The latest audit of rail safety at Iarnrod Eireann shows significant improvements but also rapidly rising costs. While improvements since the first safety audit in 1998 range between 5 per cent and 20 per cent, the total cost of meeting safety targets has risen by 29 per cent to £556 million.
The report, prepared by International Risk Management Services on behalf of the Department of Public Enterprise, also states that "a sea change has taken place in safety management culture", but cautions that "this is causing stress in management and staff".
Given this status, and the large amount of work to be completed before a truly self-sustaining safety culture is achieved, it is suggested that a final broad external audit be carried out on behalf of the Rail Safety Authority.
The biggest single percentage increase in costs was consultants' fees, which rose from £600,000 in 1999 to £2.8 million in 2000. The largest single increase in cost terms was an extra £15 million on essential embankment and cuttings work.
Training for drivers has also increased from 10,000 hours in 1999 to 26,000 in 2000, reflecting increased numbers of trainees.
Total safety investment in 2000 was £100.4 million, compared with £71 million in 1999.
The safety audit showed "management commitment" to safety was now 82 per cent, an improvement of 13 per cent on the first audit in 1998. "Contractor safety" now scores 73 per cent, an increase of 17 per cent since 1998.
In a statement last night the Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke, welcomed the findings. She commended the management and staff of Iarnrod Eireann "for the ongoing commitment they have shown towards building a robust safety culture".
The Minister was not available to comment on the sharply increasing costs.