A Value-for-Money Review of the Second Railway Safety Programme (RSP) 2004 - 2008 was completed in December 2008 under the Department of Finances Value for Money and Policy Review Initiative. The Review comprises the attached technical report by consultants Risk Solutions and the "Overview Report" of the Steering Committee established to oversee the conduct of the review.
The purpose of the Railway Safety Programme 2004 - 2008 is to improve all aspects of safety across the Iarnród Éireann network and to maintain levels of risk as low as is reasonably practicable. The programmes objectives were to:
· Ensure the continued safe operation of the network
· Bring physical assets to the appropriate standards from a safety perspective
· Take due account of the effect of projected growth and development of railway services
· Identify, assess and control the risks to the health and safety of passengers, public, employees and contractors
· Manage and reduce the level of risk associated with railway operations
· Develop further the preventative maintenance approach to the management of assets.
The programme involves a total investment of €512m. €444m was allocated for infrastructure renewal in order to improve the state of fixed assets including track, fencing, level crossings, bridges, safety critical buildings, signalling & telecommunications, cuttings and embankments. In addition, the programme places an emphasis on enhancing the safety culture and safety management systems ofthe company.
