Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 May 1991

Vol. 407 No. 9

Written Answers. - Mayo Train Crash.

Ivan Yates

Question:

217 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if the details of the internal Irish Rail inquiry into the train crash at Knock, County Mayo in September 1989 will be published; the reason there has been no follow-up to the inquiry; if his attention has been drawn to a recent incident on the same railway line; the reason no attempt has been made to issue any compensation to any of the 45 people who were hurt in the accident; whether he has satisfied himself with the medical care and attention received by the injured when they were sent home by bus without being offered overnight accommodation at Castlebar hospital; the reason for the accident; the steps he has taken to ensure that it will not recur; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mr. S. Brennan)

Following a derailment near Claremorris in September 1989, which resulted from a collision between a passenger train and a herd of cattle, Iarnród Éireann established an internal inquiry to ascertain the cause of this accident and also to examine in detail the possibilities of eliminating or reducing hazards in the operation of accommodation level crossings.

I have been informed by the chairman of CIE that Iarnród Éireann are in the process of implementing the recommendations contained in the report of the internal inquiry. However, it is not the practice to publish internal reports of this nature. I understand that Iarnoród Éireann are maintaining regular contact with the farming bodies, both in private and through public meetings, to achieve a greater awareness of safety at railway level crossings.

As legal proceedings have been issued against Iarnród Éireann for damage arising from the Claremorris derailment, the Deputy will appreciate that I am unable to make any comment on the question of compensation or the reason for the accident. In relation to the medical treatment received by the persons injured in the accident, this is a question which should more appropriately be addressed to my colleague the Minister for Health.

As regards the accident on the same railway line, on 18 March 1991 when three cattle were killed by the Heuston-Westport train at Bekan Bridge, I understand that the animals in question gained access to the railway line after they had strayed along a public road and then breached a fence near the railway bridge. However, no part of the train was derailed nor were any of the passengers injured. In accordance with normal statutory requirements, my Department were notified of the accident.