Speed cameras go live at Farranfore level crossing

An Garda Síochána, Iarnród Éireann, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and Kerry County Council put new safety enforcement cameras into operation at the Farranfore level crossing this week.

The GoSafe system, which went live at 12pm on Tuesday, October 6, automatically detects vehicles running red lights or breaking the speed limit as they approach and cross the railway track.

Farranfore is only the second level crossing on the national rail network to feature the technology, following a trial at Merrion Gates in Dublin where driver compliance reached 99.7 per cent. Up to six crossing locations nationwide are slated to receive the units.

The system targets two distinct traffic violations. Proceeding past a stop line when red lights are flashing carries an automated Fixed Charge Notice of €80 and two penalty points, rising to five penalty points upon court conviction. Speeding violations trigger a €160 fine and three penalty points, which can increase to five points and fines up to €1,000 if prosecuted in court.

Iarnród Éireann highlighted excessive approach speed as a key safety factor at the Farranfore junction. Nationwide, 31 incidents involving vehicles or bicycles colliding with automated level crossing gates have occurred in 2026 to date, up from 23 in 2025.

Highlighting the risk to local road users, Road Safety Officer with Kerry County Council Declan Keogh said: : “The new safety cameras at Farranfore railway crossing serve as a dual-safety mechanism, for road users and for rail users and operators. I would urge all motorists to think twice before taking that chance to get across the railway line when the warning lights have activated and the barriers are lowering. All too often those chances have proved unsuccessful, with serious consequences.”

Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine noted that interfaces between road and rail traffic represent one of the primary safety risks on the network, adding that automated cameras encourage drivers to reduce speed and obey active signals.

Assistant Commissioner Ferry of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau welcomed the joint venture, stating that technology-led enforcement will significantly assist in maintaining safety across shared transport networks.

50km/h zone enforced at Farranfore

Motorists traveling through Farranfore are reminded that the speed limit on the approach to and across the railway crossing is strictly 50km/h.

While automated safety systems enforce both signal compliance and vehicle speed, the 50km/h limit remains the maximum legal speed on the N22 section approaching the crossing gates.

The newly activated GoSafe cameras record vehicle speeds automatically in both directions. Any motorist detected exceeding the 50km/h threshold will automatically receive a €160 Fixed Charge Notice alongside three penalty points applied to their driving licence.

Local authorities and Gardaí advise drivers approaching Farranfore from both the Tralee and Killarney directions to adjust their driving speed early, monitor active signals, and prepare to stop safely when warning lights activate.

Gneeveguilla apprentice wins national stonemasonry title

Darragh O’Sullivan from Gneeveguilla won the overall prize in the Architectural Stonemasonry category at the WorldSkills Ireland competition held recently at the RDS in Dublin.

An apprentice stonecutter and stonemason with the Office of Public Works (OPW) based in Mallow, O’Sullivan secured gold for his technical accuracy and craftsmanship during the three-day event.
The state agency relies on traditional trade skills to manage, conserve, and restore national monuments, public buildings, and heritage sites across the country.
O’Sullivan’s success reflects the training provided by his OPW mentors and team, highlighting the importance of apprentice development in preserving traditional heritage crafts for future generations.
Picture Caption: CRAFT CHAMPION: Tom Little (Kerry ETB), Terri Sweeney Meade (OPW), category winner Darragh O’Sullivan (OPW), and Donal Keys (WorldSkills Ireland) at the RDS in Dublin.