Rail Level Crossings
Safety at Unattended Level Crossings
There are more than 1000 Unattended Level Crossings on the Iarnród Éireann Network. These are level crossings where a member of the public, the user, must open and shut the gates. Under the Railway Safety Act 2005 persons who fail to shut gates after use are liable to a fine of over €1000.
- Always expect a train!
- Before crossing, stop, look both ways, listen
- When the Railway is clear, cross quickly
- Shut and fasten the gate after you, it's the law!
Remember: never stop on the railway line and always expect a train.
The user is responsible to make sure that it is safe to cross and that trains and their passengers are not put in harm's way.
Information on Level Crossings can be found in a booklet from the RSA and on our Live Map.
Below you will find information for different types of level crossing users.
Safe use of unattended level crossings for:
Farmers and Farming Contractors (Agricultural Users)
Cars, Cyclists and Pedestrians (Familiar / Unfamiliar Users)
Service and Emergency Vehicles (State and Voluntary Users)
Trucks, Vans, Lorries and Coaches {Professional Drivers)
| Do's | Dont's |
| Always expect a train | Don't ever think it's safe to predict when the next train will come |
| Always use the Rail Cross Code at unattended railway crossings | Don't drive onto the railway until you can see enough free space on the other side |
| Always obey road signs and markings | Don't blindly follow a vehicle across the railway crossing |
| Always switch off music systems and put away mobile phones | Don't stop on the railway crossing |
| Always control children and animals in your care | Don't park and leave your vehicle near the railway crossing |
| Always dismount if you are a cyclist or horse rider | Don't overtake another vehicle on or when approaching the railway crossing |
| Always shut and fasten the gates after crossing the railway | Don't play, or wear hoods or headphones, on or near railway tracks |
DSS Train Detection Warning Systems / Decision Support System
At a number of user worked level crossings Iarnród Éireann has installed a train detection warning system/Decision Support System (DSS).
The DSS is there to inform the user of approaching trains and to help them in assessing when it is safe to cross. This system is made up of red and orange lights with an audible warning.
When a train approaches the user will see a red light and hear an audible warning. Once the red light is replaced by an orange and the audible warning finishes, it is safe to cross. You should still cross with caution. Please note you must still always close the level crossing gate behind you.