asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the number of persons (a) killed and (b) injured as a result of being struck by trains or falling from trains in each of the past five years; if he is satisfied that the safety procedures on our railway system are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Train Passenger Accidents.
42.
The numbers of persons killed and injured, as notified to my Department by Iarnód Éireann in accordance with statutory requirements, as a result of being struck by trains or falling from trains in each of the past five years were:—
|
1984 |
1985 |
1986 |
1987 |
1988 |
|
|
Killed |
9 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
6 |
|
Injured |
3 |
11 |
5 |
8 |
5 |
Thirty-three of the 39 deaths and 20 of the 32 injury cases resulted from persons being struck by trains.
I have been assured by Iarnród Éireann, which has primary responsibility for the safety of railway operations, that the staff are trained to operate the railway system in a careful and effective manner and that the statutory obligation on the company to operate in a safe manner is treated as a very high priority.
While there is no room for complacency in relation to rail safety I am satisfied that the safety procedures on the railway are adequate. My Department will continue to ensure that safety requirements are reviewed and adjusted as necessary in the light of experience.