A total of 31 incidents have been recorded at railway level crossings across Ireland so far this year, with several Dublin crossings among the worst affected.
New figures released by Iarnród Éireann to mark International Level Crossing Awareness Day show that 11 incidents have already resulted in damage to crossing infrastructure or injury to road users in 2026.
The railway operator said the majority of incidents involve vehicles striking crossing gates or barriers, creating serious safety risks for both road and rail users.
Among the locations with the highest number of recorded incidents this year are Lansdowne Road level crossing in Dublin, where 11 incidents were recorded, Bray with six incidents, Serpentine Avenue and Sutton with five incidents each, and Sydney Parade with four.
The figures were released as Iarnród Éireann joined forces with An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority to highlight the dangers of unsafe behaviour at level crossings.
Information events were held at a number of crossings around the country, including Sandymount in Dublin, as part of this year’s International Level Crossing Awareness Day campaign, which carries the theme “Alert today, safe tomorrow.”
The railway company also released CCTV footage showing motorists and pedestrians taking risks at crossings, including attempts to cross after warning lights had begun flashing or barriers had started to lower.
Earlier this year, Garda GoSafe cameras were introduced at Merrion Gates level crossing in Dublin to target dangerous behaviour by motorists.
The cameras automatically detect speeding and red-light offences. Drivers caught speeding face a €160 fine and three penalty points, while those found breaking a red light face an €80 fine and three penalty points.
Iarnród Éireann said additional camera systems are due to be activated at crossings in Kerry and Roscommon in the coming months.
The company currently operates 848 level crossings across the rail network, including automated crossings, staffed crossings and user-operated crossings.
As part of an ongoing programme to improve safety, 150 level crossings have been permanently closed since 2014, including six closures already this year.
Despite Ireland’s strong safety record, railway officials are urging motorists, cyclists and pedestrians not to become complacent.
Almost 300 people die at level crossings across Europe every year.
While Ireland has not recorded a level crossing fatality since 2010, Iarnród Éireann said vigilance remains essential.
Chief Executive Mary Considine said the points where roads and railways intersect remain one of the greatest safety challenges facing the railway network.
“We will always seek ways to encourage good practices for motorists and pedestrians alike,” she said.
Ms Considine said the introduction of GoSafe cameras at level crossings is designed to deter risk-taking behaviour and improve safety for everyone using the crossings.