The International Railway Safety Council makes an important contribution to ongoing improvement of international railway safety and performance. Through its annual conference provides a forum exclusively devoted to rail safety issues, that brings together rail safety professionals from around the globe in order to exchange in-depth information about experiences and lessons that improve rail safety.
The IRSC meets annually, generally in October or November. The first IRSC annual meeting was held in 1990, as a result of a joint Japan Rail East (JRE) and Japan Railway Union (JREU) management initiative.
They had been discussing safety issues related to their company and decided to look for new perspectives on safety from overseas experts. The meeting was a great success and has developed since then into an annual international conference.
The diverse mix of rail safety experts who attend results in many thought provoking and challenging ideas, as well as an in-depth understanding of a range of problems, which are useful reference tools for any of the participants.
The European Union Railway Agency (ERA), the Spanish Railway Agency (AESF) and the Railway Infrastructure Administrator (Adif) are delighted to host the 32nd IRSC CONGRESS in Spain.
The aim of the European Railway Agency (ERA) is to contribute to a further development and efficient operation into a single European railway area, guaranteeing a high level of safety and interoperability, while enhancing the competitive position of the railway sector.
In turn, the State Agency for Railway Safety (AESF) exercises the role of authority responsible for railway safety within the railway system under state jurisdiction. Assisting and actively participating in national and international working groups related to the railway safety and railway transport interoperability.
Adif manages a first-rate railway network, one of the most complete and complex all over the world, and is working for a better and more competitive, effective, and sustainable railway system performing for the benefit of the entire society and development of the country.
Spain is, in collaboration and under the supervision of Spanish institutions, at the leading edge of the railway industry and a world-wide benchmark in terms of railway safety.
The Spanish railway network is one of the most advanced in the world, a reference point in terms of knowledge, technology, innovation, and quality. Adif has created one of the most extensive worldwide high-speed networks and a modern regional network which is continually expanding.
Railway safety management in rail traffic is a major pillar that, along with interoperability and leadership, underpins Adif’s strategy as infrastructure administrator within the European railway context. The main goals pursued are preventive and efficient safety management, as well as a continuous improvement and promotion regarding positive safety culture.
Adif carries out projects around the world. International experience by collaborating with other countries expands our vision and enhances our ability to successfully deal with any project, generating growth wherever our activity is performed.
On the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of High-Speed Railway Network In Spain, the city of Seville will host this congress, where different countries will share expertises.
about seville
Seville is the capital of Andalusia, situated in the south of Spain. It is a charming and vibrant city with more than 1.3 million inhabitants, counting metropolitan area, as well as the 4th largest city in Spain.
The city is well-known worldwide for its security, its nice weather, as well as its traditions and culture heritage such as the Cathedral and Real Alcázar Palace, considered as part of UNESCO Heritage Sites.
Its unique monumental heritage ranges over diverse historical and cultural periods and is the result from different civilizations that have inhabited it throughout history. It is not coincidence that Seville has become an inspiration for many painters and writers.
Seville has an international airport operating over 45,000 annual flights, thus enhancing the city’s connection to any other part of the world.
It also offers a wide range of public transport service, including short-distance trains, underground, tramway, and urban bus (Tussam).
The fact of being located within the Guadalquivir valley, in a low-lying flat area, has enabled the implementation of a bike rental public service in the city (Sevici) with a bike lane of about 170 km.
Travelling around Spain from Seville is easy, safe, and fast, thanks to a wide road and rail network including the high-speed train (AVE), which facilitates access to any destination in the country.
The AVE allows you to travel from Seville to Madrid —a distance of 500 km— in just 2h and 30 minutes, from Seville to Barcelona —a distance of 1000 km— just in 5 hours.
From Seville it is possible by using public transport or the existing road network to visit the beautiful beaches of Huelva, Cadiz and Malaga, which are just 1-2 hours away or get to the charming Granada in just 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Seville International Convention Center - Barceló
The best place for IRSC 2022
Sevilla International Convention Center is part of the International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA). A national and international reference in the organization of all types of meetings and events, specialized in congresses and conventions, product presentations and incentives. The 5,000 m2 of meeting space is divided into 25 event rooms for a total capacity of 1,200 attendees and surrounded by 10,000 m2 of amazing gardens and views of the river Guadalquivir.
