Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 1

Written Answers. - Railway Signalling System.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

268 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the number of signals passed at danger or SPADs on the rail network to date in 2003; the corresponding figure for 2002; the annual figures for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29002/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

The following table from Iarnród Éireann sets out the statistics on SPADs. I am advised by Iarnród Éireann that in considering these figures the Deputy should bear in mind that the recording of SPADs has improved due to advances in technology such as data recorders and automatic SPAD alarms. It also advises that the increased figures for year to date 2003 are to a large extent explained by improved recording of SPADs caused by shunting in the area of Heuston Station. The improved recording arose as a result of the new signalling installed in that area as part of the recent major upgrading of the station.

Iarnród Éireann is addressing the SPAD issue through a number of initiatives. They include the formation of a SPAD focus group that has drawn-up an action plan for SPAD risk mitigation and the inclusion in the driver training programme of a dedicated one day SPAD awareness session.

Year	Passenger Train	Empty Coach	Freight Train	Shunt	Other	Total
1998	6	0	8	10	2	26
1999	9	1	4	4	5	23
2000	13	1	2	9	5	30
2001	15	2	2	12	6	37
2002	7	4	1	10	4	26

Year to 28 November

2003	10	4	4	24	8	50
2002	6	4	1	10	4	25