asked the Minister for Communications if he will make a statement on the escape of ammonia from a five-tank train en route from Marino Point, County Cork to Arklow, County Wicklow, on 31 January, 1985.
15.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport of Ammonia.
14.
asked the Minister for Communications the results of the investigation into the causes of the escape of ammonia from a train travelling through Mallow on 31 January 1985; and the steps being taken to prevent any possible recurrence.
I propose to take questions Nos. 32 and 33 together.
I am informed by CIE that as the 14.45 hours ammonia train from Marino Point to Arklow on 31 January was passing through Mallow station a smell of ammonia was detected by a member of the staff. The train was put into a siding at Rathluire where is was isolated and the emergency services were alerted in accordance with the emergency plan for this traffic. It was found that there was a slight vapour leak from the leading car. Gardaí cordoned off the area and rail services were halted until the area was declared safe by the fire brigade. The emergency alert lasted one hour and 13 minutes. An inquiry is being held by CIE into the incident.
CIEs transport arrangements for substances such as ammonia conform to international standards governing the carriage of dangerous substances.
I accept that ammonia must be transported by rail or road, but realising the type of substance it is I should like to know if regular checks are carried out by the Minister's Department in regard to safety. Are the values and taps of the tankers examined by the Department on a regular basis or is that left to the company?
It is, more or less, left to the company, but I have been prompted by the tabling of the question, and the incident referred to, to examine whether the Department should play a more active role in regard to rail safety than they do.
Will the Minister indicate the prevalence of that traffic, or similar traffic, in the south and in the west?
I do not have that information but if the Deputy wishes I will send it to him.
Would it be feasible to have a full-time inspector on that specific job?
I will consider that suggestion and I will make the Deputy aware of the outcome.
Does the Minister accept that it is essential, in view of the incident and of the nature of the railway link between Cork and Dublin, that such an inspector be present at all times?
As I have said, I will consider the points. I am not sure that a full time inspector would be warranted in the situation. I am very anxious to ensure that adequate safety standards are upheld at all times in our railways. I will let Deputies know of my decision having considered the matter.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.