Irish railroad question.

[mapitts]

Why is the use of sand for traction prohibited in Ireland? Sounds crazy ( to me at least ) but that is what I have read.

[Chessie8638]

This is the closest answer I can find:

Sanding may not be used in Irish Rail because of the CME's fear about sand getting into the (axle-hung) traction motors.

[mapitts]

I came across more or less the same thing, but, I thought that could not possibly be right. I guess if two people come up with the same answer, it must be the right one. Makes for short trains.