To ask the Minister for Regional Development to outline the cause of the fire on the Belfast to Dublin Enterprise train on 6 June 2013; and the action that is being taken to ensure that there is no recurrence.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. The findings of that investigation will inform any necessary action to reduce the risk of any further recurrence.

As required under their Safety Management System NIR will commission their own inquiry into the matter. Engineers will investigate the cause of the fire on the locomotive and the inquiry team will also include representatives from Iarnrod Eireann, given the shared nature of the Enterprise service, the fact that the train in question is an Iarnrod Eireann vehicle and that all locomotives in the Enterprise fleet are maintained in the Iarnrod Eireann engineering depot in Dublin. The Department has asked to be kept fully informed.

The Rail Accident Investigation Board have been informed and, while they have yet to decide if they will investigate directly, have indicated that they are content with the investigation now underway. The Health & Safety Executive have also indicated that they will carry out an investigation into the incident and they have been briefed by Translink on the incident.

I recognise that this was a very distressing situation for all passengers concerned and I am very relieved that no-one was injured. I attended the scene of the incident and I have met with officials and Translink staff. The safety of the public remains our key priority. The response from the train crew, Translink’s response teams and emergency services was excellent.