How the centralised traffic control system in Connolly Station manages the Dublin Area Rapid Transit rail service.
When launched in 1984 the Dublin Area Rapid Transit rail service, DART was controlled by 16 signal cabins. Now the whole system is monitored from a central control room in Connolly Station.
Chief inspector at Connolly Station Brendan Barnes outlines the many advantages of a computer based signalling system, which he stresses is much safer than the manual system of old.
Signalman Tony Reynolds used to work in a manual signal box and undertook a fourteen weeks training course in order to use the computerised system.
Another signalman Gerry Hunt's role is to monitor the screens to make sure level crossings are clear. He presses buttons to clear signals on the console to allow the trains through.
You get the odd fellow trying to beat the lights, then you get a fella leaving his bike against it and the bike goes up in the air.
Recently a small boy in Bray put his hands on gate as the barrier was going up, but with the help of people at the level crossing the gate was lowered and they got him down.
The signalmen have no real need to coordinate, unless there is a problem at the crossing. Then they can inform one another of the issue. While the computerised system is much safer, Tony Reynolds misses some aspects of the manual system.
You could open the window, you’d see the train going by you, well you see nothing here like, only what’s in front of you.
This episode of 'Visual Eyes’ was broadcast on 2 July 1986. The presenter is Dave Fanning.
