Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 543: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans for a full investigation of the collapse of the railway bridge at Broadmeadows in Malahide; the arrangements to expedite repairs of the bridge on a 24 hours a day, seven days per week basis; the arrangements for future safety inspections by the Railway Safety Commission on all railway bridges; and if arrangements will be made to have the bridge heightened at Skerries to facilitate large trucks accessing the road way at this location instead of the current detour necessary via Rush. [30571/09]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 546: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has ordered a full audit of all railway tracks and infrastructure particularly in coastal areas following the recent collapse of the Broadmeadow railway viaduct in north Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30682/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to answer Questions Nos. 543 and 546 together.

In accordance with section 58 of the Railway Safety Act 2005, the Railway Accident Investigation Unit (RAIU) is now investigating all aspects of the cause of the collapse of the Malahide viaduct. The RAIU is obliged, other than in exceptional circumstances, to issue a report no later than 12 months after the date of occurrence of the incident but will, I expect, do so as expeditiously as possible.

In addition, as provided for under Section 53 of the Railway Safety Act 2005, Irish Rail is undertaking an investigation of the collapse. In this context, I understand that the Chairman of CIE & Irish Rail has set up a Board Sub-Committee, chaired by a member of the Board, to oversee this internal Irish Rail investigation, which will be supported by independent advisers. The report of the Irish Rail investigation including all records and data will be made available to the Railway Accident Investigation Unit and the Railway Safety Commission (RSC).

In the meantime, I understand that design work for the reconstruction of the viaduct has already commenced. When completed the designs will be subject to a thorough and independent review by Irish Rail's advisors and by the Railway Safety Commission. I am informed that Irish Rail is aiming to have the viaduct reopened for rail services by late November 2009.

As regards other bridge infrastructure, I understand that a team of Irish Rail engineers has already commenced a programme of inspections of all other Irish Rail bridges. The team is being supported by structural engineering consultants. Priority is being given to the inspection of other rail bridges over estuaries, lakes, rivers and canals which are susceptible to water scouring. Irish Rail has in place a safety regime of management systems, inspections regimes and audits, which has been accepted by the Railway Safety Commission. Alteration to the bridge at Skerries is a matter for Irish Rail.