Watch: 28 'very worrying incidents' at level crossings so far this year

It comes as Iarnród Éireann marks International Level Crossing Awareness Day with Iarnród Éireann releasing video footage of incidents at these crossings. Picture: Irish Rail

There have been 12 incidents at rail level crossings in Ireland which have resulted in injuries or damage to barriers, according to Iarnród Éireann. 

So far this year, there have been a total of 28 incidents or near misses recorded at these sites on the rail network as the company urges the public and all road users to be vigilant at these sites. 

It comes as Iarnród Éireann marks International Level Crossing Awareness Day by releasing video footage of incidents at these crossings. 

Nearly 300 people die at level crossings across Europe every year, and account for 1% of road deaths and 31% of all rail fatalities. 

Ireland has not seen level crossing fatalities since 2010, and has a "far stronger" record than the European average, according to the rail service. 

In particular, the Lake Crossing (XS008) at the shores of Lough Owel, north of Mullingar is being highlighted as it sees an "increase in incidents of railway trespass" through the crossing in the summer months. 

People swimming, sunbathing, and fishing have been reported as trespassing on the line by train drivers and Iarnród Éireann is urging "recreational users to avoid a needless summer tragedy." 

The public are being urged to use the car park and bridge access over the railway line to Lough Owel, which is situated along the N4, a minute's drive north.

There are currently 873 crossings across the rail network and are a combination of automated CCTV crossings, manned crossings, and unmanned user operated crossings. 

There have been 28 incidents at level crossings this year, with the majority of these involving road vehicles colliding with crossing gates or barriers, which results in damage. 

Train detection warning systems are being installed at user operated crossing across the country and has so far been introduced at 55 of these, with a further three to be comissioned in the coming weeks. 

Road users especially pedestrians, cyclists, mobility-impaired and e-scooter users are being urged to be vigilant and to use crossings responsibly. 

• At automatic crossings: stop safely when the warning lights begin to flash. Never go through crossings when barriers are about to lower or lowering.
• At staff operated crossings: respect gatekeepers, whose role is to ensure your safety and that of rail users. Stop immediately when the gatekeeper requests it.
• At user operated crossings: Always stop before crossing to check the line, check the line again after crossing, and always close the gate after use for your safety and that of others.

Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, Jim Meade said: “The number of incidents at level crossings is still too high. In recent months, we have had a number of very worrying incidents and level crossings and we would appeal to all road users to obey the rules of the roads at level crossings. They are for everyone’s safety.” 

Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority, Sam Waide added: "It is incredibly important for all road users to reduce speed, take care and follow any road signs or signals. 

"Any complacency brings huge risk, because you could contribute to a collision, injury or fatality at a level crossings.”