Worker seconds away from being hit by train in Offaly as Iarnród Éireann issued safety notice

Iarnród Éireann have been issued with an urgent safety advice notice following a series of near misses between trains and workers over the last three years including an incident in Offaly.

The new information was published in a report by the Rail Accident Investigation Unit (RAIU) which showcased an array of different instances of near misses between staff and oncoming trains.

The near miss in Offaly happened at Clonygowan when a member of staff was carrying out work on a single line between Portarlington and Athlone on November 24, 2025.

On the day in question, the report stated: "A patrol ganger was track patrolling when they heard a train approaching in the Up direction which meant that the patrol ganger had their back to the approaching train."

It added: "The train was travelling at 79 mph (127 km/h) as it approached the location. The patrol ganger, on hearing the train, moved clear, but only reached a position of safety less than three seconds before the train arrived."

The report surrounding the Offaly incident concluded by pointing out: "The sighting distance, for the location of the Patrol Ganger, was approximately 190 m, whereas the minimum sighting distance, for the speed of the line, is required to be 700m."

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The locations of other near misses outlined in the report included Ardgillan in Dublin, Clonnydonnin in Westmeath, Killiney in Dublin, Powerstown in Carlow and Heuston Station in Dublin. 

Although no injuries were reported from the incidents, the RAIU said: "They pose a serious risk to members of staff on the railway who could be hit by trains, causing injuries or fatalities."

As a result of the incidents documented, The RAIU has strongly recommended that action should be taken immediately to protect workers accessing the train lines. 

The Rail Accident Investigation Unit has concluded that a safe system of work cannot be achieved for staff working alone without a lookout on almost 50% of the rail network.

Their recommendation also included a call for an immediate cessation of all staff patrolling track on their own where minimum sighting distances meaning the distance at which an approaching train must be visible to allow a track worker sufficient time to reach a position of safety cannot be met.

The RAIU said it had concluded through its findings that Iarnród Éireann was not fully discharging its duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Railway Safety Act 2005.