Western Rail Corridor (all disused sections)

Sam Russell · 19-04-2017 12:18pm

JCX BXC wrote: »

I'll take this quote from two weeks ago "Wishful thinking to think that a pathway could be maintained alongside a railway that is being relaid, sadly. The amount of space required for access for plant hire, lifting ballast and excavation and lining the former track bed, route realignment, comms cable laying, temporary storage of ballast and track panels; it will all infringe on any pathway along the side."

You mean a bit like laying a railway line in the middle of a city like Dublin? That did not stop them digging up O'Connell St, or College Green. Out in the country, there is a lot more room and a lot less traffic.

If they are going to relay the track, then that will happen. However, the fact that it is not going to happen in the foreseeable future is no reason to not relay the pathway when the rail is actually relaid in the distant future.

JCX BXC · 19-04-2017 12:35pm

Sam Russell wrote: »

You mean a bit like laying a railway line in the middle of a city like Dublin? That did not stop them digging up O'Connell St, or College Green. Out in the country, there is a lot more room and a lot less traffic.

If they are going to relay the track, then that will happen. However, the fact that it is not going to happen in the foreseeable future is no reason to not relay the pathway when the rail is actually relaid in the distant future.

I don't really grasp your point. First of all with the Luas, yes it runs through busy streets but it pays for that by going at slow speeds. However economically dud the WRC is, if it was going at 50km/h on new relaid you can imagine how much of a white elephant that would be!

I don't believe the track will ever be relaid, hence the Greenway idea is suitable and will deliver some economic benefit to the area.

My point is, that if there was genuinely a case for the reopening of the track, a Greenway would be the death of the case. Once it becomes a Greenway, it most certainly won't be allowed to become a railway, businesses would have developed as a result of it, walking routes established and all sorts of tourism. It would never happen politically.

Sam Russell · 19-04-2017 2:52pm

JCX BXC wrote: »

I don't really grasp your point. First of all with the Luas, yes it runs through busy streets but it pays for that by going at slow speeds. However economically dud the WRC is, if it was going at 50km/h on new relaid you can imagine how much of a white elephant that would be!

I don't believe the track will ever be relaid, hence the Greenway idea is suitable and will deliver some economic benefit to the area.

My point is, that if there was genuinely a case for the reopening of the track, a Greenway would be the death of the case. Once it becomes a Greenway, it most certainly won't be allowed to become a railway, businesses would have developed as a result of it, walking routes established and all sorts of tourism. It would never happen politically.

If the greenway is built, it is usually built beside the old railway line (as it would be costly to remove the old line) and there is generally room. So, if the line is to be relaid, then it is built beside the greenway, which would be closed during the line work. After the work is finished, the greenway is made good again, with whatever extra work is needed. For example, if a bridge is derelict and is needed to be rebuilt, it will be done for greenway use, but if the line is relaid, it might need significant engineering work to make it suitable for a train service.

It is much easier to acquire a few metres extra width if it is needed than have to get a new alignment - just look along the Dart and see how many paths are left beside the railway line.

marno21 · 19-04-2017 3:02pm

Sam Russell wrote: »

If the greenway is built, it is usually built beside the old railway line (as it would be costly to remove the old line) and there is generally room. So, if the line is to be relaid, then it is built beside the greenway, which would be closed during the line work. After the work is finished, the greenway is made good again, with whatever extra work is needed. For example, if a bridge is derelict and is needed to be rebuilt, it will be done for greenway use, but if the line is relaid, it might need significant engineering work to make it suitable for a train service.

It is much easier to acquire a few metres extra width if it is needed than have to get a new alignment - just look along the Dart and see how many paths are left beside the railway line.

The present alignment north of Claremorris is absolute rubbish. It's not worth saving bar the approaches to towns which may be difficult to do on a new realignment due to sprawl

Quackster · 19-04-2017 4:29pm

Sam Russell wrote: »

If the greenway is built, it is usually built beside the old railway line (as it would be costly to remove the old line) and there is generally room.

That has happened in certain situations where there is a double-width permanent way and one track remains as it hasn't been abandoned (e.g. Athlone-Mullingar and alongside the heritage railway in Waterford). Otherwise the entire permanent way is converted to greenway with any extant track removed as part of the construction process.

