An NRA study relating to the number of vehicle kilometres of travel in Ireland in 2001 indicates that the average number of kilometres travelled by goods vehicles is significantly higher than other vehicle types. There is no evidence, however, that heavy goods vehicles are significantly involved in road collisions. It is unfortunately the case that the consequences resulting from a collision with a heavy goods vehicle are generally more severe than with a smaller type of vehicle. Along with the road safety strategy, the national roads development plan will lead to a safer road network for all vehicles including heavy goods vehicles.
The position in relation to rail freight is that the strategic rail review contained a comprehensive examination of the rail freight business and its realistic potential to support economic development and contribute to a sustainable environment. Iarnród Éireann, in responding to the challenges contained in the review, has developed a business plan based on a strategy with regard to freight, which is to break even by 2006; increase the profitability of the existing profitable business; withdraw from those businesses that are heavily loss-making; and target trainload traffic. The company has made good progress in growing the rail freight business in areas where it holds a competitive advantage over road haulage. Iarnród Éireann continues to pursue a policy of growing its rail freight business where opportunities present. However, as in all businesses, it must adjust the freight business from time to time to reflect market realities.
Since 1999, Iarnród Éireann has invested more than €1.5 billion in rebuilding the railways, with Government and EU support for the investment programme delivering improvements in new trains, upgraded infrastructure and customer facilities. While such investment has primarily focused on improving passenger services, the investment in improving rail infrastructure also has a direct beneficial impact on freight activities.