Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Rail Safety.

John Bruton

Ceist:

198 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has reached a decision on the issue of the introduction of an automatic braking system for trains in view of the recent train disasters in Paddington, London and in Norway. [1353/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke):

The type of braking systems in use on the rail network is a matter for CIÉ and Iarnród Éireann and not one in which I have a statutory function.

However, I understand from Iarnrod Eireann that an automatic train protection – ATP – system is in use on the DART and that, on the mainline network, a continuous automatic warning system – CAWS – is in use.

Iarnrod Éireann have advised that there are no plans at present to extend the ATP to the mainline network as the CAWS system is considered adequate to ensure safe operation taking into account the operating speeds, density of services and the relatively straightforward operating environment on the mainline network.