Dick Spring
Question:44 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when the external review of Iarnród Éireann's safety policy and practice will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22799/97]
Written Answers. - Rail Network Safety Review.
Phil Hogan
Question:106 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the progress, if any, she has made in carrying out a safety review of the national rail network; and in procuring additional funds to modernise all radial routes. [22754/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 106 together.
Speaking in response to a Private Members' motion on 9 December last, I announced that I proposed to appoint independent consultants to carry out a strategic review of rail safety, covering all relevant aspects, including infrastructure, policy and practice. I explained that the aim would be to have the review completed within six months of the date of appointment of the consultants, provided that this is consistent with meeting the overall requirements of the review.
The consultants will be selected in accordance with EU public procurement rules, and this means that there will be a minimum notice period of 52 days to allow firms which are interested in the consultancy assignment to submit their applications. The invitation to tender was forwarded to the Official Journal of the European Communities last Friday and the closing date for applications is 3 February 1998.
Last week I also gave a detailed account of the substantial investment already under way in the rail system under the Operational Programme for Transport, 1994-99. Looking to the future, I indicated that I had already asked CIE to prepare detailed investment plans for both mainline and suburban rail networks for consideration in the context of securing EU funding in the post-1999 period. That work is already well in hand and I expect to receive the relevant reports early in the new year. I am anxious to ensure that all the relevant facts should be available as a basis for informed and prudent decision-making on a future rail investment programme.