Government urged to reverse cuts in Public Transport Safety

The scene of last weekend's fatal bus crash, in which five people died

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport, Seán Crowe TD, has called on the Government to reconsider its decision to cut spending on Public Transport Safety following the tragic weekend events on Wellington Quay.

"While we await the outcome of the various investigations into last weekend's tragic Dublin Bus accident in which five people lost their lives, I believe it is crucial that we put it into the context of over all public transport safety," said the Tallaght-based TD.

"The City of Dublin has undergone an enormous transformation in the last number of years. This has impacted massively on our public transport infrastructure.

Increased numbers of buses on our streets and roads being closed off for LUAS construction has meant that logistically, it has become more difficult to provide a safe environment for both pedestrians and motorists.

"It is in this context that I believe road safety is paramount as we work towards developing a truly modern public transport network in the city and across the country. In this regard, I would call on the Government to reverse its decision to cut spending on public transport safety by 28% that was announced in the 2004 Book of Estimates published last November."

Speaking about the tragic accident in the Dáil on Tuesday during Private Notice Questions, Seán Crowe expressed his condolences for the dead and injured and their families. He paid tribute to the response of the emergency services and Dublin Bus but expressed concern about what action was taken in relation to reported complaints made to Dublin Bus, Dublin City Council and the Gardaí about the safety of the bus stop at Wellington Quay.