Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Nov 1992

Vol. 424 No. 10

Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Transport of Toxic Chemicals.

Austin Currie

Question:

85 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications whether toxic chemical material is being carried by rail (details supplied) through high density populated areas of Dublin West; if so, whether she has satisfied herself with the present safeguards to prevent a spillage and precautions in the event of an accident; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

The toxic chemicals acrylonitrile and methyl acrylate are carried by rail from Dublin Port through some of the city's northern and western suburbs en route for Killala, County Mayo, with empty trains running in the reverse direction. Strict safeguards are in place to minimise the risk of a spillage in the operation of chemical trains. All of these trains are subject to special operating instructions including a speed limit of 40 miles per hour, 35 miles per hour in places, and all persons concerned in the carriage of the chemicals are given special training. The tank containers in use comply with relevant International Union of Railways (UIC) specifications and the trains are operated generally in accordance with the exacting provisions of the Regulations concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by rail promulgated under the COTIF Convention.

Furthermore, a scheme for the co-ordination of emergency services and other organisations in the event of an incident or accident involving toxic chemicals or dangerous substances in transit by rail has been drawn up by a committee operating under the aegis of my Department. The committee are representative of relevant Government Departments and agencies and of certain manufacturers using dangerous substances.

The scheme provides a framework for the co-ordination of the actions of the various emergency services. It also provides for the identification of substances, raising the alarm and rendering the site of an accident safe. Under the direction of my Department exercises are held from time to time to test the operational capability of the scheme and plans are reviewed in the light of the experience gained from these exercises.

I am satisfied that both the accident response scheme and the special equipment and procedures which are operated by Iarnród Éireann in the case of chemical trains provide a high standard of protection for those living in the vicinity of the railway lines in question.