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Investigation into boy´s death in train collision `will happen´, says Taoiseach
PA Media
Micheál Martin extended his `sympathies´ to the family of 12-year-old Eoin Doyle who died following an incident in Co Mayo on Thursday.
Received: 10:19:46 on 7th September 2026
An investigation “has to happen” after a boy died when the car he was in was hit by a train in Co Mayo, the Taoiseach has said.
Twelve-year-old Eoin Doyle was pronounced dead on Thursday evening after the crash at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis.
The boy’s father Declan was taken from the scene by ambulance for hospital treatment for non life-threatening injuries.
It is understood they had been travelling home from Gaelic football training when the incident happened.
Speaking on Monday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin extended “sympathies” to the family of the boy and said the incident was “horrific”.
It was the second incident on the line on the same day, after a tractor was also struck at a level crossing.
Asked if he had confidence in Irish Rail safety protocols following the incidents, he said: “It’s extremely devastating and sad what happened in Mayo.
“And an investigation will happen; has to happen.
“And again, I don’t want to preempt that, but it is extremely devastating, horrific what occurred.
“Our sympathies go to the family.”
An Garda Síochána said passengers on the train safely disembarked after the crash and onwards transport was arranged.
Eoin was a pupil at Cloonfad National School and, along with his father, was involved in the Ballyhaunis GAA club.
A technical examination of the crash scene was carried out by Garda forensic collision investigators on Friday.
Gardaí have appealed for witnesses.
It was the second disruption on the Westport to Dublin line on Thursday.
Bus transfers were arranged for passengers earlier in the day when a train hit a tractor at a level crossing at the Meelaghans, between Portarlington and Tullamore at about 3.50pm.
A man in his 40s was taken to Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore. His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
In a statement on Friday on the fatal collision, Irish Rail said: “Iarnród Éireann expresses our deepest sympathies to the family of the young boy who tragically lost his life at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis yesterday evening.”