1 June 2007

Dear Colleagues,

As you probably know, yesterday the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the NI Assembly heard evidence on the NIAO report on the project to upgrade the Belfast to Bangor rail line between October 2001 and June 2002. We welcomed the opportunity to answer their questions and provide background to this difficult project.

Not unexpectedly media coverage has been critical and I feel quite one sided, focussing on the ‘negatives’. Unfortunately, we are not permitted to make any detailed comments as this may pre-empt the findings of the PAC. While this may seem unfair, it is understandably government protocol and we will abide by it.

If you worked on the project or have read the report or were actually at the hearing yesterday you will realise this was a complex and difficult project. It should be remembered it was necessary because this stretch of the NI Railways network was becoming life-expired. There were major difficulties in completing this project and mistakes were made by NI Railways and others.

The NIAO quite rightly identified a number of recommendations to address weaknesses and prevent a recurrence of such events. NITHCo/Translink have accepted and are implementing these recommendations.

The resulting improvement is demonstrated by the on time / on budget completion of major infrastructure projects in recent years, following the introduction of new management procedures. You will all be aware of these.

The upgrade of the Bangor rail line was intended to deliver a reduction of passenger journey time by an average of two minutes and increase both patronage and revenue. These have been delivered; the Belfast to Bangor line carried approximately 2 million passengers during 2006/07; an increase of 55% since 2000/01.

Events, structures and procedures have all moved on a lot from 6 years ago. We now have a recognised track record of success, delivering a growing and improving public transport network for Northern Ireland over recent years. We must focus on continuing this and not get distracted by these events.

We are committed to accountability and to learning from the events of 6 years ago to deliver effective, well used and value for money public transport for Northern Ireland.

Thanks to everyone for their support - we do a good job, deliver a vital service and are improving our services every month and year. It is important you know this and that our friends and neighbours and passengers do too.

Philip O'Neill

Acting Chief Executive

We are committed to accountability and to learning from the events of 6 years ago to deliver effective, well used and value for money public transport for Northern Ireland.