WATCH: Incredible scenes as Irish Rail release video footage of railway crossing gate incidents

Iarnród Éireann has confirmed over 30 recorded incidents of misuse of automated level crossings have taken place so far this year.

While the most frequent locations of barrier strikes with vehicles or persons have occurred in Dubling there have been incidents in other areas too.

The data was published on International Level Crossing Awareness Day - Tuesday, June 9 - which is an initiative of the International Union of Railways (UIC), of which Iarnród Éireann is a member. 

The theme for this year’s campaign is: 'Alert today, safe tomorrow'. 

Watch the video footage below, released by Iarnród Éireann, showing incredible scenes at crossing gates

Iarnród Éireann has partnered with th Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority to host information mornings at select level crossing crossings to mark ILCAD.

The focus of the sessions will be to educate road users about the dangers of not acting safely around and while using level crossings. 

The information events took place in Dublin, Kerry, Galway and at Rosslare Europort in Wexford.

Newly released footage of incidents at level crossings further supports the appeal for renewed vigilance from all road users, with particular emphasis this year on making good decisions when it comes to level crossings.

ILCAD activity is just the latest in Iarnród Éireann’s 2026 level crossing safety awareness activity, following introduction of the Garda/Go Safe Camera system at Merrion Gates level crossing earlier this year.

"The cameras will record motorists using the crossing and will automatically issue a fine of €160 in respect of speeding, or €80 in respect of breaking a red light, and are liable for three penalty points for either," said an Iarnród Éireann spokesperson.

"The cameras will enhance safety for rail and road users alike, including pedestrians and cyclists, by deterring risk-taking at chosen locations," he added.

Additional sites are schedule to go online include Farranfore and Minish in Co Kerry, and Knockcroghery in Co Roscommon, where speeding is the primary issue.

To-date this year there have been 31 incidents at level crossings across the network, of which 11 resulted in crossing damage or injury to crossing user. 

The majority of level crossing incidents involve road vehicles colliding with crossing gates or barriers, resulting in damage to the crossing/barriers.

There are currently 848 level crossings on the Iarnród Éireann network, combined of automated CCTV crossings, manned crossings and unmanned user-operated accommodation crossings.

As part of its network wide level crossing elimination programme, Iarnród Éireann is working to eliminate as many level crossings as practicable.

The company closed 150 crossings between 2014 and June 2026, including the closure of six crossings since the start of this year.

However, the company reminds users of the onus to use crossings responsibly: At automatic crossings: stop safely when the warning lights begin to flash. Never go through crossings when barriers are about to lower or lowering; At staff operated crossings: respect gatekeepers, whose role is to ensure your safety and that of rail users. Stop immediately when the gatekeeper requests it; At user operated crossings: Always stop before crossing to check the line, check the line again after crossing, and always close the gate after use for your safety and that of others.

Almost 300 people die at level crossings across Europe every year and level crossing accidents account for 1% of road deaths in Europe but 31% of all rail fatalities. 

"Although Ireland’s record is far stronger than the European average, and there have been no level crossing fatalities since 2010, vigilance is essential and Iarnród Éireann is reminding all road users of this on International Level Crossing Safety Awareness Day," said the spokesperson.

Meanwhile, Mary Considine, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said: “I am proud of our work to date with An Garda Síochána and the RSA in promoting safe practices around our level crossings across the network. The interface between road and rail users at level crossings represents one of the greatest safety risks on the railway, and we will always seek ways to encourage good practices for motorists and pedestrians alike."

"I would like to highlight our continued efforts in partnership with An Garda Síochána to promote safety year-round through the installation of Garda Go safe cameras," she said.

Ms Considine said the cameras will enhance safety for rail and road users alike, including pedestrians and cyclists, by deterring risk-taking at chosen locations. 

"Our first Go Safe location at Merrion Gates went online earlier this year and soon will be activated at other level crossings across the country to encourage safe conduct at level crossings," she said.