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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Oct 1997

Vol. 480 No. 7

Written Answers. - Railway Accidents.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

56 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the investigations, if any, which have been held into the collision between two trains, one of which was carrying ammonia, at Glasnevin Junction, Dublin 9; if she has satisfied herself that the arrangements for the rail transport of ammonia and other dangerous substances are adequate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14920/97]

Derek McDowell

Question:

64 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the recent serious and potentially disastrous train derailment at Glasnevin Junction, Dublin 9; if she has satisfied herself with the safety precautions and systems in place; the action, if any, she proposes to take to eliminate the causes of such accidents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14932/97]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 64 together. I am advised by Iarnród Éireann that at 20.48 hours on Thursday, 18 September 1997, two discharged ammonia tank wagons and the barrier wagon on an ammonia train from the Irish Fertilizer Industries Ltd. plant at Marino Point, Cork, became derailed at low speed at Glasnevin Junction. The derailed barrier wagon, which is filled with water, blocked the parallel track and was subsequently struck by a freight train also travelling at low speed. While Iarnród Éireann have indicated that the incident was potentially serious, no danger arose to the public, rail staff or the environment. The local emergency plan was implemented immediately and was stood down later that night at 23.05 hours.

Iarnród Éireann has established a board of inquiry to determine the cause of the derailment and to recommend any remedial action. The report of the board of inquiry will also be reviewed by my Department's railway inspecting officer who will determine if further safety measures should be taken in the light of the report's findings.

The trains involved in this traffic operate in accordance with specific instructions based on international standards. CIE have assured me that the tank containers and tankers are very robust, are subjected to regular inspections and are certified fit to convey the substances concerned in accordance with the specifications of the International Union of Railways CIE have also advised me that the information notices and hazardous labels carried are in accordance with international specifications for transport of these products, and that all persons concerned in these operations are given special training. 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 is representative of relevant Government Departments and agencies and of certain manufacturers using dangerous substances. Emergency procedures are reviewed and tested regularly through exercises involving designated company personnel and the relevant emergency services.
The safety of rail operations is a matter for the board and management of CIÉ and Iarnród Éireann. CIÉ have assured me that safety is the prime consideration in the operation of the railway and will not be compromised. Iarnród Éireann has in the last four years embarked on an ongoing safety programme to enhance the range of safety procedures already in place. Safety on the railway will also benefit from a complementary quality programme which the company is promoting to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations.
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