SEE LOCATIONHOW TO ARRIVE:
FROM SEVILLE AIRPORT:
BY TAXI – only 15 minutes
BY BUS – 50 minutes:
Airport Bus Line EA to Kansas City Santa Justa bus stop and then Bus Line C2 to the Hotel.
FROM SANTA JUSTA TRAIN STATION:
BY TAXI – only 16 minutes
BY BUS – 25 minutes:
Bus Line C2 to the Hotel
hotel barceló renacimiento 5*
This 5* hotel is located on the banks of Guadalquivir River and is well-known in the city for its architecture and design that evokes the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
Its 295 bright and spacious rooms have been renovated, becoming the perfect accommodation for business trips, urban tourism, or family vacation.
The hotel has a wide range of food and drink options in its restaurants and bars, with national and international dishes made with premium quality ingredients. In addition, it offers a fitness room, indoor swimming pool open all year and outdoor swimming pool open from April to September.
The Hotel is about 20 minutes walking distance from Alameda de Hércules, famous for its bars and restaurants and only 40 minutes walking distance from the Cathedral and monumental area of the city.
The Hotel owns the largest Convention Center in Seville with 25 meeting rooms, and it is part of ICCA (International Congress and Conventions Association).
HOW TO ARRIVE:
FROM SEVILLE AIRPORT:
BY TAXI – only 15 minutes
BY BUS – 50 minutes:
Airport Bus Line EA to Kansas City Santa Justa bus stop and then Bus Line C2 to the Hotel.
FROM SANTA JUSTA TRAIN STATION:
BY TAXI – only 16 minutes
BY BUS – 25 minutes:
Bus Line C2 to the Hotel
NH Plaza de Armas 4*
This 4* hotel is located in the heart of the city, 5 minutes walking distance from Seville main shopping district and only 15 minutes walking distance from the Cathedral and monumental area of the city.
The hotel was recently renovated in 2019. It has 262 comfortable and functional guest rooms.
The hotel has a gym and a fabulous terrace where you can enjoy views of the 1992 World Exposition Center. The hotel also has a gastro-bar specialized in local traditional Spanish cuisine and a rooftop swimming pool which is open every day. Poolside service is also available.
Bus round trip will be provided for Congress participants from the NH Plaza de Armas to the Sevilla International Convention Center according to the agenda.
HOW TO ARRIVE:
FROM SEVILLE AIRPORT:
BY TAXI – only 25 minutes
BY BUS – 40 minutes:
Airport Bus Line EA to the Hotel.
FROM SANTA JUSTA TRAIN STATION:
BY TAXI – only 17 minutes
BY BUS – 35 minutes:
Bus Line 21 at José Laguillo Bus stop to the Hotel
hacienda el vizir
A charming traditional venue for IRSC 2022 Gala dinner
A beautiful Spanish hacienda with different outdoor spaces combining gardens and different patios that are reminiscent of the most typical Andalusian environments in which water is the main protagonist.
The hacienda has its own bullring used for Andalusian horses dancing shows. And its traditional architecture oozes charm and history along with Vizir hall with its wooden coffered ceiling that recalls the Mozarabic past. A chance to rediscover the magic of the Andalusian countryside.
Real Alcázar Palace of Seville
An outstanding venue for IRSC 2022 Farewell dinner
Setting for the wedding between Charles V and Isabella of Portugal. The Real Alcázar in Seville is a group of palaces surrounded by a wall. Peter the Cruel rebuilt the old Almohad building to establish a royal residence in the 14th century. It has contributions from all periods, although Mudejar and Renaissance styles are predominant.
Real Alcázar Palace is one of the most spectacular monumental complexes in the world. It has been the place chosen by different civilizations, cultures, and dynasties as a center of power where historical legacy from the Almohads to the Christian kings can be found.
The Real Alcázar Palace has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and even today, its royal rooms are in use, being the oldest active royal palace in Europe.
