Good progress and some confusion…
A newly written comment by Stevie regarding my post about the conversion of the old Tralee-Fenit railway line showed me that there might easily be a confusion of two quite different things mentioned on this page. Currently two major tourism related projects are going ahead in and around Tralee, both involving old railway lines.
The first one is said conversion of the railtrack between Tralee and Fenit into a combined walk/cycle way. Works have started in early October and the clearing of the line already made significant progress. I’m not sure about the next stages of the building process, though. I heard rumours that talks with the people living in close proximity to the future path are still ongoing, and that’s what should be expected in a democratic planning process. I am very hopeful the a good solution will finally be found by and for everybody involved. Pictures can be seen below:
Another project involves another railway line, namely the last remaining section of the former Tralee-Dingle Railway. This section is also located to the west of Tralee towards the Blennerville Windmill and it traverses the Lee Valley Park, the construction of which also started in October. Just to be clear: this track, although also inoperational right now, is NOT going to be converted to a walk way, it will however be incorporated in the newly created park and I heard that it is also planned to build a new, third railway station between Tralee Aquadome and Blennerville. Hopefully we will see some investment in the rolling stock as well, but as this is a very ambitious tourism project the railway should and possible will eventually play a major role.
A very big picture of the the construction of the park can also be seen below. It had been taken today, I actually stood right on the track right next to the (modern) railway bridge over the river Lee:
Tralee, Lee Valley Park, Construction 09/11/2010
I would say the new year can be expected to bring some exciting new developments for Tralee and Kerry if all goes according to plan. It looks very good right now.
Hello to all.
I have been following the stories of the old Railways in Ireland with interest. I am writing to ask if any person has any old photos, circa 1890-1920 of the line going through/near Ballygarron, The Spa, Tralee. My Grandfather, John SHEEHY worked in the Railway. He was married in 1887 and lived in a house where a railway went past his front door. He died in 1916. I would love to hear from any person who can help with any photos or history of this railway line. I have a photo of this old line in front of the house, taken when my daughter visited Ireland in 2007.
Hope some kind person can help.
Many thanks,
Kind regards,
Mary(Hooley)Mizzi from Queensland, Australia.
Comment by Mary — September 13, 2011 @ 5:51 am