[2-9-2010] Westport / Ballina services

[Mark Gleeson]

Man dies after train hits tractor
A tractor driver died after his vehicle was struck by a goods train in Co Roscommon this morning.

The collision happened at a crossing at the Islands, Dunamon, Co Roscommon, at 11.30am.

Train driver was taken to hospital where he is being treated for shock.

The railway line has been closed and bus transfers are in operation between Roscommon and Westport.

GardaÃ* are investigating the crash.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0902/breaking35.html

as usual Irish Rail's notice is far from clear

Disruption to Westport Services by Corporate Communications

2nd Sept: Disruption to Westport Services

Bus Transfers are currently in operation between Roscommon and Westport due to an incident on the line.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for the inconvenience caused.

[Mark Gleeson]

Bus is now Castlerea Roscommon, rail service otherwise

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/travel_alerts.asp?action=view&news_id=886 Disruption to Westport Services by Corporate Communications

2nd Sept: Disruption to Westport Services

Bus Transfers are currently in operation on all rail services between Roscommon and Westport due to an incident on the line near Roscommon.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for the inconvenience caused.

Services are expected to return to normal from first train tomorrow, 3rd September.

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0902/breaking35.htmlMan dies after train hits tractor

A tractor driver died after his vehicle was struck by a goods train in Co Roscommon this morning.

The collision happened at a crossing at the Islands, Dunamon, Co Roscommon, at 11.30am.

The tractor was struck by a goods train on the Westport to Dublin line.

The train driver was taken to hospital where he is being treated for shock.

A spokesman for Irish Rail said bus transfers are in operation between Roscommon and Westport but that passenger services were operating.

GardaÃ* are investigating the crash.

[ACustomer]

I don't want to appear insensitive in response to a tragic event, but this accident has produced the usual reaction from grandstanding local councillors, calling for automated crossings protected by signals.

People at user-operated accomodation crossings should be aware of how to operate them safely: I have seen gates at such crossings left open, in total contravention of the rules. For some reason this appears to be particulatly prevalent in the Mayo-Sligo-Leitrim-Roscommon area.

There was a similar accident on the Ballina branch within the past year or two. Later, when IE wanted to close 2 or 3 farm crossings in the area and build a bridge with linking roads on eother side, the locals objected (!!!). They might have to drive a few hundred yards more, apparently.

[dowlingm]

I'd like to see any line with a line speed north of 60mph treated like a motorway - grade separated. It might take a while to do but that should be the objective.