Investigation finds 'blatant disregard for Iarnród Éireann rule book' led to near derailment

The driver of the train, which had seven carriages, reported that he had struck something on the track, while also noting that a number of staff had to move off the line as the train approached them. File picture

An investigation has concluded that “blatant disregard for the Iarnród Éireann rule book” led to a near derailment of a train on the Dublin-Cork line 18 months ago.

A new report by the Railway Accident Investigation Unit details how an empty train narrowly avoided being derailed after striking track equipment that had been placed by a work crew who had not received clearance to start repairs to the railway.