asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the advance notice given to local authorities when dangerous chemicals are passing through their areas by rail.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport Of Dangerous Chemicals.
4.
I would remind the Deputy that I have no function regarding control of the transport by rail of dangerous chemicals. I am, however, aware that full information on the transport by rail of acrylonitrile and methyl acrylate between Dublin and Killala, County Mayo and anhydrous ammonia between Marino Point, Cork and Arklow, County Wicklow, was given to the local authorities concerned well in advance of commencement of the traffic. This information included details of the volume of the traffic, marking of containers, the train routes, the dates of commencement of the traffic and the timetables. I understand that these chemicals are the principal chemicals of a dangerous nature which are at present transported in large quantities by rail.
Is the Minister of State aware that concern has been expressed in relation to the transportation of dangerous chemicals both by rail and by road? This concern relates to the lack of control on the part of this House in relation to the types of chemicals to be transported and the way in which they are transported. In these circumstances is there any intention on the part of the Department to introduce legislation for the purpose of tidying up the regulations in this regard?
Legislation is not contemplated in this area at present. The situation is that local authorities are made aware well in advance both of the nature of the chemicals to be transported and of the day on which they are to be transported. This enables them to make arrangements to deal with any emergency that may arise in the process.
Is it not the position that in one case referred to by the Minister, the responsibility for laying down the ground rules in relation to the way in which these chemicals can be transported has been left to CIE and that there is no input from the Department?
As I have pointed out, the question of what may or may not be transported by rail is a matter for CIE and for the Department of Transport but it is a matter for my Department to ensure that the local authorities are in a position to deal with any accident that may occur en route. One of the ways in which they can be in a position to deal with such an emergency is by their being notified in advance of the type of chemicals being carried and of the time at which they are being carried. That is the entire responsibility of my Department in the matter.