Is much/any of Athenry-Collooney double-width?

mayo.mick · 19-04-2017 9:41pm

Claremorris - Colooney is 47 miles long, with 48 level crossings, this is the section that's referred to as the "Burma Road" if I'm not mistaken?

eastwest · 20-04-2017 9:01am

The cheapest way to build a greenway is to use the existing track bed as a base; that's how it's done everywhere else. Remember that the existing ballast is of no value to Irish Rail, and would be replaced anyway if ever someone found the money to build and subsidise a railway. So, until that unlikely scenario develops, why not just build a greenway?
If a rail project ever happens, it will.be built in sections. As each section us built, the greenway would be diverted on to roads or temporary tarmac, and the completed railway sections would include a new greenway alongside the railway. It's not rocket science; that's the way traffic management plans are done every day on civil engineering jobs.
So, the real question is, why isn't logic applied and the immediate potential of the asset realised? Why are politicians so set against improving the environment, bringing jobs and amenities, and preserving the asset in public ownership?

Sam Russell · 20-04-2017 10:17am

eastwest wrote: »

The cheapest way to build a greenway is to use the existing track bed as a base; that's how it's done everywhere else. Remember that the existing ballast is of no value to Irish Rail, and would be replaced anyway if ever someone found the money to build and subsidise a railway. So, until that unlikely scenario develops, why not just build a greenway?
If a rail project ever happens, it will.be built in sections. As each section us built, the greenway would be diverted on to roads or temporary tarmac, and the completed railway sections would include a new greenway alongside the railway. It's not rocket science; that's the way traffic management plans are done every day on civil engineering jobs.
So, the real question is, why isn't logic applied and the immediate potential of the asset realised? Why are politicians so set against improving the environment, bringing jobs and amenities, and preserving the asset in public ownership?

Your last paragraph sums up the perennial question of Irish polotics - Why is nothing done properly? Why is so much time and money spent chasing projects that then they are changed and redesigned or just forgotten about?

Once it was because there was no money, now it is because of begrudgery and political opportunism. Perhaps corruption (or at least vested interests) plays a part as well.

serfboard · 20-04-2017 10:35am

eastwest wrote: »

Why are politicians so set against improving the environment, bringing jobs and amenities, and preserving the asset in public ownership?

That's a very interesting question.

I think the answer is that, so far, the most vocal campaign has been for rail, and so some politicians believe, wrongly IMO, that rail is what the public wants. This perception may be based on some polling that asked people - "Would you like the railway back?" - to which they replied "sure". However, as Ennis->Athenry has shown, saying you would like a railway, and actually using it are two different things.

My suspicion is that some politicians know that it's the wrong thing, but think that it's the popular thing - therefore, they keep advocating it, but not funding it.

I think though, that reality is setting in amongst both the electorate and politicans, with a growing number of politicians in Galway County Council, for example, favouring a Greenway on the route - the best example being Galway County Councillor Pete Roche who has changed his position from being pro-railway to pro-greenway.

eastwest · 20-04-2017 12:07pm

Sam Russell wrote: »

eastwest wrote: »

The cheapest way to build a greenway is to use the existing track bed as a base; that's how it's done everywhere else. Remember that the existing ballast is of no value to Irish Rail, and would be replaced anyway if ever someone found the money to build and subsidise a railway. So, until that unlikely scenario develops, why not just build a greenway?
If a rail project ever happens, it will.be built in sections. As each section us built, the greenway would be diverted on to roads or temporary tarmac, and the completed railway sections would include a new greenway alongside the railway. It's not rocket science; that's the way traffic management plans are done every day on civil engineering jobs.
So, the real question is, why isn't logic applied and the immediate potential of the asset realised? Why are politicians so set against improving the environment, bringing jobs and amenities, and preserving the asset in public ownership?

Your last paragraph sums up the perennial question of Irish polotics - Why is nothing done properly? Why is so much time and money spent chasing projects that then they are changed and redesigned or just forgotten about?

Once it was because there was no money, now it is because of begrudgery and political opportunism. Perhaps corruption (or at least vested interests) plays a part as well.

