Irish Rail says it is not compromising on customer safety in its efforts to cut costs.

The rail-line admits it has reduced the number of carriages on DART trains and some commuter trains in a bid to make 6-figure savings this summer.

Customers have complained about the lack of seats and about over-crowding.

Some have also alleged safety concerns.

But the company says the smaller trains make sense during a time of lower holiday demand and they are saving money on electrical power and on maintenance.

Barry Kenny is Irish Rail spokesperson.