Rail Safety Focus at Rosslare Europort as Level Crossing Incidents Rise Nationwide

Rosslare is among a number of locations across Ireland taking part in International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) today, with safety information events being held at the exit barriers of Rosslare Europort.

The awareness campaign comes as Iarnród Éireann reports 31 incidents of misuse at level crossings across the national rail network so far in 2026, including 11 incidents that resulted in damage or injury. The majority involved vehicles striking crossing gates or barriers.

International Level Crossing Awareness Day, coordinated by the International Union of Railways, is being marked under the theme "Alert today, safe tomorrow." Iarnród Éireann has partnered with An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority to promote safe behaviour at crossings and rail access points around the country.

While Rosslare was not among the locations with the highest number of incidents, the Europort's exit barriers have been selected as one of four sites nationwide for public safety engagement activities today. Rail officials, Gardaí and RSA representatives are reminding motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to remain vigilant around all rail crossings and barrier-controlled areas.

The campaign also highlights new enforcement measures being introduced by Iarnród Éireann and An Garda Síochána. Garda Go Safe cameras have already been activated at Merrion Gates in Dublin and will automatically detect motorists who speed or break red lights at selected crossings. Further camera installations are planned at locations in Kerry and Roscommon.

Across the rail network, Iarnród Éireann currently manages 848 level crossings and has closed 150 crossings since 2014 as part of an ongoing safety programme. Six crossings have been eliminated so far this year.

Speaking on the campaign, Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine said the interface between road and rail users remains one of the greatest safety risks on the railway and stressed the importance of continued vigilance by all crossing users.

Although Ireland has not recorded a level crossing fatality since 2010, rail safety officials say awareness and responsible behaviour remain essential to maintaining that record.

Key Safety Advice

• Stop immediately when warning lights begin flashing at automatic crossings.
• Never attempt to cross when barriers are lowering.
• Follow instructions from crossing staff and gatekeepers.
• At user-operated crossings, always stop, look carefully in both directions, and close gates after use.

International Level Crossing Awareness Day activities are taking place today at Rosslare Europort and other locations nationwide.