Investigation begins into Cahir train derailment

Iarnrod Éireann has begun an investigation into the derailment of a freight train in Co Tipperary this morning.

The train, comprising 22 wagons and two locomotives, was en route to Waterford from Limerick Junction when it derailed near Cahir at around 6.00 a.m.

Thirteen of the wagons came off the track at the Cahir Viaduct, which was badly damaged in the incident. A number of the wagons are now partially submerged in the River Suir.

There were no injuries reported.

Gardaí and officers from the Environmental Protection Agency are inspecting the river for possible pollution risks from the train's cargo of cement.

The Limerick to Rosslare line carries on average nine return train trips each day, mostly freight trains carrying, cement, beet and container traffic.

Fine Gael's transport spokesman, Mr Denis Naughten TD, said he would be demanding answers from the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, in the Dáil today. He blamed the accident on the fact "that this line and rail freight has been under-resourced in the past".

He said the accident threatens the future of the line and called on Mr Brennan to make a commitment to ensuring the future of the service.

The Green Party transport spokesman, Mr Eamon Ryan TD, said the Government and Iarnród Éireann have deliberately run down the Waterford-Limerick over the past 20 years.

"The real question for the Government is whether they will be willing to reinstate the viaduct and carry out the essential repairs to make sure the line is safe and secure or whether they will use the accident as an opportunity to close another vital link in our contracting rail network?" said Mr Ryan.