Sir, – Tim O’Brien’s article “Closure of five level crossings in south Dublin a ‘goal’ for Irish Rail” (August 31st) explains the company’s wish to permanently close five crossings between Lansdowne Road and the Merrion Gates.
We had the very man to perform this work, but unfortunately he died in 1867.
William Dargan extended the rail line from Dún Laoghaire to Dalkey for the introduction of the atmospheric railway. Five public roads had to be passed and, as there was no authority for level crossings, almost all the track was constructed about nine feet below ground level, and 10 bridges were constructed.
The work started in September 1842 and the line opened in March 1844.
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The Irish Rail report for the current project was delivered in May 2022 and has yet to begin public consultation. – Yours, etc,
PETER CULLEN ,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – I read the article “Closure of five level crossings in south Dublin a ‘goal’ for Irish Rail” (August 31st) in a state of some confusion.
That confusion centred on the assertion by the Rail Users Ireland group that the level crossings “prioritise cars”.
When the train is coming, the gates close, and the cars wait. The trains do not wait. Perhaps the group could elaborate and explain exactly how this arrangement favours cars. – Yours, etc,
PETER O’GORMAN
Sandymount,
Dublin 4.
