Vol. 433 No. 7
122 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the research or consideration that has been given to an alternative mode of transport for acrylonitrile and methyl acrylate which are carried by rail through Dublin city en route to County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Trains involved in the transportation of acrylonitrile and methyl acrylate from Dublin to Ballina are operated generally in accordance with the provisions of Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID). The tank containers comply with the International Union of Railways (UIC) specifications and trains transporting these substances must carry appropriate information notices and hazard labels. Maximum speeds are restricted and all persons concerned in these operations are given special training.
Times of the trains are advised to the various emergency services along the railway lines in question. A scheme for alert and co-ordination of the emergency services in the event of an incident involving the carriage of dangeous substances by rail has been drawn up by an InterDepartmental Committee on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail, consisting of representatives of relevant Government Departments and agencies and of certain users of dangerous substances, including acrylonitrile and methyl acrylate. Exercises are held from time to time to test and improve the effectiveness of the scheme.
I am satisfied that the transport of acrylonitrile and methyl acrylate by rail is safe. Consideration of alternative methods of transport is not a matter for Iarnród Éireann or my Department.
