James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 234: To ask the Minister for Transport if, in view of the recent accident on the northern rail line near Skerries involving a goods train, he will ensure that there are adequate alternative emergency transport services made available for commuters using the service and that an audit or report is carried out to ensure the safety of the line and the rolling stock using that line in order to ensure passenger safety and confidence in the train service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7963/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that specially arranged alternative bus transfers are routinely offered to longer distance rail commuters whenever services are unavailable due to line closure, and that this was the case from Dundalk and Drogheda when the northern line was closed due to the freight train derailment. From nearer distance stations such as from stations between Balbriggan and Dublin, passengers were directed to scheduled Dublin Bus services and their rail tickets were accepted to these services.

I am aware that Iarnród Éireann is currently conducting an internal investigation into the incident and that the Company is already making arrangements to implement initial recommendations from that investigation.

As required under the Railway Safety Act 2005, the Investigation Unit of the Railway Safety Commission is also conducting an independent investigation of the incident. The report of this investigation may also contain recommendations for Iarnród Éireann, and this report will be published in due course.