Call for greater documentation
The first train passes over the viaduct after its reopening last November.
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Wednesday March 17 2010
THE investigating team examining the collapse of the Malahide viaduct have called for greater documentation when dealing with reports from members of the public, as well as a review of the effects of mitigating factors in the Broadmeadow area on the estuary's tides.
As part of a series of recommendations, the inspectors said Íarnród Éireann's structures standard should be revised to include more information on 'scour' and the erosive effects of different water conditions, such as standing waves, particularly in the context of the design of remedial measures.
'The introduction of the revised structures standard should be supported by the running of a series of structures inspection training courses,' the report read. 'The training should incorporate 'follow-up' mentoring in the field by experienced, competent staff.
'Roles and reporting lines for structures and track patrolling inspections should be reviewed and a 'hand-over' process should be put in place to ensure knowledge is not lost on staff movements within the organisation or when staff leave the service.'
The report recommended flood and tidal warning arrangements, using information from Met Éireann and the Coast Guard, should be formalised throughout Iarnród Éireann (IÉ), while consideration should be given to extending the installation of monitoring and warning equipment to structures susceptible to scour, so that changing conditions at sites during adverse conditions could be monitored.
'The bridge card system of monitoring the condition of structures should be expanded to incorporate all relevant information that needs to be recorded during an inspection,' the report continued.
'The records should cover each span or relevant element of the structure and these should be incorporated into an enhanced IAMS (infrastructure asset management system) - based system supported by photographs.
'The process for dealing with reports from the public should be documented and unified across the organisation. The effects of climate change, land and leisure developments in the Broadmeadow catchment area should be kept under review by IÉ so that the organisation is well placed to take informed action to mitigate any potential future adverse effects on the railway.
'In particular, it is recommended that dialogue is initiated with the relevant state agencies accordingly.'
Iarnród Éireann has assured customers the recommendations will be fully implemented, as will any and all recommendations arising from the investigation of the Rail Accident Investigation Unit.
The investigation also said the public 'spiritedness' of third parties who contacted the company prior to and subsequent to the incident should be commended.
- Robin KIELY
