Locations where Bord na Mona's 3-foot narrow gauge tracks cross public roads are guarded by manually-operated gates and split-point derails (known locally as "catch points"). Normally left with the gates set across the tracks, upon approaching a crossing rakes must stop; the driver dismounts, walks ahead and swings the gates to block the road, which activates the flashing lights. An ingenious pulley-and-cable system simultaneously lines the derails to the closed position. After passing, the driver has to stop again and close the gates behind the train before proceeding.
