Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I apologise for the Minister for Transport, who is unable to attend. The derailment at Cahir yesterday morning is a matter of concern to us all. I am thankful that, despite the seriousness of the incident, nobody was injured. The circumstances surrounding the derailment are being investigated by Iarnród Éireann to ascertain the cause or causes of the derailment. The Minister was informed today that the company has appointed an independent expert from the United Kingdom to act as chairman of the Iarnród Éireann inquiry board.

Owing to the damage to the track and viaduct, the line has been closed. However, the Minister has asked Iarnród Éireann to examine the possibility of opening up other parts of the line pending completion of the necessary repairs. The company has undertaken to revert to him on this aspect. The Minister has been assured that Iarnród Éireann will repair the viaduct as quickly as possible, but the latest indications are that it will take six months to carry out the necessary works. Iarnród Éireann is, however, endeavouring to try to reduce this timeframe. In the meantime, the Minister understands that the company is examining all similar bridges on its network as a precautionary measure. He has also been informed that alternative arrangements have already been put in place to cater for passengers and freight customers on this route.