FARMERS: CHECK YOUR ELECTRIC FENCE — OR PAY THE PRICE
- info1023898
- Sep 11, 2025
- 1 min read
Ireland loose stock cases & incidents (2015–2025), most recent first. Every loose stock case below could have been prevented. These are just the reported incidents — the true number of escapes and near-misses is far higher but goes unrecorded.
2025
Jul 25 — Cow & horse on commuter rail (Hansfield–Dunboyne & Leixlip): Services suspended; animals removed. Outcome: Service delays only, but could have triggered claims if collisions occurred.
Mar 27 — Sheep on Dublin–Cork mainline (near Charleville/Limerick Jct): Train struck sheep; line stopped ~30 mins. Outcome: Operational delay; stock killed; potential liability if passenger injuries occurred.
2024
Feb 1 — M18 motorway “loose cow” crash (Ennis): Driver awarded €34,368 after striking cow at night; liability admitted. Outcome: Civil compensation (€34,368) against farmer.
2023
Dec 5 — Roscommon town escaped heifer knocks down pedestrian: HSA notified; person hospitalised. Outcome: Regulatory investigation; farmer risk of civil claim.
Year overview — Animals struck by trains: Irish Rail reported 121 animal collisions (incl. cows & sheep). Outcome: Operational losses; owners risk claims if negligence proven.
2019
May — Two cattle struck by Cork–Heuston service (north of Limerick Jct): Train halted; delays. Outcome: Stock killed; risk of claims.
2018
May — “Effin Road” cow-dung motorcycle crash (Kilmallock District Court): Conviction for road hazard. Outcome: Fine €300 (criminal/summary).
2015
Nov — Cow loose on the M50 (south Dublin): Garda/traffic alert; animal removed. Outcome: Operational delays; serious potential liability if accident occurred.
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