Newcastle Rail

Green Party Councillor Lourda Scott has sought agreement from Irish Rail for increased safety measures at a dangerous rail crossing south of Newcastle. A dog was hit and killed  by a passing train at 5 mile point this week and  with the increase in pedestrian traffic, enhanced safety measures are required as a matter of urgency to prevent a more serious accident occurring.

Scott said: “I have been contacted by several Newcastle residents drawing my attention to this serious hazard at the rail crossing onto 5 Mile beach. When I visited today I was shocked to see that the crossing on the beach side is completely unprotected and the swing gate on the road side is far from adequate. Residents have spoken of how popular this beach has become with locals and tourists alike and having an exposed rail line such as this is completely unacceptable. They have reported dogs wandering onto the tracks that have sadly been hit and killed by a passing train, along with several near misses.  The very real concern is that it can only be a matter of time before a child is involved in a serious accident. Recently the rail crossing at Newcastle (6 mile point) was improved and it is only right that the same measures are taken here.”

Cllr Scott concluded: “I have spoken with Irish Rail and they are sending out inspectors to assess the crossing immediately.  I will continue to press them on this and I am confident that a solution will be reached very soon.”