Vol. 480 No. 7
56 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the investigations, if any, which have been held into the collision between two trains, one of which was carrying ammonia, at Glasnevin Junction, Dublin 9; if she has satisfied herself that the arrangements for the rail transport of ammonia and other dangerous substances are adequate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14920/97]
64 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the recent serious and potentially disastrous train derailment at Glasnevin Junction, Dublin 9; if she has satisfied herself with the safety precautions and systems in place; the action, if any, she proposes to take to eliminate the causes of such accidents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14932/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 64 together. I am advised by Iarnród Éireann that at 20.48 hours on Thursday, 18 September 1997, two discharged ammonia tank wagons and the barrier wagon on an ammonia train from the Irish Fertilizer Industries Ltd. plant at Marino Point, Cork, became derailed at low speed at Glasnevin Junction. The derailed barrier wagon, which is filled with water, blocked the parallel track and was subsequently struck by a freight train also travelling at low speed. While Iarnród Éireann have indicated that the incident was potentially serious, no danger arose to the public, rail staff or the environment. The local emergency plan was implemented immediately and was stood down later that night at 23.05 hours.
Iarnród Éireann has established a board of inquiry to determine the cause of the derailment and to recommend any remedial action. The report of the board of inquiry will also be reviewed by my Department's railway inspecting officer who will determine if further safety measures should be taken in the light of the report's findings.