To be fair, many of the councillors opposed to the achievable targets have simply adopted the railway position because for a long time it was the only proposal, and they are understandably reluctant to commit the great sin in Irish politics -- changing their minds. Peter Roche's honest reappraisal of the situation hasn't done him any harm however, so the others will change in time and logic will prevail. It's just a pity it all has to take so long.
My problem is with TDs who are close to the decision making and the realities of budgets. I can understand them taking the pro rail stance when they are councillors, but once they move to the Dail and become aware of the realities, a bit of honesty wouldn't go amiss.

eastwest · 24-04-2017 1:32pm

Is it true that the bridge at Ballyglunin is actually going to be rebuilt to carry a railway that successive transport ministers have said will never be built?
If that's true and not just rumour, then somebody in the department of transport is being very flathuilach with our tax euros.

marno21 · 24-04-2017 3:24pm

eastwest wrote: »

Is it true that the bridge at Ballyglunin is actually going to be rebuilt to carry a railway that successive transport ministers have said will never be built?
If that's true and not just rumour, then somebody in the department of transport is being very flathuilach with our tax euros.

Open to correction, but as far as I know a new bridge will be designed but not built.

Bridge is a major issue anyway with the height issue, especially now with the M17 providing direct connectivity to the area, and the ludicrousness of trucks having to divert around a bridge with weeds growing on it.

eastwest · 24-04-2017 3:54pm

marno21 wrote: »

Open to correction, but as far as I know a new bridge will be designed but not built.

Bridge is a major issue anyway with the height issue, especially now with the M17 providing direct connectivity to the area, and the ludicrousness of trucks having to divert around a bridge with weeds growing on it.

Even spending money on designing a bridge that isn't ever going to be built stinks of local political games. Surprised Ross hasn't slapped a few wrists; he would have when he was hurling from the ditch.

Grandeeod · 24-04-2017 8:46pm

eastwest wrote: »

Even spending money on designing a bridge that isn't ever going to be built stinks of local political games. Surprised Ross hasn't slapped a few wrists; he would have when he was hurling from the ditch.

This is an interesting one and as a complete anti WRC type, I'm happy enough if money is set aside for a new bridge design at this location. The Tuam -
Athenry section isn't the worst part of the WRC beast and while I'm loath to say it, could be a political reopening in the future. So prepare now to save money later. The sad part of this is how the Navan line was decimated by the M3 construction combined with a rediculous piecemeal "tunnel" at Cannistown, while vast chasms were dug out elsewhere. Maybe the cute hoors in the west are learning.:D

marno21 · 24-04-2017 8:49pm

Grandeeod wrote: »

This is an interesting one and as a complete anti WRC type, I'm happy enough if money is set aside for a new bridge design at this location. The Tuam -
Athenry section isn't the worst part of the WRC beast and while I'm loath to say it, could be a political reopening in the future. So prepare now to save money later. The sad part of this is how the Navan line was decimated by the M3 construction combined with a rediculous piecemeal "tunnel" at Cannistown, while vast chasms were dug out elsewhere. Maybe the cute hoors in the west are learning.:D

What condition is the Navan line in generally?

murphaph · 24-04-2017 9:07pm

Spent last week in Wales and they put us to shame completely with their heritage railways. Dozens of them it seems, plenty with steam of all shapes and sizes.

I support bridge planning too as if there is to be any hope of a heritage line then bridges for new road schemes need to be included.

The WRC or parts thereof could form nice heritage lines with volunteer operation.

Grandeeod · 24-04-2017 9:26pm

marno21 wrote: »

What condition is the Navan line in generally?

Where does one start.:(

Its butchered just after the extension at Black Bull interchange. A whole approach road embankment over it. Drumree has a solid embankment over it on the link road to Dunshaughlin. But the best bit is actually in Navan where a link road in a cutting knifed the heart out of it. Hard to believe that a Government was actively promoting reopening it, while at the same time ripping the guts out of it.

The original rail line to Navan is dead.

eastwest · 24-04-2017 10:32pm

Grandeeod wrote: »

eastwest wrote: »

Even spending money on designing a bridge that isn't ever going to be built stinks of local political games. Surprised Ross hasn't slapped a few wrists; he would have when he was hurling from the ditch.

