asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will review the regulations regarding the transporting of toxic substances.
Written Answers. - Toxic Substance Transportation.
93.
Responsibility for regulating the transport etc., of dangerous substances rests with the Minister for Labour by virtue of the powers conferred on him by the Dangerous Substances Act, 1972 (as amended).
Córas Iompair Éireann prepared, at the request of the Minister for Labour in accordance with that Act, by-laws for the purpose of regulating the loading, conveyance and unloading of dangerous substances on the railway system. These by-laws, as approved under the Dangerous Substances Acts, require to be confirmed by the Minister for Tourism and Transport under section 22 (2) of the Transport Act, 1950, a procedure attaching to all by-laws made by the board. They are now being examined with a view to confirmation shortly.
94.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that trains carrying ammonia and other toxic substances are travelling through stations with many people present; and if he has satisfied himself with this situation having regard to the fact that if an accident were to occur, there could be great loss of life.
The routing of trains is a matter for Iarnród Éireann, the subsidiary of CIE given responsibility for the operation of the railways under the Transport Act, 1986. All the services are required to be operated with due regard to safety of operation in accordance with the general duties imposed on Córas Iompair Eireann in section 7 of the Transport Act, 1958.
The equipment used in the transportation of dangerous substances is designed and built to international standards and the crews concerned in the transport and handling of such substances are specially trained. Emergency procedures are tested from time to time by the carrying out of exercises. In addition, a special scheme for co-ordination of emergency services was drawn up to deal with rail accident situations. The scheme was revised and updated as recently as April 1988.
I can assure the Deputy that great care is taken in the transport of dangerous substances and that every effort is made to eliminate to the greatest extent possible all potential risks of accidents.