'Penalties for striking rail bridges and level crossings should be reviewed'

An archive picture of a truck partially overturned and stuck at the railway bridge on Dublin Hill in Cork City. File picture: Dan Linehan

The penalties for striking rail bridges and level crossings leading to delays should be reviewed, a TD has said.

Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly was speaking as figures supplied to him by Irish Rail showed that while bridge strikes so far this year are down from 33 to 21 at the same point of the year, level crossing incidents are up from 11 to 13.

In June alone, there were five level crossing strikes, while February saw nine incidents where a vehicle had struck a bridge.

“I think at this point we need to probably see the minister reviewing the penalties associated with that to make sure that there’s an adequate incentive that people are really switched on, where they’re in the proximity of railway crossings or railway bridges,” Mr Farrelly said.

“All it takes is for us to be switched off for a very small amount of time, and you will do untold damage, not just in terms of financial damage to the service, but also to those looking to get to and from work.”

Regarding bridges, an Irish Rail spokesperson said the company must check there is no damage which could impact train services, “or indeed debris on roads etc, so delays can result — it’s unusual for there to be structural damage but it has to be checked as it is not without precedent”.

In terms of level crossing damage, the company must arrange “local control of a crossing when crossing gates are damaged, so disruption results”.

The company recently begun implementing GoSafe cameras at key crossings, which detect instances of cars passing red lights, and speeding through crossings at Merrion Gates in Dublin.

“At all times, we remind road users of their obligation to travel through all types of level crossings safely, and for hauliers to be aware of their load height when their route involves travelling under rail bridges.

"In addition, we will pursue costs of any damage through insurance claims and report to gardaí for any prosecution.”

• Paul Hosford, Deputy Political Editor