This is an interesting one and as a complete anti WRC type, I'm happy enough if money is set aside for a new bridge design at this location. The Tuam -
Athenry section isn't the worst part of the WRC beast and while I'm loath to say it, could be a political reopening in the future. So prepare now to save money later. The sad part of this is how the Navan line was decimated by the M3 construction combined with a rediculous piecemeal "tunnel" at Cannistown, while vast chasms were dug out elsewhere. Maybe the cute hoors in the west are learning.:D

It's still hard to reconcile two facts; previous transport ministers have said pretty unequivocally that the wrc won't be extended, and the present minister (or someone in his department) seems to have signed off on building a bridge to carry this non-existent line.
At best, this is a scandalous waste of public funds.

marno21 · 24-04-2017 10:52pm

Grandeeod wrote: »

Where does one start.:(

Its butchered just after the extension at Black Bull interchange. A whole approach road embankment over it. Drumree has a solid embankment over it on the link road to Dunshaughlin. But the best bit is actually in Navan where a link road in a cutting knifed the heart out of it. Hard to believe that a Government was actively promoting reopening it, while at the same time ripping the guts out of it.

The original rail line to Navan is dead.

Besides the M3 enroachments, I was more asking what kind of running speed the line would be upto if restored? I was more asking if the alignment was worth saving or a potential railway would be better off on a new alignment.

GM228 · 24-04-2017 11:20pm

marno21 wrote: »

Open to correction, but as far as I know a new bridge will be designed but not built.

TII originally stated it would not replace the bridge unless IE requested, my understanding is IE requested the bridge be replaced. Sean Canny stated last October the bridge would be replaced and in January TII confirmed in writing to Galway Co. Co. that a new bridge would be designed and fitted after the upgrade works.

marno21 · 25-04-2017 12:29am

GM228 wrote: »

TII originally stated it would not replace the bridge unless IE requested, my understanding is IE requested the bridge be replaced. Sean Canny stated last October the bridge would be replaced and in January TII confirmed in writing to Galway Co. Co. that a new bridge would be designed and fitted after the upgrade works.

Cheers for that.

Carawaystick · 25-04-2017 12:53am

murphaph wrote: »

Spent last week in Wales and they put us to shame completely with their heritage railways. Dozens of them it seems, plenty with steam of all shapes and sizes.

I support bridge planning too as if there is to be any hope of a heritage line then bridges for new road schemes need to be included.

The WRC or parts thereof could form nice heritage lines with volunteer operation.

Who is "us"
heritage lines near Berlin ...

eastwest · 25-04-2017 8:19am

GM228 wrote: »

marno21 wrote: »

Open to correction, but as far as I know a new bridge will be designed but not built.

TII originally stated it would not replace the bridge unless IE requested, my understanding is IE requested the bridge be replaced. Sean Canny stated last October the bridge would be replaced and in January TII confirmed in writing to Galway Co. Co. that a new bridge would be designed and fitted after the upgrade works.

If that's the case, Canney and Ross should be sacked. Have these guys any other ideas about how to waste taxpayers' money, maybe a lighthouse in Loughrea would be nice, or a big hole in the ground in Dunmore?

murphaph · 25-04-2017 8:53am

Carawaystick wrote: »

Who is "us"
heritage lines near Berlin ...

Us is the Irish.

In Berlin you have http://www.dampflokfreunde-berlin.de restoring and maintaining heavy steam locos, which run on the existing network.

The countryside surrounding Berlin is unspectacular so not a great deal to be had by creating dedicated heritage lines to run locos that are allowed to run on the existing network anyway.

Beyond Berlin Germany hosts dozens of preserved railways, some even providing regular commuter trains to locals, such as the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways http://www.hsb-wr.de/en/mehr-erfahren/network/ (If you are a rail fan this must be seen).

I'm not sure what your point was but if it was to suggest that Ireland's attitude to industrial heritage was anything but very poor it failed.

Muckyboots · 25-04-2017 9:22am

murphaph wrote: »

Spent last week in Wales and they put us to shame completely with their heritage railways. Dozens of them it seems, plenty with steam of all shapes and sizes.
I support bridge planning too as if there is to be any hope of a heritage line then bridges for new road schemes need to be included.
The WRC or parts thereof could form nice heritage lines with volunteer operation.

