Vol. 409 No. 9
18 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he has had any discussions with Iarnród Éireann regarding materials used for the construction of the permanent way; if he has satisfied himself that the materials so used are in the best interests of public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
40 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he has satisfied himself with the quality of sleepers being used by Irish Rail on its permanent way; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 40 together.
My Department are in regular contact with Iarnród Éireann regarding safety standards and procedures including materials used in the company's railway operations. I am assured by Iarnród Éireann that all of the materials being used by them in the permanent way, including sleepers, comply with rigorous international standards which are designed to ensure the safety of passengers.
Is the Minister aware that a sleeper known as Tannalite is in wide use over considerable stretches of the permanent way, that this sleeper is a French softwood which does not have the strength or the anchorage hold of the traditional creosote sleeper, that it literally smashes to smithereens under impact, that it also corrodes the bolts on the line and that there is a major issue of public safety here?
There is no major issue of public safety in regard to the permanent way. Different types of sleepers have been used and I am not aware, nor are my Department, of the implications the Deputy states regarding the type of sleeper used. The permanent way meets the standards laid down, as do the sleepers.
Is the Minister prepared to investigate my allegation? Is he also aware that two weeks ago on a stretch of line in the west there was a speed restriction of 10 mph and that there is a current speed restriction of 25 mph on a considerable stretch of line in the west? Is the Minister aware that some of the materials used on the rail date from 1911 and 1925 and that there is a major catastrophe impending unless we undertake an immediate investigation of the quality of the materials currently in use?
I will certainly investigate the allegations the Deputy has made and have a close look at them. The company are confident that the materials used and the permanent way generally are safe for passengers.
