[Article] Vandalism of Carrick-On-Suir trains putting schedules at risk

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Vandalism of Carrick-On-Suir trains putting schedules at risk

By John Murphy
A HUGE rise in vandalism targeting the train service operating out of Carrick-On-Suir is putting the future of operations on that part of the Waterford/Limerick Junction line at risk.

A senior Iarnród Éireann executive has expressed deep concern about the safety of both its employees and customers, and is warning that unless proper safeguards are put in place train services on the route cannot be guaranteed into the future.

Barricades were recently placed on the rail line outside the South Tipperary town and, in another incident, a concrete block was thrown from a pedestrian footbridge through the window of the train driver’s cab. The block very narrowly missed the driver but fragmented glass pieces were sprayed in his face.

The driver managed to bring the train to an emergency halt but the vandals then proceeded to stone the rear of the train where passengers were put at risk. Fortunately no one was injured but the train driver was in a state of shock.

Most of the attacks are occurring in the vicinity of the pedestrian footbridges at Clairin and Ard Mhuire which have been examined by Iarnród Éireann engineers. As a result the company is now considering plans to improve fencing on and around the bridge.

However the company believes the footbridge should be closed which would mean a short detour of approximately 300 metres for pedestrians with the use of a nearby under bridge.

Iarnród Éireann’s Waterford district manager, Peter Roche says that would be a small price to pay for passengers who are at serious threat of being injured.

In a letter to Carrick-On-Suir Town Council, Mr Roche has confirmed that the attacks on the trains increased in severity in recent months.

Mr Roche said: “Trade union representatives are deeply concerned also about the safety of their members, and unless proper safeguards are put in place train services on this route cannot be guaranteed.”

He has now told Carrick-On-Suir Town Council that maintenance and upkeep of the footbridges is the responsibility of the local authority.

Not every member of the council, however, is supportive of the closing of the foot bridges which are a public right of way, while the erection of protective cages on them has also been suggested as a possible solution to the vandalism.

Source: http://www.examiner.ie/irishexaminer...700-qqqx=1.asp