Tried famously and unsuccessfully between Tuam & Athenry some years ago. You'd need a team of volunteers to count the total waste of state investment, in what turned out to be nothing more than a vanity project. Building a sustainable amenity, with a proven model, that improves quality of life and supports mental and physical health is what the local communities and local business interests really want. They should have a say in this and not be palmed off by a handful of "well connected" power junkies.

murphaph · 25-04-2017 9:52am

The heritage railways in GB most all started very small with volunteers. I had the pleasure of traveling the Welsh Highland, the Ffestiniog and Llangollen railways last week and they all started small and built up over many decades. All started with motivated volunteers assisted later by local authorities who saw the obvious tourism benefits these things bring.

I would not support the state simply funding a rebuild as a heritage line. It has to start as a grass roots thing and build up with dedicated volunteers steering the ship.

eastwest · 25-04-2017 10:09am

murphaph wrote: »

The heritage railways in GB most all started very small with volunteers. I had the pleasure of traveling the Welsh Highland, the Ffestiniog and Llangollen railways last week and they all started small and built up over many decades. All started with motivated volunteers assisted later by local authorities who saw the obvious tourism benefits these things bring.

I would not support the state simply funding a rebuild as a heritage line. It has to start as a grass roots thing and build up with dedicated volunteers steering the ship.

Agreed. And there is plenty of capacity on existing lines to accommodate heritage runs; using the heritage argument a a reason to build a railway is illogical.

murphaph · 25-04-2017 12:54pm

eastwest wrote: »

Agreed. And there is plenty of capacity on existing lines to accommodate heritage runs; using the heritage argument a a reason to build a railway is illogical.

Plenty of capacity on the still extant lines through Wales but that didn't stop them from rebuilding multiple heritage lines there. It's a lot to do with the scenery the line runs through. What makes the WRC bad as a mass people mover makes it good as a heritage line (slow, winding path) if funded and run voluntarily.

Quackster · 25-04-2017 2:32pm

murphaph wrote: »

Plenty of capacity on the still extant lines through Wales but that didn't stop them from rebuilding multiple heritage lines there. It's a lot to do with the scenery the line runs through. What makes the WRC bad as a mass people mover makes it good as a heritage line (slow, winding path) if funded and run voluntarily.

Scenery and a large population on their doorstep. Those GB heritage lines have many millions within day-tripping range which makes them worthwhile tourism endeavours.

WRC has neither the population nor the spectacular scenery IMO. If one was looking at rebuilding a line from scratch as a heritage line, one would look at a line in a prime tourist location like Kenmare or Clifton.

murphaph · 25-04-2017 3:45pm

Quackster wrote: »

Scenery and a large population on their doorstep. Those GB heritage lines have many millions within day-tripping range which makes them worthwhile tourism endeavours.

WRC has neither the population nor the spectacular scenery IMO. If one was looking at rebuilding a line from scratch as a heritage line, one would look at a line in a prime tourist location like Kenmare or Clifton.

Perhaps you're right. Academic really as we have a shocking record when it comes to preserving any of our industrial heritage and it is unlikely to change any time soon.

westtip · 26-04-2017 9:53pm

murphaph wrote: »

Perhaps you're right. Academic really as we have a shocking record when it comes to preserving any of our industrial heritage and it is unlikely to change any time soon.

One of the major points about the greenway is to preserve and restore much of the industrial heritage, it is amazing how the stations on many of the converted closed railway to greenway routes in the UK which are now thriving tourist businesses employing local people (yes low tech jobs but jobs none the less) in dead end villages that the world had passed by. Cafes, restaurants, bike hire businesses, employing local people and leading to small start up businesses in premises in victorian railway stations long since given up as dilapidated and gone. If you use the new greenway route for high tech high capacity fibre broadband some of these buildings could also house high tech jobs. It is all about the power of imagination and creativity.

eastwest · 26-04-2017 10:53pm

westtip wrote: »

murphaph wrote: »

Perhaps you're right. Academic really as we have a shocking record when it comes to preserving any of our industrial heritage and it is unlikely to change any time soon.

