A REPORT INTO the collapse of a canopy at a Cork train station last year has found that previous inspections did not contain the required signatures.
One person was injured after the roofing over Platforms 1 and 2 at Kent Station collapsed during high winds and torrential rain last December.
A report by the Rail Accident Investigation Unit into the incident found that these weather conditions was the cause of the collapse.
Eye-witnesses described rain at the time as “horizontal”, inspectors noted.
It also noted that there was an inherent weakness in the columns due to use of cast-iron and decorative features.
The report recommended that Irish Rail identify all similar structures used on the network, and carry out risk assessments.
Images included in the report show that columns snapped off at these decorative rings.
An additional observation made in the report that the structure had not received an inspection that met standards set by Irish Rail, and that:
a number of the Annual Inspections undertaken did not contain the required signatures.
However, these had taken place since 2011 and no defects were identified with the any of columns.
The report reads that there was no evidence of any inspections being undertaken in accordance with standards for inspections of property within the operational boundary or for structural inspections.
The two other safety recommendations in the report are that Irish Rail should establish a procedure for “managing the risk associated with the adverse effects of high winds”, and also ensure that inspections are completed appropriately.
Irish Rail has already issued guidelines to staff on action to be taken during bad weather.
A review of all canopies has found one similar structure, and a ‘plan is in place’, the report reads.
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