The family of a man killed in a railway collision in Co Mayo two weeks ago has called for immediate action by Iarnród Éireann to reduce the risks they say are posed by over 200 non automated level crossings.
Iarnród Éireann says it has spent €120m in eliminating 'road user operated' crossings over the past nine years and another €10m will be spent this year. But it also says it is essential that motorists use the crossings safely and correctly and close gates behind them.
Countrywide there are still 225 level crossings like the one near Straide in Co Mayo where 65-year-old retired farmer PJ McGowan was killed on 28 February when he drove onto the rail line in front of an oncoming train.
The gates had been left open.
Iarnród Éireann's Communications Manager Barry Kenny said the company is working on a multi-million euro ongoing programme to replace the crossings.
He said there were 323 road user operated level crossings in 1999, but 98 of these had now been eliminated.
There were also 943 farm or field crossings and since 1999 a further 730 had been eliminated.
The campaign to have the non automated crossings replaced is being led by PJ McGowan's sister, Breege McGowan, and his nephews Peter Bourke and Andrew McGowan.
Breege McGowan said she had repeatedly written to Iarnród Éireann to request that the Straid crossing be automated; it was not and the family is now bereft following the loss of her brother.
There are further talks planned between the family, the community at Straide and Iarnród Éireann next week.
