Gardai in Athlone are investigating after a car smashed through a level crossing barrier in Roscommon yesterday morning.

It occurred at Knockcroghery at around 10am, when a car drove through the level crossing before proceeding to do a three-point turn and drive off in the direction it came from.

The incident resulted in a 40 minute delay on the 9:40am Athlone to Westport service and Irish Rail has confirmed that the barrier was down for over a minute, with a train imminent, when the car broke through it.

Spokesperson for Irish Rail Jane Cregan told Midwest News that it was an extremely dangerous and reckless act.