Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Transport the action he intends to take following the publication of the report on the collapse of the Cahir viaduct. [29710/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Report of the Inquiry into the Derailment of a Freight Train at Cahir was published on the 3 August, 2006. The implementation of the recommendations of the report is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Safety Commission. I understand from both the Railway Safety Commission and Iarnród Éireann that the latter is implementing the recommendations which focus on strengthening Iarnród Éireann's inspection and maintenance regime and its safety management systems. The Railway Safety Commissioner has advised my Department that he is satisfied that Iarnród Éireann are implementing the recommendations but he will continue to track overall implementation of the recommendations on an ongoing basis.

Most of the recommendations are being carried out and funded under the €512m Railway Safety Programme for the period 2004-2008. In relation to railway safety generally, the position is that this Government has prioritised investment in Railway Safety since 1999 and total investment over the period 1999 to date amounts to over €850m. This investment is providing a twofold benefit for passengers: a safer railway as well as better and more frequent passenger services. Since 1999, Iarnród Éireann has renewed approximately 760 kilometres of track, erected over 500 kilometres of new fencing, replaced and/or renewed over 170 bridges and closed or upgraded over 750 level crossings.

Other elements of the safety programme included investment in signals, telecommunications and electrification as well as in cuttings and embankments. The development of the company's safety management systems has also been addressed with over €80m expended on improving the safety management systems, procedures and practices and in promoting safety culture at all levels in the organisation.

As part of Transport 21, investment in railway safety will be maintained at a high level to ensure full implementation of the railway safety programme recommended by the Task Force on Railway Safety. In addition to the increased investment, the establishment of the Railway Safety Commission on 1 January, 2006 under the provisions of the Railway Safety Act, 2005 has provided a modern regulatory framework for railway safety. Increased investment combined with a modern legislative framework for railway safety will ensure a continuing high level of safety across the railway network.