Bridge plan to resolve Mayo rail crossing crux

IARNROD Éireann is to seek planning permission to build a bridge at the controversial Kilnageer level crossing outside Castlebar, it was confirmed today.

Locals have been up in arms over a confusing new lights signalling system and having to open two gates at the location, with concern about the safety of motorists. They had asked for an automated crossing to be installed.

Rail company representatives attended a Castlebar Municipal District meeting this afternoon where they explained their plans for the crossing.

A previous grant of planning permission for a bridge had lapsed, but the company today gave a commitment to have a new application for a bridge in to Mayo County Council by the first quarter of 2021, and hopefully before that.

In the meantime, Irish Rail will meet on-site with council officials, elected members and local residents before the end of July.

Councillor Cyril Burke told the rail company delegation how the new decision support system, which includes amber and red lights, had made the location more dangerous.

Councillor Ger Deere remarked that the system had so much signage you would read the Irish Times quicker than you could read the signs.