Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

There is a genuine concern regarding the following issue which is why this new Part 17 will form part of the Road Traffic Acts. The main reason for the amendment is to address the very serious risk to railways from bridge strikes by vehicles. Iarnród Éireann and the road authorities have become increasingly concerned about the number of bridge strikes by vehicles. In 2001, 99 bridges were struck by vehicles; in 2002, 136 were stuck; in 2003, 122 were struck; and in 2004, 123 were struck. I understand the provisional figure for 2005 suggests the trend continues to increase.

We have been lucky in regard to these bridge strikes in that we really only have had one serious strike in the history of the State which occurred in Wexford some years ago. Senator Mansergh referred to the DART. If a vehicle struck a bridge with a DART carriage on it, there could be very serious consequences. We are deeply concerned about this issue and, therefore, I propose the inclusion of this amendment.