Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 24 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 6

Written Answers - Railway Accidents.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

40 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the number of railway accidents in relation to level crossings over the past ten years; if this aspect of rail safety is being investigated by the consultants examining the railway network; the likely date of the consultants' report; and if it will be published. [4524/98]

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

128 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if independent consultants have been appointed to carry out the strategic review of rail safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4878/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 128 together.

I am advised that there are 1,634 railway crossings accessing private lands and property, while the number of manual level crossings on private and public roads is 580. In addition, there are 19 level crossings which are fully automated. I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that an examination of records available from January 1988 to December 1997 indicates that only 20 per cent of accidents at level crossings involved trains. The remaining 80 per cent were road traffic accidents involving road vehicles colliding with level crossings. The accident data includes minor incidents as well as serious accidents and it is important that accident statistics should be considered in this context. The specific information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Year	Train Accidents	Other	Total
1988	6	33	39
1989	7	31	38
1990	8	25	33
1991	7	21	28
1992	6	23	29
1993	7	24	31
1994	7	29	36
1995	7	27	34
1996	9	28	37
1997	8	28	36

On 9 December last I announced my intention to appoint independent consultants to carry out a strategic review of rail safety, covering all relevant aspects including infrastructure, policy and practice. The terms of reference for the review specifically require the consultants to consider level crossings. Proposals from prospective consultants were received on 3 February 1998. A number of candidates who submitted proposals for the consultancy were interviewed by officials from my Department on 18 February and I expect to appoint the successful applicants very shortly once the contractual arrangements have been agreed and the necessary approvals have been obtained. The study will take six months to complete.

As I indicated in this House on 9 December last, I intend to publish the report when it is finalised.