Rise in collisions on Ireland's rail network last year largely driven by 'anti-social behaviour', report finds

The increase in collisions in 2024 was largely driven by trains striking other objects on railway tracks, with the rail safety watchdog saying these were generally because of 'anti-social behaviour'.

The number of collisions on the the country's rail network reached its highest level in a decade in 2024, with the increase driven by incidents of anti-social behaviour through objects being placed on railway lines.

New figures published by the Commission for Railway Regulation show a total of 158 collisions involving trains were recorded last year — an increase of 34 over the previous year, which had also set a record with 124 incidents.