The Merrion Gates railway level crossing is one of the first to be controlled electronically on the Howth to Bray line.
The Merrion Gates is among the first level crossing to have automatic barriers installed, but by the end of this summer all such crossings on the Howth to Bray line will be operated electronically. This is to facilitate the new Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) service due to be operational later in the year.
Signal engineer Peter Cuffee is confident that the new system will not result in long delays for motorists. The CIÉ (Córas Iompair Éireann's) computerised system at Connolly Station will control the barriers remotely, using CCTV (closed circuit television) which allows them to,
Optimise the time that the crossing is closed.
In the short term the crossing will be monitored on site by CIÉ staff, but technology means that in the longer term it will be monitored from Connolly Station.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 12 March 1984. The reporter is Reg Cullen.