One of the major points about the greenway is to preserve and restore much of the industrial heritage, it is amazing how the stations on many of the converted closed railway to greenway routes in the UK which are now thriving tourist businesses employing local people (yes low tech jobs but jobs none the less) in dead end villages that the world had passed by. Cafes, restaurants, bike hire businesses, employing local people and leading to small start up businesses in premises in victorian railway stations long since given up as dilapidated and gone. If you use the new greenway route for high tech high capacity fibre broadband some of these buildings could also house high tech jobs. It is all about the power of imagination and creativity.

But we were promised thrains! What use is tech jobs and tourists and preservin ould buildins?
We want thrains!

omah · 01-05-2017 1:54pm

Regardless of population size near the greenways, I still think it is well worth everyone's while to develop them as a tourist and local business amenity.

eastwest · 01-05-2017 3:40pm

omah wrote: »

Regardless of population size near the greenways, I still think it is well worth everyone's while to develop them as a tourist and local business amenity.

Unfortunately logic like this isn't driving the debate. A number of councillors are locked into a proposal that is going nowhere but which they are afraid to let go of in case those who stick with it might gain electoral advantage.
As this stage very few politicians opposing the greenway actually believe the train myth, but unless they all jump together, none of them will jump at all.
Classic stalemate.

Consonata · 02-05-2017 9:17pm

There really should be a separate green-way thread, since that seems to be 90% of the discussion here.

Stephen15 · 02-05-2017 9:56pm

Consonata wrote: »

There really should be a separate green-way thread, since that seems to be 90% of the discussion here.

Already is

eastwest · 02-05-2017 10:16pm

Consonata wrote: »

There really should be a separate green-way thread, since that seems to be 90% of the discussion here.

It's more the case that the railway side of the debate has run out of steam. ðŸ˜†

westtip · 03-05-2017 9:21am

Quackster wrote: »

Scenery and a large population on their doorstep. Those GB heritage lines have many millions within day-tripping range which makes them worthwhile tourism endeavours.

WRC has neither the population nor the spectacular scenery IMO. If one was looking at rebuilding a line from scratch as a heritage line, one would look at a line in a prime tourist location like Kenmare or Clifton.

the issue about scenery was well put by West on Track in a submission to Mayo county council on the current Mayo county plan, just look at this wonderful statement about the scenery in Mayo from West on Track:

A submission to MCC by pressure group West on Track (Submission No D-MCDP-300 Colman O Raghallaigh on behalf of West on Track ) made the most disparaging comment about the scenery in East Mayo and East Sligo comparing the Sligo Mayo Greenway route with the Great Western Greenway – comment in bold added, Mr, O’Raghallaigh said:

“there is no comparable scenery along the Claremorris-Collooney route (compared to the Great Western greenway) which remains a rail line in the possession of the state.”

Whilst it will be no great shakes when it comes to scenery as a greenway route it will be a great local facility and will provide connectivity as part of a much larger national cycle network...but as a heritage rail route or velo rail!! come on folks get serious.

Quackster · 03-05-2017 12:16pm

westtip wrote: »

Whilst it will be no great shakes when it comes to scenery as a greenway route it will be a great local facility and will provide connectivity as part of a much larger national cycle network...but as a heritage rail route or velo rail!! come on folks get serious.

Exactly. The Great Southern Trail in West Limerick is comparable in that regard.

what_traffic · 03-05-2017 12:58pm

This was posted yesterday
http://www.galwaycycling.org/
"
The Galway Cycling Campaign is welcoming the news that a delegation from Waterford is to meet Galway County Council to get the benefit of their experience with the recently opened “Deise Greenway” in Waterford.
"

eastwest · 03-05-2017 1:06pm

what_traffic wrote: »

This was posted yesterday
http://www.galwaycycling.org/
"
The Galway Cycling Campaign is welcoming the news that a delegation from Waterford is to meet Galway County Council to get the benefit of their experience with the recently opened “Deise Greenway” in Waterford.
"

Let us hope that the primary focus of the meeting is the preservation of the old railway asset as a greenway, and not on the Dublin Galway greenway which already has general council support.
There seems to be a gathering storm in Tuam and Athenry comprised of a significant number of citizens who are sick of hearing nonsense about a freight train and who just want this greenway built. It may well be the case that even the slow learners on the council are beginning to see that this is what the people want to see happen.
I reckon that the concept of a 'Western rail corridor' may soon be consigned to the archives.

westtip · 03-05-2017 1:34pm

eastwest wrote: »

There seems to be a gathering storm in Tuam and Athenry comprised of a significant number of citizens who are sick of hearing nonsense about a freight train and who just want this greenway built. It may well be the case that even the slow learners on the council are beginning to see that this is what the people want to see happen.
I reckon that the concept of a 'Western rail corridor' may soon be consigned to the archives.

