Kilkenny Hosts Railway Lecture on Heritage and Preservation Efforts

Next week, railway enthusiasts in Kilkenny will gather for the seventh lecture in a series presented by Donie Butler. The lecture will focus on the historical significance of the railway lines in North Kilkenny, including the routes from Kilkenny to Maryborough/Portlaoise, Ballyragget Station, and the branch line to Corbettstown. This event marks a continued effort to celebrate and preserve the rich railway heritage of the region.

Formation of the Kilkenny Railway Heritage Society

Earlier this year, a meeting held at the Home Rule Club on John’s Quay led to the establishment of the Kilkenny Railway Heritage Society. During this meeting, members elected key officers: Donie Butler as chair, Sean O’Neill as honorary secretary, Mary Holden as treasurer, Malcolm Noonan as PRO, and John Delaney as vice-chair. The society’s primary goal is to preserve the heritage of railway lines within Kilkenny City and County, focusing on both defunct and existing routes.

The railway lines of interest include the former Kilkenny to Portlaoise line, the branch line from Dunmore West Junction to Castlecomer Junction, and the operational line from Kilkenny to Ferrybank/Waterford. Additionally, they are examining the historical significance of lines such as the former Ferrybank to Rosbercon and the current Ferrybank to Limerick route. Many of these lines featured level crossings, gatekeepers’ lodges, and station masters’ houses, remnants of a bygone era.

Concerns Over Heritage Preservation

The Kilkenny Railway Heritage Society has expressed concern over the fate of various railway structures. Some historic stations, such as those in Ballyragget, Castlecomer, and Bennettsbridge, have been demolished, according to information provided by CIE (Córas Iompair Éireann). Despite this, several examples of station masters’ houses remain intact in locations such as Castlecomer, Gowran, and Thomastown.

Butler highlights the need for intervention from the Ministers for Transport and Heritage to ensure the preservation of these historical sites. He emphasized that many of these buildings are protected under the Protected Structures Act (PSA), which places an obligation on CIE to comply with heritage regulations. “Kilkenny MacDonagh Station is a crying example of the way it has been ignored by CIE regarding compliance with the PSA over the last 28 years,” Butler stated.

He noted that while CIE has recently acknowledged its responsibilities in preserving these structures, they claim a lack of funding has hindered progress. The planning department of Kilkenny County Council, under the leadership of Denis Malone, has been diligent in pursuing CIE regarding their obligations under the PSA, but as of now, tangible results have not materialized.

The upcoming lecture not only serves as an educational opportunity but also highlights the ongoing struggles faced by local heritage advocates. As the community navigates the complexities of preserving its railway history, the Kilkenny Railway Heritage Society aims to hold relevant authorities accountable for their commitments to heritage preservation.