Iarnród Éireann installs advanced train detection warning system on Mayo route

Iarnród Éireann has installed a train detection warning system at the level crossing near Derrycoosh, Castlebar on the Mayo to Dublin route.

The new system will provide improved information about the approach of trains and will assist level crossing users in determining when it is safe to cross the railway line. It is expected to become operational next week.  

In a statement, Iarnród Éireann said the level crossing gates will remain in place and must continue to be operated safely. The new detection system includes an always on traffic light function, which features a red light if it is not safe to cross and an orange light if it is permitted to cross with caution.

This train detection warning system has now been installed at 76 user operated level crossings at locations across the network. Systems of this type are becoming more common and are now in operation across a range of countries and have seen a reduction in near misses and collisions.

User operated level crossings represent the biggest safety risks on the Iarnród Éireann network. There are currently 653 user operated level crossings across the network, a reduction from in excess of 2,000 since the level crossing elimination programme was introduced in the year 2000.

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The breakdown of user operated level crossings are: Farm accommodation crossings: 489; Public road accommodation crossings: 40; Private Road accommodation crossings: 89; Pedestrian crossings: 35.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said: “We have worked closely with the Commission for Rail Regulation in introducing this detection warning system, which will assist in making these level crossings safer, but users must be reminded that opening and closing the gates is the responsibility of the road user.”