Rail line reopens following incident at east Mayo level crossing

Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that the rail line between Westport and Athlone has reopened following a fatal collision between a car and a train in east Mayo yesterday evening.

The rail line had been closed since shortly before 9pm yesterday evening when the 18:15hrs Heuston to Westport service struck a car at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis. The collision resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy who was a passenger in the car while an adult male was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The line remained closed to allow for an investigation by An Garda Siochána but Iarnród Éireann confirmed that as of 4.10pm it has reopened. The 14:45hrs Heuston to Westport service is expected to be the first to operate through but knock-on delays are still expected on services on both the Westport and Galway lines while work is carried out to restore regular operations.

Customers are advised to check www.irishrail.ie for the latest travel information.

Mary Considine, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann has issued the following statement on the tragic incident that took place in Ballyhaunis yesterday evening.

“On behalf of Iarnród Éireann I wish to express our sincerest sympathies to the family of the young boy who tragically lost his life in Ballyhaunis last night. Incidents like these are extremely difficult for all involved.

“I would also like to convey my sincere appreciation to all those who responded with such professionalism and care at the scene, both the emergency services, An Garda Síochána and our own staff.

“A full investigation into the incident is underway and further details will become clear as the investigation continues. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our customers at this time.

“Our thoughts remain with the family, friends and wider community in Ballyhaunis and with everyone affected by this tragic incident.”

Local TD Paul Lawless also expressed sympathy to the family and friends of the young boy and all involved in the collision.

“The community is in grief at this awful news. It is a terrible shock and a heartbreaking loss,” he said.

“We have yet to hear the details, but it would seem to be a freak accident. I can't recall such a fatal crash on a rail line ever happening here before. It is very rare in Ireland. It is heartbreaking to think this lad was at the start of his young life, coming home from training and with everything ahead of him. I believe he had only recently had the joy of seeing the Sam Maguire when Mayo captain Jack Coyne brought it to Ballyhaunis GAA club”.

The Knock-based Deputy said that his thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young boy who died last night near Ballyhaunis and called for a review of safeguards at rural level crossings.

“To think his life was snatched away in such a tragic way is horrifying. We are all thinking of his family and his father who is in hospital after the accident.

“I am familiar with this particular crossing. In general, these are very rural and are not automated and can be little more than traffic lights with gates that users open and shut. Sometimes at these intersections, the gates are left open and so, without the barrier, it is not immediately clear if it is a train crossing, to a motorist who may not be familiar with it.

“In the aftermath of this particular incident, we will have to ensure that there are adequate safety measures and warning systems in place at such rural level crossings. There will have to be a full review of such safeguards and an investigation to establish what happened,” concluded Deputy Lawless.