Vol. 400 No. 6
55 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will outline the preliminary results of the investigations which were held into the rail crash involving the Tralee-Dublin train on 14 November, 1989, in view of the fact that he stated in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 469 of 30 January 1990 that he was shortly to receive a full report; and if it is intended to review the regulations regarding manual crossings.
I have been advised by CIE that the Iarnród Éireann board of inquiry have now completed their investigations into the accident at Cuddagh near Mountrath on 14 November 1989 and that a copy of the report will be submitted to my Department shortly.
I am also advised that the report of the Iarnród Éireann working party on safety at accommodation level crossings is in the final stages of preparation and that this report will also be submitted to my Department in the near future. Both reports will be examined by my Department to determine whether existing regulations regarding the construction and operation of accommodation level crossings need to be reviewed in the interests of safety.
56 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport whether the report of the inquiry held by CIE into the rail accident on the line to Knock in September, 1989 has been completed; whether this report will be published by him or made available to persons who sustained injuries; whether any investigation, independent of that carried out by the operating company, has been conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The final report of the Iarnród Éireann board of inquiry into the derailment near Claremorris, County Mayo, on 24 September, 1989 was submitted to my Department last November. The report was examined to determine the need for any follow-up action or remedial measures. In the light of that examination, I have concluded that all relevant information relating to the circumstances of this accident is contained in the report and that no useful purpose would be served in carrying out any further inquiry or formal investigation.
The Board of CIE have advised me that a copy of the report has been furnished on request to the legal representatives of one of the parties involved. The question of making the report available to other such parties is a matter for Iarnród Éireann, acting on legal advice.
