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Republic of Ireland
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Speed restriction signs on the Irish railways continue to show speeds in miles per hour. The old style of permanent speed restriction sign was a yellow rectangle with black figures [IE.16], while the new standard design is octagonal in shape [IE.17]. On some lines, a lower speed applies to the 201 Class locomotives, which entered service from 1994. A separate sign shows the speed that applies [IE.18]. Advance warning indicators for permanent speed restrictions are not used in Ireland. Severe reductions in permissible speed are signed as a series of cascaded speed reductions.
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[IE.16] Permanent Speed Restriction Sign.
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[IE.17] Permanent Speed Restriction Sign.
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[IE.18] Permanent Speed Restriction Sign applicable to 201 Class Locomotives.
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Temporary speed restrictions are signed with distinctive warning boards [IE.19], commencement boards [IE.20], and termination boards [IE.21]. All three are fitted with a flashing beacon coloured yellow, white and green, respectively.
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[IE.19] T.S.R. Warning Board.
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[IE.20] T.S.R. Commencement Board.
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[IE.21] T.S.R. Termination Board.
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A warning board will be fitted with a directional arrow [IE.22] if it applies to a T.S.R. on a diverging route. Repeater boards [IE.23] were introduced c.2002 for use where a station platform or siding is located between the warning board and the speed indicator.
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[IE.22] T.S.R. Warning Board with Directional Indication (e.g. applicable to T.S.R. on left-hand divergence).
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[IE.23] Repeater Board.
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Whistle boards comprise a rectangular sign with black and yellow diagonal stripes, below which is mounted a circular white reflector [IE.24]. The more modern whistle boards are reflectorised [IE.25].
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[IE.24] Whistle Board.
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[IE.25] Whistle Board.
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Most main lines in Ireland have a system of cab signalling called "Continuous Automatic Warning System" (CAWS) that repeats the aspects displayed by lineside colour light signals on a unit in the driver's cab. This "Aspect Display Unit" (ADU) continuously displays the aspect that was shown by the previous main signal. As the train approaches the next main signal ahead, the ADU will show the aspect displayed by that signal. Any change of aspect on the ADU is accompanied by an audible indication. A downgrade to a more restrictive aspect has to be acknowledged by the driver in a similar fashion to the British AWS system. An advantage of the 'continuous' nature of CAWS is that an upgrade in aspect is immediately indicated to the driver when conditions ahead improve. The CAWS system uses coded track circuits to pass the aspect information from the signalling system to the train. On electrified lines this operates on a different carrier frequency and drivers of diesel trains must select the appropriate setting when entering or leaving an electrified area. Signs are provided which show the carrier frequency to be selected ("C1" on non-electrified lines, or "C2" on electrified lines) [IE.26]. Another sign marks the end of a CAWS fitted area [IE.27].
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[IE.26] CAWS Commencement Board (e.g. Carrier 2).
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[IE.27] CAWS Termination Board.
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Where radio coverage begins, a sign is installed to show the correct radio channel to be selected [IE.28]. Another sign is placed at the exit from a radio area [IE.29].
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[IE.28] Radio Commencement Board (e.g. Channel 71).
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[IE.29] Radio Termination Board.
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The Dublin Suburban lines were electrified on the 1,500 V DC overhead wire system from 1984. Signs are provided to denote the limits of working for electric multiple unit trains [IE.30]. From 1991, on occasions when a substation or switchhouse has to be temporarily put out of use, special coasting boards [IE.31 & IE.32] will be erected at the site concerned. Drivers of EMU trains should avoid drawing power while passing between the coast area boards, otherwise damage to the overhead line equipment or pantograph could result.
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[IE.30] Limit of Working for Electric Trains.
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[IE.31] Coast Area Commencement Board.
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[IE.32] Coast Area Termination Board.
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From c.2000, signs have been provided at the start of single lines worked by the "Electric Train Staff" (ETS) system [IE.33]. A similar sign with a diagonal red stripe [IE.34] marks the end of ETS working.
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[IE.33] ETS Commencement Board.
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[IE.34] ETS Termination Board.
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Stop boards have a white light in the centre [IE.35] or a red spot [IE.36].
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[IE.35] Stop Board.
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[IE.36] Stop Board.
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