Vol. 572 No. 3
87 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the detail of the report which he has received from the railway inspecting office on the circumstances of the Cahir rail accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23055/03]
The chief railway inspecting officer of my Department attended the scene of the incident on 7 October, the day of the incident and again on Thursday, 9 October 2003. Following these visits, the chief railway inspecting officer submitted a preliminary report to me on Friday last. The report is based on his own preliminary observations and on his discussions to date with Iarnród Éireann personnel.
In light of the concern expressed in this House and in the Seanad over the last week, I am laying the interim report before both Houses today. In so doing, I would advise Members that the chief railway inspecting officer has emphasised to me that the conclusions of the report are preliminary in nature and definitive conclusions cannot and should not be drawn at this stage.
The incident is being investigated by Iarnród Éireann and the company has engaged an independent expert to chair its internal inquiry. Notwithstanding this, the chief railway inspecting officer believes the incident to be of sufficient seriousness to warrant an independent inquiry. I agree with his assessment and accordingly I have directed him to carry out an inquiry in accordance with section 7 of the Regulation of Railways Act 1871. I will be publishing the report of the inquiry on its completion.
