7 days ago
Irish Rail releases shocking footage of close calls at level crossings
Irish Rail have issued a shocking video as they urge the public to be vigilant at level crossings.
With as many as thirty incidents of misuse of the crossings being recorded so far this is an increase on the 28 witnessed in 2024
Eleven of these incidents resulted in damage to the crossing or injury to the person using the crossing, with the vast majority seeing road vehicles colliding with crossing gates. Irish Rail have issued a shocking video as they urge the public to be vigilant at level crossings. Pic: Iarnród Éireann
Five incidents have occurred at the level crossing on Serpentine Avenue in Dublin, making it the most frequent spot for misuse.
This was followed by Sutton, with three incidents, and Bray, Claremont, Coolmine and Sandymount, with two incidents each.
Now, Irish Rail has released footage of some of the incidents as part of its safety appeal to mark International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD).
Today is International Level Crossing Awareness day ⁰⁰We will be hosting user education days at various crossings around the country in conjunction with @gardatraffic, @RSAIreland and @DubCityCouncil ⁰⁰#AlwaysSafe #ILCAD — Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) June 5, 2025
They have also partnered with An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority to host information mornings at ten level crossings in a bid to educate road users further.
For DART users, these information mornings will take place at Sutton, Cosh, Bray, Merrion Gates and Serpentine Avenue.
For the national network, they will be held at Lisnagry, Co Limerick; Farranfore, Co Kerry; Athenry, Co Galway; Sullivan's Crossing, Co Galway and Oranmore, Co Galway. With as many as thirty incidents of misuse of the crossings being recorded so far this is an increase on the 28 witnessed in 2024. Pic: Iarnród Éireann
Another safety initiative being implemented is up to six Garda/Go Safe safety cameras being installed at railway level crossings to 'enhance safety for rail and road users.'
There are currently 861 level crossings on the Irish Rail network nationwide.
Irish Rail have now said they are working to eliminate as many level crossings as practicable, having closed 134 crossings since 2014.
While level crossing accidents account for 1% of road deaths in Europe, but 31% of all rail fatalities, there have been no level crossing fatalities in Ireland since 2010.
