Tourism Projects - Fenit & Lee Valley

fresca

Two recent tourism projects have kicked off in the tralee area.
The Tralee - Fenit Walk & Cycle Way which shall follow the route of the old Tralee-Fenit railway line.
Can't locate an official site for the project, but have found this:
http://traleetofenitcycleway.wordpress.com/

As of 14-Oct-2010, progress includes the exposure of the old track from Fenit to Kilfenora (can't see the project from the road from kilfenora to tralee).

The second project is the Lee Valley Park which is described below:
http://www.traleetc.ie/news/title,4609,en.html

Work is due to commence later this week on the ambitious Tralee Lee Valley Project, following the signing of the Stage 1 Contract on Monday (Sept 20) between Tralee Town Council and Griffin Brothers Contractors Castleisland. The €4.2m project has been a long term goal of Tralee Town Council and a key element of Fáilte Ireland’s activity and eco tourism strategy. The Department of Tourism, Culture & Sports is providing €3m from its tourism product development budget for the project through Fáilte Ireland with Tralee Town Council providing the balance.

Speaking at the signing, the Mayor of Tralee Cllr. AJ Spring, thanked the Government and Fáilte Ireland for its support, which he said, would provide a major boost for the town. “The Council has worked closely with Fáilte Ireland South West, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust UK, South West Fisheries Board, IT Tralee, Holiday Tralee and other local voluntary and statutory bodies to bring the project to fruition.”

Tralee Town Manager, Michael McMahon said the project had been a long term goal of the Council and would exploit the new and growing nature and eco tourism market. “The provision of a new rail station within the park will assist the Tralee Steam Railway and Blennerville Windmill projects”.

The present Stage 1 Contract with Griffin Brothers involves the construction of the access road, car park, activity lake and 2.2km of walks and cycleways in both the activity and nature zones. The contract is valued at €1.2m. The contract for the new Visitor Centre Building and Viewing Tower will go to tender shortly.

The park is designed by Scott Wilson landscape architects, Belfast with local consultants Malachy Walsh & Partners, Civil & Services Engineers, based in Blennerville and Kane Crowe Kavanagh, Quantity Surveyors, Tralee.

Tralee Town Council has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure, particularly in all-weather visitor attractions, since the 1990s and tourism now supports 500+ jobs in the town. The new €4.2 million project will add significantly to the broad range appeal that Tralee has to offer domestic and overseas visitors. It is expected to attract 70,000 per year to the Kerry capital and is due to be in operation for the 2011 tourist season.

As of 14-Oct-2010 project progress includes the construction of the access roadway and starting of the car park.

manoverboards

Don't know what you post is at, apart from highlighting both projects ?

Although both projects are totally separate I think they are very important to this region and should be looked at as one...

Lets take for example, already this week, I have been swiming in Fenit and walking in Ballyseede, both to of the most important leisure/nature resources to the population of Tralee [and surroundings].

These too projects will link these two together, but not only for me, but for tourists, bird watchers etc.

Also it should be noted that the North Kerry line was coming the other way too, the walkway has recently been extended from Ardagh to Rathkeale.

fresca

Correct - post is to highlight projects.
Perhaps we people see progress they might post regular updates here.
And once opened, perhaps people might post their thoughts / impressions etc.

thanks

manoverboards wrote: »

Don't know what you post is at, apart from highlighting both projects ?

Although both projects are totally separate I think they are very important to this region and should be looked at as one...

Lets take for example, already this week, I have been swiming in Fenit and walking in Ballyseede, both to of the most important leisure/nature resources to the population of Tralee [and surroundings].

These too projects will link these two together, but not only for me, but for tourists, bird watchers etc.

Also it should be noted that the North Kerry line was coming the other way too, the walkway has recently been extended from Ardagh to Rathkeale.

Quaderno

Just to add some visual information two current pics of the old railway line near Fenit...

fresca

site http://traleetofenitcycleway.wordpress.com/ now has a couple of photos on it.

dh0661

The lads in the Horans fruit & veg., Rock Street told me today that they started clearing a section from Connolly Park to the back of their shop a few weeks back.

I'll have to take them at their word as it's not evident from what I can see.

fresca

Article in Kerry's Eye at the weekend claiming that gardai are investigating the theft of some railway track and sleepers from this line...

amadain

What is the latest update on this ?

Into November 2010 and has anyone been down the tracks ?

TigerTim

I see thar the 2 entrances to the line at the Mounthawk side of the "Fat Mile" are blocked off with gates & site fencing. Must be something going on. I was told in early October that it would be ready in 14 weeks.

T

fresca

amadain wrote: »

What is the latest update on this ?

