asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) that a CIE train carrying 270 tons of liquid ammonia from Cork to the Nítrigín Éireann plant in Arklow, County Wicklow was stopped and attacked by persons unknown in Dublin during August; and the action taken or proposed to be taken in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - CIE Train Incident .
33.
: The Garda authorities state that the train carrying ammonia was stopped on 21 August last when, as a result of the malicious cutting of the electric signal cable, a red signal against it proceeding came on. The Garda view is that the signal cable was cut so as to halt a goods train with a view to stealing the contents and that, when the train carrying ammonia was stopped and no goods could be taken, the offender or offenders resorted to an act of vandalism by releasing the water being carried on the train. The water was for use for the quelling of ammonia fumes in the event of a leakage. Immediately the Garda were notified of the incident they went to the scene and carried out a search of the area but with negative results. Garda investigations into the incident are continuing.
The Garda will continue to make every effort to prevent unauthorised persons from entering on railway property. Special attention is being paid to the area by regular uniformed foot and mobile patrols and also by members of the district detective unit. The protection of CIE property by the provision of better fencing and more secure signalling equipment is, of course, a matter for CIE and discussions are in progress between the Garda authorities and CIE management with a view to devising plans to minimise interference with the railway system.
: Does the Minister consider that the patrols that he referred to in his reply are sufficient to make sure there will not be a recurrence of the type of incident referred to in the question particularly because of the hazard of dangerous cargoes passing through densely populated areas.
: I am satisfied that the Garda are constantly reviewing the reforms in areas like that. The Deputy can be assured that constant vigilance is being maintained by the Garda in these reviews.
: Is each train monitored by the Garda as it passes through the areas in question? How many trains pass through each day?
: That is a separate question. If the Deputy will table a question I will answer it in the future.
: I wish to give notice that it is my intention to raise on the adjournment the subject matter of Question No. 7 on the Order Paper.
: I will communicate with the Deputy. The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.