22 March 2007

Report criticises Translink over delays and overspending

A report released today by an audit office has criticised the delays and overspending in the re-laying of the Belfast to Bangor railway line.

Northern Ireland Auditor General John Dowdall’s report revealed “serious management deficiencies” resulted in the 2001 project costing £34 million – twice the budget – and running nine months late.

It also revealed the project involved massive losses at the expense of the public. The overall cost to taxpayers was said to be around £8m to £13m.

The Audit Office said there were “serious deficiencies in the economic appraisal which under-estimated the costs of the project” and it was a result of “failures” in key areas.

It is understood Translink’s lead engineering consultants did not specify the contract properly and failed to deliver track designs.

The report added: “Many of the problems which arose on the project could have been avoided or their effects lessened if Translink had managed the project properly.

“Translink had no procedures for project management or the management of consultants and there were shortcomings in procurement practices.”

The company’s documented record was also described as “the worst we have ever encountered". The report said: “Key decisions were not documented and problems were compounded by the removal and destruction of documents by the former Head of Infrastructure.”

Bosses were also accused of being excessively generous to the rail operator’s staff and were also criticised for their decisions to put funds at risk.

The report concluded that Translink had made progress with plans to improve project management, but implementation in some areas had been "slow”.

A spokeswoman for the operator said all enquiries were being handled by the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company.

The NITHC have not commented on the report.

(JM/KMcA)