impediment to the safe exit from the train of cummunters. We are constantly striving to add capacity to our services but such is the demand for DART and Commuter rail tht when additional capacity is added it is filled quickly. We will continue to enhance capacity with investment in resignalling of the city centre, Docklands Station and the the Kildare Route project all set to deliver additional peak trains for the Drogheada, Maynooth adn Kildare lines. In the meantime we would ask our customers to ensure that capacity is maximised on board by not using folding chairs or other temporary seating. For those such as P Burke (Metro, tuesday) who experience discomfort standing, a number of seats in each carriage are designated priority seating for those who require it, and we urge customers to vacate these seats if required by others. Barry Kenny - Manager, Media and PR, IE. LOL - Maximise capacity - has he been on the 17.10 Heuston to Athlone train??? There is NO CAPACITY TO MAXIMISE. I do love the feeling of a strangers breeding on my neck in the evening. That's my experience of I.R. idea of capacity! Also his comment on "unlikely event of a safety situation they would be an impediment to safe exit from the train of commuters" What about the crowds of people standing in the exit doors on trains - is this not an impediment to safety??? Does anyone read his press releases before he issues them???? Last edited by wests : 25-01-2006 at 16:59.

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