Learner Stories – Irish Rail
How Irish Rail is building sustainability into procurement and long-term decision-making
Kelly O’ Reilly, Rolling Stock Category Procurement Buyer Executive, Irish Rail.
Discover how Irish Rail, national provider of passenger and freight rail services, incorporated the learnings from our Sustainability Leaders Programme, to build better knowledge of sustainability resource management and understand how to integrate environmental considerations into their procurement process. We spoke to Kelly O’ Reilly, Rolling Stock Category Procurement Buyer Executive, at Irish Rail to find out more.
In your own words, how would you describe your role?
I’m a Rolling Stock Category Procurement Buyer Executive with Iarnród Éireann, managing procurement contracts for rail vehicles and associated systems. My role includes strategic sourcing, supplier engagement, tendering and establishing contracts for the maintenance and operations of all IÉ fleets ensuring compliance with technical, regulatory, and indeed sustainability requirements.
What motivated you to undertake a programme at the Skillnet Climate Ready Academy?
I undertook the training to build my knowledge of sustainability resource management and better understand how to integrate environmental considerations into procurement processes. I also recognise that procurement is a hub for change when it comes to considering sustainability, and I felt it only right to upskill myself in this area.
How has this programme helped you in your career or daily work?
It gave me practical tools and increased confidence to apply sustainable practices in my role, especially in planning and evaluating tenders with long-term impact.
How has your organisation benefitted from the knowledge and skills you gained?
I feel it supports our shift toward more sustainable procurement. I feel I am better equipped to align sourcing strategies with our environmental goals and public value commitments having gained an understanding of sustainability. The course gave me a great foundation to build on to better understand and appreciate the pillars of sustainability to allow me drive home processes that ensure we are procuring the most sustainable solution.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience?
The Academy provided a valuable, practical learning environment. It helped me develop skills that directly support greener, more future-focused procurement. It also allowed me to gain a deeper insight into what other areas of the business are doing to incorporate sustainability which I think is important given my current role.
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