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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Rail Safety.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

1249 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the number of investigations carried out by his Department's railway inspectorate in the past five years; the reason for the investigation and the conclusions drawn; the measures which have been implemented by Irish Rail and those which remain outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16638/02]

The railway inspectorate carries out routine inspections and monitoring of railway operations in accordance with its statutory duties. However, it can only carry out a formal investigation into a railway accident if directed to do so by the Minister.

Section 7 of the Regulation of Railways Act, 1871, provides that I may direct an inquiry into the cause of certain specified types of railway accidents. Section 7 also provides that I may, by order, direct a more formal investigation to be undertaken into any such accidents. No formal investigations have been undertaken over the past five years.

However, in February 2002 my predecessor directed a railway inspecting officer to carry out an inquiry into the cause of the railway accident on 16 February 2001 at Kiltoom level crossing, County Roscommon. This direction replaced, on legal advice, an earlier direction dated 20 February 2001. This inquiry is at an advanced stage and any measures that may be recommended by the inspector in her final report will be addressed to the relevant party for appropriate action.

Question No. 1250 answered with Question No. 1246.

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