Into November 2010 and has anyone been down the tracks ?

It appears that there are objections to the upgrade/opening of this facility from persons living on the route.
I've heard (but not verified) that some rubble was dumped on the route.

ptdireland

fresca wrote: »

It appears that there are objections to the upgrade/opening of this facility from persons living on the route.
I've heard (but not verified) that some rubble was dumped on the route.

It is reported that an objector who is resident in Fenit had threatened to burn the machinery used to clear the track if it proceeded past his back garden. This person had used the track to extend his garden.
It is also reported that the committee have agreed not to proceed past this persons garden in case of further threats. The track will now stop at Castleview in Fenit and will not continue to the Pier.
What a shame this has happened(if true). These people should look at the future and what it could mean for their children and the village of Fenit.

TigerTim

Any update on the Fenit walkway. Don't see any work going on at the "Fat Mile" end

T.

Quackster

Walked the line from Rock St. to the Ardfert Road bridge today. No sign of recent work.

While I was at it, I walked a little of the Limerick line from the split until I reached a dead end where an individual has extended their back garden completely appropriating the section of line that passes behind their house. Hedge planted across the line at one side and a barricade of tree branches on the other. I was under the impression that the Limerick line was still in the ownership of CIE, no?

This Google map is centred on the offending house (the line seems to have been still intact when the satellite image was taken).

CheGuedara

Was talking to two people connected with the town & county councils last night. It would appear that the Tralee - Fenit Cycleway project is (or soon going to be) abandoned.

Apparently those that had protested against the development of the amenity have recently threatened to take matters to the high court (or some such) and the council didn't have the b@lls to take up the fight.

If true this is a sad shame, and one cant help but be disappointed at the failure to pursue it to its conclusion. Also questions must be asked as to what the monies for the project (something around the €300,000 mark I believe) will now be directed towards - if the answer is anything other than the development of an alternative new amenity (and not just the Lee Valley Park) then it is unacceptable.

fresca

And yet, on http://www.radiokerry.ie/news:

27 Jan 2011Plans to develop old Tralee Fenit railway line into path and cycleway advancing well

Plans to develop the old Tralee Fenit railway line into a path and cycleway are advancing well.
The project, which is estimated to cost half-a-million-euro, has already received funding from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Funding has also been promised by the Department of Transport, Leader, as well as the local community.
The council is awaiting a proposal from CIE regarding the removal of the track, and following that work will begin on the path.

CheGuedara

fresca wrote: »

And yet, on http://www.radiokerry.ie/news:

Interesting - pity there's no definitive information there, just a bit of a blurb. Two Departments mentioned, one of which Tommy McEllistrim has sidled up to when grants have been given out before to garner bystander credit so I would be cautious of electioneering propoganda sneaking into things .

Will see if I can hit up those contacts again and see what their take on the story is. Will try to get feedback by this evening.

CheGuedara

Got onto my contacts and the Radio Kerry news paragraph is correct - the only development different to planned is that the rail is to come up as part of the work.

Apparently the information they had came from the same town councillor, who had been spreading the word the project was off (for whatever reason he personally had). Fair to assume he's not high on the project supporters list...

Ricky91t

Anybody know the latest on the Lee Valley Park?

I just heard about it ( Thanks Kerry gems guide! ) and am quite interested. But despite all the hype during Winter 2010 there's very little info on the progress.

Quaderno

Ricky91t wrote: »

Anybody know the latest on the Lee Valley Park?

I just heard about it ( Thanks Kerry gems guide! ) and am quite interested. But despite all the hype during Winter 2010 there's very little info on the progress.

The below picture is almost four weeks old and the work has progressed very well since then. The last I saw last week was that they were putting topsoil on all the areas where the groundwork had already finished. The landscaping will take some time, especially the trees, but the walkways and the lake look almost finished to me. I think they made the best of the fine weather and will finish in time.

Ricky91t

Quaderno wrote: »

The below picture is almost four weeks old and the work has progressed very well since then. The last I saw last week was that they were putting topsoil on all the areas where the groundwork had already finished. The landscaping will take some time, especially the trees, but the walkways and the lake look almost finished to me. I think they made the best of the fine weather and will finish in time.

Thanks

Looks great! Look forward to getting back there for a cycle/walk!

Ricky91t

Does anyone have any updates on Lee Valley?

Quaderno

I have no current picture at the moment, but the park looks good so far They are now working at the visitor centre, the outer structure of which appears to be fairly complete already. All the trees around the lake have been planted recently as well. Still a lot of work to do, but the progress can well be seen from week to week.
I think work at the viewing tower has yet to start, as has probably most of the landscaping in the far part of the park behind the railtracks which can't be overseen from the street.

