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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Mar 1983

Vol. 341 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers . - Transport of Acrylonitrile .

21.

asked the Minister for Labour if he has satisfied himself that the safest way to transport acrylonitrile to the Asahi plant, County Mayo, is by rail through Dublin and across the country; if he is confident that this method of transport was not chosen for reasons of cost but for safety purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

: I am informed that the decision to transport acrylonitrile by rail to the Asahi Plant in County Mayo was centrally influenced by the unsuitability of local ports to receive vessels of 3,000 tons — the size required to transport the required tonnage of chemicals.

Recommendations on the safety measures and operational procedures to govern the transportation of this chemical substance by rail from Dublin were adopted following in-depth studies and consultations with representatives of the Asahi company, the Department of Transport, CIE, Mayo County Council, Dublin Port and Docks Board, the IIRS and an inter-departmental safety committee. The safety standards applied are in conformity with the requirements of the international convention governing the carriage of dangerous goods by rail.

: In view of the fact that the first line of defence in the event of an accident would be the Garda, could the Minister give details of the equipment and level of knowledge available to the Garda in the Dublin area — Cabra, Mountjoy and Fitzgibbon Street stations — as to the possibilities presented by a rail accident involving this chemical?

: The Garda in the areas mentioned have, I am sure, been alerted to the areas where assistance can be got in the case of a rail accident involving a train carrying this chemical. As the first line of defence would be CIE, since the chemical would be travelling on their rail line, naturally arrangements would be made with CIE to see that the proper arrangements are made to neutralise whatever damaging effects might occur through a spillage of this chemical.

: Is the Minister satisfied with media reports stating that neither the Garda nor the fire services in the Dublin area are equipped or informed on the dangers likely to be present should a rail accident occur involving this chemical?

: Naturally I would be concerned if that were the case. However, I have given a list of the various Departments and organisations which were consulted before this transport process was allowed and also the safety standards which are applied to the carriage of this dangerous material. These matters have been agreed and I hope that this will help people to be aware that every conceivable step is being taken to see that no damage is done or that any accident which may occur would not have the effect suggested by the Deputy.

: A final supplementary, Deputy, please.

: Would the Minister undertake to check the position with regard to the Garda and fire services in order to assess the accuracy or inaccuracy of the criticism made of them in regard to the possibilities of such an accident?

: Certainly, if people are concerned, as the Deputy has said, I will check the position on their behalf.

: Positively the last supplementary.

: Would it also be possible to investigate whether or not the various statutory bodies en route to Killala are equally aware of the dangers and equally capable of dealing with the situation, should spillage occur? I am speaking now about all the midland counties, including, of course, County Kildare.

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