Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 25 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 4

Written Answers. - Transport of Dangerous Chemicals.

Eoin Ryan

Ceist:

313 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his responsibilities in relation to safety, supervision and planning for emergencies in regard to the transportation of dangerous chemicals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13355/96]

Eoin Ryan

Ceist:

316 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the steps, if any, he will take to modify current arrangements in relation to the transportation of dangerous chemicals in view of the findings of a review body examining emergency hospital facilities in Cork, that stated Cork University Hospital did not have adequate facilities to handle a major chemical accident and mindful of the designation of that hospital as one of two national medical centres for dealing with major accidents; the plans, if any, in hand in conjunction with other relevant Departments to review matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13358/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Stagg)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 316 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the preparation of plans for a response to major emergencies including transportation of dangerous substances, is a matter for the local authorities, health boards, and the Garda Síochána. My Department co-operates, as appropriate, with these bodies in the implementation of these plans. For instance, an inter-departmental committee on the transportation of dangerous goods by rail, which is chaired by my Department, has drawn up a scheme to facilitate the implementation of the emergency plans on a co-ordinated basis, in the event of an incidence involving the transportation of hazardous substances by rail.

My Department regularly reviews gas safety issues with Bord Gáis Éireann and I am satisfied that transportation of natural gas is carried out in accordance with the highest international safety standards. The Gas Technical Standards Committee, which includes a representative of my Department, has set down a comprehensive series of codes and technical standards which provide a safe technical basis for gas transportation. Bord Gáis Éireann also participates, as appropriate, in relevant emergency planning at local authority level.

The transportation of radioactive materials is regulated under licence issued by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) in accordance with international regulations. The RPII assists in radiological emergency planning and responses.

As regards aviation, the Irish Aviation Authority is responsible for regulating the safe transportation of dangerous goods by air. In regulating this matter, the authority applies the standards and recommended practices set out in Annex 18 to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. The Irish Aviation Authority also has responsibility for surveillance of the emergency planning of aerodrome authorities. It also operated the rescue coordination centre to co-ordinate search and rescue activity in the event of an aircraft accident.