I think the festering dissatisfaction with both Mayo and Galway councils from people who are simply not been listened to is about to erupt. I see the Tuam Greenway Group are organising well and in Kiltimagh the people are challenging Mayo coco on the way they have handled the demand for a greenway....Both the Cllrs and the unelected officers of the councils in Galway and Mayo who have this far disregarded public opinion for too long are getting the message loud and clear.

western rail corridor is indeed history, Western Rail Trail rise from the ashes.

omah · 04-05-2017 8:21am

Looking forward to accessing all the greenways - what a great way to discover Ireland for Irish and tourists alike.

Del.Monte · 04-05-2017 8:22am

omah wrote: »

Looking forward to accessing all the greenways - what a great way to discover Ireland for Irish and tourists alike.

Railways are great for that too and probably more useful if you've suitcases with you.

omah · 04-05-2017 8:27am

Fair point. My understanding is that the way the greenway concept will work is that there is the option to take the land back in the future and re-open railways on them

eastwest · 04-05-2017 9:29am

Del.Monte wrote: »

omah wrote: »

Looking forward to accessing all the greenways - what a great way to discover Ireland for Irish and tourists alike.

Railways are great for that too and probably more useful if you've suitcases with you.

So are buses, and they make more sense if there are only eight of you.
The big myth about railway proposals like the wrc is that they benefit towns along the route. If there are eight tourists on a train going from Galway to Sligo, how do you get them to get off in Tuam or Kiltimagh? Short of getting on and dragging them off, all they bring to intermediate towns is their stares.
A cyclist or a Walker, on the other hand, has to eat and sleep in towns all along the trail. There are more of them too; 1500 in one day on the athlone mullingar route, and up to 10,000 on one day in waterford.

Seaswimmer · 04-05-2017 9:59am

eastwest wrote: »

So are buses, and they make more sense if there are only eight of you.
The big myth about railway proposals like the wrc is that they benefit towns along the route. If there are eight tourists on a train going from Galway to Sligo, how do you get them to get off in Tuam or Kiltimagh? Short of getting on and dragging them off, all they bring to intermediate towns is their stares.
A cyclist or a Walker, on the other hand, has to eat and sleep in towns all along the trail. There are more of them too; 1500 in one day on the athlone mullingar route, and up to 10,000 on one day in waterford.

I have followed this thread for a while but only recently had a Greenway experience. Stayed a few nights in campervan in Westport house so had the bikes. Wife is a reluctant cyclist but we headed for Newport anyway. Got there and rambled around. Coffee and scones in a local restaurant busy with cyclists. Went as far as Nevins pub on the Greenway and had lunch and a couple of pints there. Back to Newport and called into local pub and had a drink/coffee. Probably spent 70 or 80 euro over the course of the day.

There is no way we would have visited much less stopped in these places without the greenway. I didn't find the scenery particularly attractive on that stretch of greenway but the attraction of an off road trail for people who are uncomfortable or nervous cycling on the road cannot be overestimated.

Del.Monte · 04-05-2017 11:10am

I'm not a cyclist anyway but the Waterford Greenway with 10,000 cyclists on one day sounds like a nightmare.

marno21 · 04-05-2017 11:14am

Del.Monte wrote: »

I'm not a cyclist anyway but the Waterford Greenway with 10,000 cyclists on one day sounds like a nightmare.

Not for the businesses in the towns and villages along the route.

JCX BXC · 04-05-2017 5:13pm

Again, once the WRC becomes a greenway I don't buy for even a second that returning to a railway will ever be an option, the users of the greenway simply won't allow it.

Western Rail Corridor (all disused sections)

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