Taoiseach says investigation ‘has to happen’ after boy killed in Mayo train crash

Eoin Doyle died after the car he was travelling in was struck by a train at a level crossing near Ballyhaunis

Micheál Martin described the incident as ‘horrific’ (Niall Carson/PA)

An investigation “has to happen” after a boy died when the car he was in was hit by a train in Co Mayo, the Taoiseach has said.

Eoin Doyle, aged 12, was pronounced dead on Thursday evening after the crash at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis.

The boy’s father, Declan, was taken from the scene by ambulance for hospital treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

It is understood they had been travelling home from Gaelic football training when the incident happened.

Speaking on Monday, Micheál Martin extended his “sympathies” to the family of the boy and said the incident was “horrific”.

It was the second incident on the line on the same day, after a tractor was also struck at a level crossing.

Asked if he had confidence in Irish Rail safety protocols in light of the incidents, he said: “It’s extremely devastating and sad what happened in Mayo.

“And an investigation will happen; has to happen.

“And again, I don’t want to preempt that, but it is extremely devastating, horrific what occurred.

“Our sympathies go to the family.” 

An Garda Síochána said passengers on the train were able to safely disembark after the crash and onward transport was arranged.

Eoin was a pupil at Cloonfad National School and, along with his father, was involved in the Ballyhaunis GAA club.

A technical examination of the crash scene was carried out by Garda forensic collision investigators on Friday.

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses.

Second incident on Dublin-Westport line 

It was the second disruption on the Westport to Dublin line on Thursday.

Bus transfers were arranged for passengers earlier in the day when a train hit a tractor at a level crossing at Meelaghans, between Portarlington and Tullamore, at about 3.50pm.

A man in his 40s was taken to Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, with his injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

In a statement on Friday on the fatal collision, Irish Rail said: “Iarnród Éireann expresses our deepest sympathies to the family of the young boy who tragically lost his life at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis yesterday evening.”