Question 1

What does the Railway Safety Bill 2026 do?

Accepted Answer

Establishes statutory basis in primary legislation for Railway Accident Investigation Unit to continue investigating accidents and incidents on all railways, including light railways, metro, and heritage railways. Empowers Minister for Transport to make regulations prescribing which railways fall within RAIU's investigation scope and sets out investigation procedures, principles, and investigator powers. Amends Railway Safety Act 2005 regarding intoxicants and safety-critical workers on railways, and updates Freedom of Information Act 2014 to apply to Medical Bureau of Road Safety records related to railway functions.

Question 2

What stage is the Railway Safety Bill 2026 at?

Accepted Answer

As of 24 Jul 2026, the Railway Safety Bill 2026 is at First Stage in 34th Dáil. Once a bill passes every stage in both Houses of the Oireachtas and is signed by the President, it becomes law.

Question 3

Who introduced the Railway Safety Bill 2026?

Accepted Answer

The Railway Safety Bill 2026 was sponsored by Minister for Transport, and was introduced on 24 Jul 2026.

Railway Safety Bill 2026

What this bill doesAI · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001

Stage timelineWhat do these stages mean?