Irish Rail has said locations where a new traffic light system has been installed have a “significantly decreased” in reports of near misses between trains and level crossing users. The unattended level crossings are in rural locations and are often access points to just a few houses.
The system uses a two-aspect colour light warning to crossing users, with an orange light to indicate that a train has not been detected and a red light to indicate that an approaching train has been detected.
When a train is detected, as well as the red light being turned on, an audible warning unit produces two alternating tones.
Kay Doyle, director of health and safety at Irish Rail, said: “Operating a safe railway is our number one priority. Where we have an interface between the railway and road users, there is always risk. This advanced warning detection system helps to reduce this risk and makes crossing the railway safer for everyone.”
There is a legal requirement for the gates — which are farm-like gates — to be closed after use at this type of level crossing, but these are regularly left open by motorists. The requirement to close the gates remains, but the new system will alert users to on-coming trains.
There have been a number of serious incidents where motorists drove through open gates while a train was on approach.
The latest Rail Accident Investigation Unit report on such a collision outlines how both the driver and passenger were injured, with the latter suffering life-changing injuries.
In that incident on the Westport Railway line between Ballyhaunis and Claremorris in September 2023, an advanced warning system had been installed at the crossing but had yet to be commissioned. The investigation found that the gates had been left open by an unknown user of the level crossing.
In 2014, after an incident where An Post driver was seriously injured in a collision with a Ballina to Manulla Junction train, the Rail Accident Investigation Unit report said that “The Level Crossing was regularly misused by the local users, whereby the gates are regularly tied open.”
Trains have a long stopping distance compared to cars, and even when drivers apply the brakes before the collisions, trains are regularly reported to have stopped only over 300 metres from the impact point.
In early February, the new warning detection system came into operation at four new locations at level crossings at Claremorris, Co Mayo; Ballymote, Co Sligo; Merlin Park, Co Galway; and Killucan, Co Westmeath.
An Irish Rail spokesperson said: “There are now 64 user-operated level crossings across the network that have this technology installed, and 10 more are planned to be installed during 2025.”
The company said in a statement: “The system provides enhanced safety through real-time train approach warnings, reducing the risk of accidents at level crossings. At locations where this system has been installed, reports of ‘near misses’ between trains and level crossing users have significantly decreased.”
Irish Rail added: “The system gives users confidence and peace of mind, particularly for vulnerable road users and children. It reduces waiting time at user-operated level crossings as system informs users exactly when it is safe to cross, with an average wait time of just 21.5 seconds. The lights provide an easy-to-understand visual signal, reducing confusion and improving compliance. Unlike traditional warning signs, these lights are highly visible in various weather conditions and at night.”
