Seven level crossings could close

Plans are on the cards to close or upgrade seven level crossings on the Cork train line, it emerged this week.

Iarnród Éireann’s confirmed on Tuesday that it will lodge the application to do so with An Bord Pleanála while adding that the seven identified level crossings have high risk ratings on Iarnród Éireann’s Level Crossing Risk Model which calculates risk based on factors such as the number of users of a rail service.

An statement said: “Iarnród Éireann will shortly lodge an application for a Railway Order with An Bord Pleanála to eliminate/upgrade seven level crossings on the Dublin to Cork line. The seven level crossings, located between Limerick Junction and Mallow, are being closed/upgraded to provide a safer environment for all users and a more efficient service for Iarnród Éireann customers.”

The seven level crossings are located within a 24km section of the line between the Cork and Limerick county boundary and are as follows:

• Fantstown

• Thomastown

• Ballyhay

• Newtown

• Ballycoskery

• Shinanagh

• Buttevant

Incidents at level crossings were down last year were down from twelve to ten, but Irish Rail said this could be attributed to the reduction in road and rail traffic due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, interface between road users, remains one of the company’s highest safety risks, the company said.

The statement added: “It is Iarnród Éireann’s policy to close level crossings where possible and practicable. The removal of the level crossings in conjunction with providing alternative routes for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists will remove the potential for accidents.

“Any location where there is an interface between rail and road traffic has the potential for an accident, including cars damaging crossing barriers, getting struck, pedestrians being hit by a train or vehicles making unsafe manoeuvres as barriers lower.”

A copy of the Draft Railway Order and documents accompanying the application may be inspected from 7 May for six weeks at County Hall or by appointment at Charleville Train Station via the project email address cllc@irishrail.ie or by calling 01-7034451. These documents may also be viewed at irishrail.ie/CorkLineLevelCrossings.

Submissions to An Bord Pleanála must be lodged no later than 5.30pm on 11 June 2021 and must be addressed to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 and marked Dublin to Cork Railway Line (Elimination and Upgrade) of Level Crossings between Limerick Junction and Mallow Order 2021.