Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2004
27 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his views on the independent six month inquiry into the Cahir freight train crash; if his attention has been drawn to the inquiry’s conclusion that the derailment was caused by a freak accident; if he plans to introduce new train safety measures in view of the inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15903/04]
View answerI understand that Iarnród Éireann recently completed its internal inquiry into the derailment of a freight train on the Cahir viaduct on 7 October 2003. I have not received a copy of the report from Iarnród Éireann.
The chief railway inspecting officer of my Department is awaiting certain technical information from Iarnród Éireann before completing the statutory inquiry which I ordered on 14 October 2003. The chief railway inspecting officer also wishes to inspect the residual part of the viaduct when it is dismantled by Iarnród Éireann's contractors in June. When I receive the report of that statutory inquiry, I will carefully consider whether any specific measures are warranted.
The Deputy will be aware that a Railway Safety Bill is currently before the House. Once that Bill is enacted, the railway safety commission, to be established under the Bill, will have extensive enforcement powers to address any safety issues which come to light from this or any other future incidents.
