New system installed at notorious Mayo railway crossing slammed as inadequate

A member of Mayo County Council has criticised the newly installed lights at the controversial unmanned railway crossing at Kilnageer, Breaffy.

Councillor Ger Deere said they were compounding the dangers at the location rather than addressing them.

He said: "I was invited by residents in the Kilnageer area of Breaffy to view the newly installed lights at the notorious accident black spot railway crossing. 

"These new lights are totally inadequate and are only adding to the problem.

"The only solution is to install automated gates and I will be supporting my council colleague Councillor Cyril Burke's motion at next week's municipal meeting calling on Irish Rail to install an automated system at this heavily used crossing. 

"While I was on site I observed another serious health concern in the current Covid-19 pandemic. 

"The gates are closed to stop people and vehicles crossing the track.  

"But when someone wants to cross, they must open two gates, cross safely and close the gates again after them.   

"Research suggests the virus can remain on surfaces like gates.  

"There are no warning signs to alert users to this matter. 

"Irish Rail will have to look at using some Covid-19 resistant material as well as erecting signage or, better still, automate all crossings of this nature."