Iron Road Aaron

I have known of the existence of this railway for many years - yesterday I headed up to Raphoe in Co. Donegal to travel on it. Sir Gerry Robinson is obviously minted - anyone who can build a private railway in the grounds of his house on this scale is not short of a bob or two. I have taken photographs (mainly of the railway - after all, I don’t trainspot), however, to be generous to the trainspotters, I did take a few of the diesel engine hauling a train.

I have setup a page for the railway on my website here. All photos can be accessed off this.

We are in the middle of the worst recession to hit the country in living memory. Someone proposes to spend money developing tourist infrastructure which will attract tourists (probably from Britain) and the local authority says no. Read the story in the Clare Herald.

Shoot the fuckers.

The BBC has reported that the Belfast & County Down Railway Trust (not to be confused with the Downpatrick Railway Society) are negotiating with Irish Rail to buy a 141 Class locomotive, which they intend to name after Northern Irish footballer David Healy.

The B&CDR Trust are seeking to restore a section of the former Belfast & County Down Railway.

Due to the presence of the already operational Downpatrick Railway Society, the inevitable bitching and side swiping that is an unfortunate part of railway enthusiasm in Ireland is well under way with the latter berating the former’s attempts at every available turn. Perhaps, lads, if you were to co-operate, you could both advance.

The Irish Times has reported that plans are afoot to extend the West Clare Railway’s operations at Moyasta Junction back to Kilkee and Kilrush, support for this coming from Clare County Council.