04 April 2008

Dear Colleagues,

You will be aware of the incident at Seahill on the Bangor rail line on Wednesday morning when a 2 year old boy was struck by a train. I am happy to say that the news from the Royal Children’s Hospital is positive and the child is recovering well. I am sure you will join with me in sending the boy and his parents our very best wishes.

The child’s father called to ask we pass on a message to our colleague driving the train to express his heartfelt thanks for his prompt and exemplary actions in slowing and stopping the train and then attending the child and quickly getting medical assistance. This message was gratefully received and has been passed on.

Of course, I would echo those words of praise and also say our thoughts are with the driver of the train. This was and remains a very difficult incident to deal with at a personal level and the company will provide what support we can. I would also mention all our colleagues who managed the incident in such a professional and caring manner. As is normal, an independently led investigation is now underway into this incident.

An incident like this highlights the importance of our positive safety culture, that we remain vigilant during the ‘day job’, always aware of the safety aspects of what we do. There are many great examples of safety awareness; it is the norm we should all be delivering each day. Of course this incident also showed us an example of a caring and humanitarian response.

Catherine Mason,

Group Chief Executive