Simon Coveney
Question:126 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Transport the implications of the Cahir rail accident on the future of the Waterford-Limerick rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23032/03]
Written Answers. - Rail Accidents.
I do not expect the de-railment which happened at Cahir on Tuesday last to have any implications for the future of the Limerick Junction to Waterford railway line.
I gave a commitment in the House on Tuesday last that I would not allow Iarnród Éireann to link a particular event such as this accident to the future assessment of the need for the line. I made it clear to the House that the future of this line is a separate issue to the accident.
I also stated quite clearly to the House that I would expect the company to repair the damaged viaduct and carry on its normal business on the line.
I have been assured by Iarnród Éireann that it will repair the viaduct as quickly as possible but the latest indications are that it will take six months to carry out the necessary works. Iarnród Éireann is, however, endeavouring to try to reduce this timeframe. The company has already made alternative arrangements for its passenger and freight customers pending the repair of the line and is considering the possibility of re-opening part of the line in the interim.