asked the Minister for Communications if he will make a statement regarding the delay in the completion of a public inquiry into the accident at Bellacagher level crossing, Ballintubber, County Roscommon, on 19th June 1977; and if he will undertake to have the inquiry resumed without further delay.
Written Answers. - Resumption of Inquiry.
106.
This inquiry was interrupted as soon as it had commenced on 24 November 1977 as a result of a legal issue which was raised. While that matter was disposed of it has not been found possible to resume the inquiry because of pressure of other work in the safety area including inquiries into major accidents at Buttevant and Cherryville. It should be possible to resume the inquiry into the rail accident at Bellacagher later this year.
Since the Bellacagher incident, new guidelines for equipment to be installed at automatic half-barrier (AHB) level crossings were developed and new road signals, flashing amber lights and road markings were provided at all AHB crossings, including Bellacagher.