Jim O'Keeffe
Question:117 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself that rail safety standards are adequate; and his plans in this regard. [18223/02]
Written Answers. - Rail Safety.
Iarnród Éireann has a statutory responsibility to manage its railway safely. The company has assured me that all railway services on its network operate to strict standards, which are in place to ensure the highest level of safety for its customers and staff. This Government places the highest priority on the safety of our railways and is carrying forward two very important railway safety initiatives started by the previous administration. These initiatives, when complete, will greatly enhance the safety of our railways.
The first of these initiatives is the railway safety programme which was approved by Government in March 1999. This safety investment programme involves investment of €546 million over the five years 1999 to 2003. This programme has seen over €400 million invested to date and has transformed many parts of the railway, replacing 246 miles of track with continuous welded rail, permanently closing or making safer 371 level crossings and renewing 228 bridges. Significant funding has also been made available for works to cuttings and embankments, fencing and improvement of safety management systems. I also intend to seek the approval of Government in the near future for the re-convening of the railway safety task force to make recommendations for a new five year railway safety investment programme to commence in 2004.
The second of these initiatives is the Railway Safety Bill which was published in December 2001. This Bill, when enacted, will modernise the railway safety regulatory framework by establishing a railway safety commission to regulate and enforce railway safety and investigate railway accidents. The Bill also places duties on railway undertakings, their staff and third parties and requires railway undertakings to put in place formal safety management systems. The Second Stage reading of the Bill is scheduled to commence in the House tomorrow.