At approximately 8.50 a.m. yesterday, 5 October, a collision occurred between a passenger train and an articulated milk truck at an unmanned level crossing at Woodfarm, approximately one mile from the village of Dromkeen in County Limerick. The 8.35 a.m train was travelling from Colbert station in Limerick to Limerick Junction when the accident occurred. Some 30 passengers on the train, although shocked by the sudden impact, escaped injury and were able to continue their journey. However, the driver of the truck, Mr. P. J. Bourke from Oola in County Limerick, was not so fortunate. He suffered head injuries and his condition was described as critical in Limerick Regional Hospital. I understand he was transferred to Cork University Hospital this afternoon. I take this opportunity to sympathise with Mr. Bourke, his family and his wide circle of friends.
The cab of the truck was extensively damaged when it collided with the first carriage of the train and the line was closed for several hours. According to newspaper reports, experts are working on a theory that the unmanned crossing gates, which must remain closed under penalty of prosecution except when they are being used for crossing, had been left open or had not been securely fastened.
There are 2,000 level crossings in the country and Fine Gael has demanded that these should be upgraded. The A. D. Little report called for an investment of £128 million in level crossings, whereas the Government study through IRMS recommended only £15 million for such upgrading. This accident, however, underscores the necessity for immediate and extensive upgrading of level crossings.
It is a coincidence that the horrific London rail crash occurred on the same day. The London tragedy is a reminder to everyone that rail travel is not always safe and that when an accident occurs the level of death and injury can be catastrophic. The Minister for Public Enterprise has an obligation to ensure that rail travel in Ireland is safe. However, her actions indicate that she is not taking her responsibility for rail safety as seriously as she should. Everyone who drives a car will appreciate that the difference between a fatal and a non-fatal accident can be slight. The grace of God and a minor circumstance can differentiate between a catastrophe and a non-fatal crash.
I ask the Minister of State to confirm that the accident occurred because of the safety inadequacies of the unmanned crossing. I also ask him if he has received a preliminary report from CIE on this accident and if he is satisfied that an internal inquiry, which has been commenced, is a sufficient response to this accident or if an inquiry under the Transport Act should be instituted. I take this opportunity to thank the gardaí and the emergency services who were on the scene a short time after being alerted. I wish Mr. P. J. Bourke a speedy recovery.
