Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 8

Written Answers. - Tuskar Rock Air Disaster.

Nora Owen

Question:

44 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if any definite conclusion was reached as a result of the inquiry into the Tuskar Rock air disaster; and if the investigation will be reopened as a result of new evidence which has come to hand.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

The Aer Lingus aircraft EI-AOM which crashed off Tuskar Rock in 1968 with the loss of 61 lives was a tragic occurrence.

A most thorough and searching investigation was made into all known circumstances and evidence in relation to the tragedy. The report of the investigation by the then inspector of accidents which was issued in September 1970 stated that there was not enough evidence available on which to reach a conclusion of reasonable probability as to the cause of this accident.

If by new evidence the Deputy is referring to debris recently landed from the Tuskar Rock area, initial inquiries indicate that this material is not from either the Viscount or a jet aircraft and is being further researched to establish its type and origin. It is not my intention at this time to reopen the inquiry into the accident involving the Aer Lingus Viscount.