Northern Ireland: Rail operator warned of flood risk

Following an incident last summer near Belfast where a 150-passenger train was found on unsupported rails for 12 minutes, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) blamed a system of culverts which could not cope with the heavy rainfall and a lack of engagement between Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) and Rivers Agency about the potential for flooding. Although the train did not derail and there were no injuries, RAIB recommended earthworks and structures be reviewed for flood risk and a plan for liaising with Rivers Agency be developed.