Quaderno

Just two pics from today with an overview of the park and a closeup shot of the new visitor centre:

Quaderno

Some new pictures from this week, work on the tower has started now.

Ciarrai76

Ricky91t wrote: »

Does anyone have any updates on Lee Valley?

It was meant to be finished for July, but they are talking more September October now! typical!

Quaderno

I just heard that the opening is now planned for January 2012.

manoverboards

Quaderno wrote: »

I just heard that the opening is now planned for January 2012.

I do hope Tralee Town Council have run that past the Mayans !

ejmaztec

manoverboards wrote: »

I do hope Tralee Town Council have run that past the Mayans !

TTC was never one for listening to sound advice from anyone. Anyway, won't they almost get a year out of it until the planet goes down the crapper in December 2012? The upside will be that they won't have time to increase the car-parking fees in the town to pay for the project losses.

stevielenihan

ejmaztec wrote: »

TTC was never one for listening to sound advice from anyone. Anyway, won't they almost get a year out of it until the planet goes down the crapper in December 2012? The upside will be that they won't have time to increase the car-parking fees in the town to pay for the project losses.

Is the Tralee to Fenit walkway going ahead?

manoverboards

Hey Steve,

It's a bit hard to get any solid information on that, the last thing i heard from a good source that CIE wanted to take up the track before the walkway was put down (I am sure all that iron is worth a bit now).

It is a pity that this walkway has been hit with the same problem as on Fenit island, a couple of people want to stop people walking on public land that passes close to their property, as the expense of everyone else

stevielenihan wrote: »

Is the Tralee to Fenit walkway going ahead?

In other Fenit/Lee Valley tourism news tours have now started to Fenit lighthouse !

stevielenihan

manoverboards wrote: »

Hey Steve,

It's a bit hard to get any solid information on that, the last thing i heard from a good source that CIE wanted to take up the track before the walkway was put down (I am sure all that iron is worth a bit now).

It is a pity that this walkway has been hit with the same problem as on Fenit island, a couple of people want to stop people walking on public land that passes close to their property, as the expense of everyone else




In other Fenit/Lee Valley tourism news tours have now started to Fenit lighthouse !

we will see what happenes. i read in kerry eye that a petiton would be singed this week to recomenece work on the former rail line

Quackster

I've walked the line in the past few months and from what I've seen, the problem is with landowners actually appropriating sections of it!

In one instance, the occupiers of the former levelcrossing cottage near the Spa have covered over a section of the track, rails and all, and used it to extend their garden and driveway. Elsewhere, a farmer is using part of the line to store silage.

I would hazard a guess that these are the same people taking every opportunity to object strenuously to this project.. :mad:

stevielenihan

Quackster wrote: »

I've walked the line in the past few months and from what I've seen, the problem is with landowners actually appropriating sections of it!

In one instance, the occupiers of the former levelcrossing cottage near the Spa have covered over a section of the track, rails and all, and used it to extend their garden and driveway. Elsewhere, a farmer is using part of the line to store silage.

I would hazard a guess that these are the same people taking every opportunity to object strenuously to this project.. :mad:

Is the track still there?

Quackster

IE lifted sections of the track early in the year but most of it is still in situ.

stevielenihan

Quackster wrote: »

IE lifted sections of the track early in the year but most of it is still in situ.

Will that be lifted when they restart work on the walkway?

Quackster

I assume that it will be lifted should work recommence as that's what IE have previously stated they intend to do. I'd say the scrap value of the iron would more than pay for the lifting.

kingdumb

Hey Quackster,

Just out of interest, was there anyone blocking the part of the line before the Fenit line branches off ?

If so someone's lawyers need to get a finger out. Afaik there was optic fiber laid on the line to limerick, I would say the last thing some phone company want is someone claiming the now own a couple of meters of it

Quackster wrote: »

I've walked the line in the past few months and from what I've seen, the problem is with landowners actually appropriating sections of it!

In one instance, the occupiers of the former levelcrossing cottage near the Spa have covered over a section of the track, rails and all, and used it to extend their garden and driveway. Elsewhere, a farmer is using part of the line to store silage.

I would hazard a guess that these are the same people taking every opportunity to object strenuously to this project.. :mad:

kingdumb

It seems that the Steam Train is getting a cash boost to be put back on the rails again with £220,000 to be invested in the railway for next year.

A new halt is being opened in the new eco/wetlands park and and the steam engine being restored to work on 'bio mass' fuel.

choo choo

Quaderno

That's great! I know there is a good bit of interest in the train from railway enthusiasts from all over the world, so this is news that's certainly worth spreading. