Inside The DART Central Control Room, Ireland 1986

How the centralised traffic control system in Connolly Station manages the Dublin Area Rapid Transit rail service.
When launched in 1984 the Dublin Area Rapid Transit rail service, DART was controlled by 16 signal cabins. Now the whole system is monitored from a central control room in Connolly Station.
Chief inspector at Connolly Station Brendan Barnes outlines the many advantages of a computer based signalling system, which he stresses is much safer than the manual system of old.
Signalman Tony Reynolds used to work in a manual signal box and undertook a fourteen weeks training course in order to use the computerised system.
Another signalman Gerry Hunt’s role is to monitor the screens to make sure level crossings are clear. He presses buttons to clear signals on the console to allow the trains through.
You get the odd fellow trying to beat the lights, then you get a fella leaving his bike against it and the bike goes up in the air.
Recently a small boy in Bray put his hands on gate as the barrier was going up, but with the help of people at the level crossing the gate was lowered and they got him down.
The signalmen have no real need to coordinate, unless there is a problem at the crossing. Then they can inform one another of the issue. While the computerised system is much safer, Tony Reynolds misses some aspects of the manual system.
You could open the window, you’d see the train going by you, well you see nothing here like, only what’s in front of you.
This episode of ‘Visual Eyes’ was broadcast on 2 July 1986. The presenter is Dave Fanning.

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

I once worked for the CIÉ for about 2 years as a gatekeeper watchman at the level crossing in Brooklawn, I was only 12 years old, My family lived in the gatehouse, a few years later we moved into a bigger house 3 miles away, I kept doing the job of attending the level crossing for about 2 years, allowing about 6 trains through each day, we needed the money £2.50 per week to support our large family, Nobody knew and we received no complaints,

[@IrishSuzyAM]

Now there are new trains in France ready to import which will replace all the 1983 DARTS

[@ciaran5588]

I played for Belvedere Boys in Fairview park & remember seeing Clontarf station being built. The first time I got on in Kilbarrack, it seemed silent compared to the noisy orange diesel engines. I preferred the noisy engines & opening the door before the train stopped & jumping out.

[@25pappy]

DABRT Dublin Area Bleedin'Rapid Transport

[@StevenWebster_]

Probably still using the same system 😂

[@ahlads]

Most of the original 8100 class stock are still in service!

[@capnskiddies]

Correct

[@capnskiddies]

Is that the entire piece? If not, is there a chance you'd have the full piece this comes from? I'm a former CTC signalman and currently a Traffic Controller (though of a younger vintage). There'd be a fair bit of intereset among the few older staff still here. None of those lads are here of course, but fellas who worked with them would.

[@michaelstaunton1632]

👍👍

[@bid84]

Nearly 40 years later and still no train to Dublin Airport. Joke of a country 😂

[@Thorlongus1175]

We need a monorail

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

Sounds like you are not happy living in Ireland, There are many people who would be very happy to do an exchange with you, no country city or town has everything that people would like, we are often very spoiled, we often have much more then we needed when compared with other places. I remember a time when you had to get up off your seat to switch on the TV now we can give voice instructions to the dam TV etc but we get to exercise, and we are still not happy

[@bid84]

@@jamesbradshaw3389 Ooh I don’t know, one of the wealthiest country per capita and we don’t have ANY infrastructure? poor health service and struggling education system, at least you are happy with the government squandering our taxes in a time of plenty, but hey at least you have a remote for the TV! Next recession due and we have a half built children’s hospital and refugees filling up our tourism accommodation. Wake up Jimmy boy

[@aobrien_]

​@@bid84Imagine claiming we're spoiled when there's a record amount of young people living at home, with basically no chance of ever owning a house, or starting a family. So many people are out of touch with reality in this country because their own mortgage is payed off.

[@bid84]

@@aobrien_ spot on, James bought his house for €17000. Probably had some menial job, kids and a stay at home wife and still had money left over. Now probably enjoying a nice state pension that you and me will be lucky to get by the time we are 70.