KIERAN O'DWYER,
Sir, - As the train driver involved in the recent tragic accident at Woodfarm railway crossing I feel I must challenge the so-called facts concerning train drivers sounding the hooter approaching these crossings raised by Kathleen Coffey (September 4th). Ms Coffey states that 80 to 90 per cent of train drivers do not sound the hooter at these unmanned crossings. This is totally wrong and a slur on the ability and professionalism of train drivers.
She also says she lives with the daily chore of opening and closing railway gates on entering and leaving her home and for this the train drivers who regularly pass her home on the Limerick to Waterford line are grateful. Unfortunately, too many other road users do not operate the unmanned crossings properly but leave the gates open, making accidents more likely to happen.
Finally, I take offence that Ms Coffey saw fit to use the tragic accident at Woodfarm to score points in an argument with Iarnród Éireann and did not take into account any personal hurt her letter would cause to those directly involved. - Yours, etc.,
KIERAN O'DWYER, Train driver, Colbert Station, Limerick.