Vol. 462 No. 5
250 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if, in view of the large population of Dublin city, he is satisfied with the transportation of hazardous cargo by rail through the city; the consideration, if any, he has given to alternative routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4999/96]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 106 on 31 January last in which I outlined the stringent international standards and operational procedures which are applied in the transport of dangerous substances by rail.
I am satisfied that the current arrangements for the transport of these substances by rail are safe, having regard to the special equipment and procedures in use and the emergency plans which exist to deal with any incident involving these operations. The consideration of alternative rail routes for this traffic is a matter for Iarnród Éireann.
