Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 31 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 7

Written Answers - Hazardous Cargo in Dublin.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

106 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the volume and type of highly hazardous cargo that is transported by rail through Dublin city; the amount of such cargo transported weekly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1787/96]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

Iarnród Éireann conveys quantities of four dangerous substances on behalf of distribution and manufacturing companies. The dangerous substances conveyed through Dublin city are anhydrous ammonia, acrylonitrile, petroleum products and methyl acrylate. The information requested relating to the volumes carried cannot be supplied because of commercial and competitive implications. The total number of trains scheduled to carry these hazardous substances each week is 18.

The trains involved in this traffic operate in accordance with specific instructions based on international standards. The tank containers and tankers are very robust and are subjected to regular inspections and are certified fit to convey the substances concerned. The information notices and hazardous labels carried are in accordance with international specifications for transport of these products. The maximum train speeds are restricted and all persons concerned in these operations are given special training.

A scheme for the co-ordination of emergency services and other organisations in the event of an incident or accident involving toxic chemicals or dangerous substances in transit by rail has been drawn up by a committee operating under the aegis of my Department. The committee is representative of relevant Government Departments and agencies and of certain manufacturers using dangerous substances. Emergency procedures are reviewed and tested regularly through exercises involving designated company personnel and the relevant emergency services.