Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 2

Written Answers. - Rail Network.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if all required safety standards and procedures apply at all times on the rail link serving Sallins and Celbridge, County Kildare; if her attention has been drawn to reported breaches in safety procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4827/02]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

150 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she is satisfied that all necessary safety standards and procedures apply on the commuter rail link serving Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey, County Kildare; if her attention has been drawn to breaches in such standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4828/02]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 together.

The safety of the Iarnród Éireann railway network is an operational matter for that company and, as such, I have no statutory function in the matter.

I am advised by Iarnród Éireann that all rail services, including those on the Dublin to Mullingar and Dublin to Kildare routes, operate within strict safety criteria at all times. Iarnród Éireann assures me that there have been no breaches of the strict safety procedures applied in the operation of these rail services.

I would also draw the Deputy's attention to my reply to Question No. 46 which I answered earlier.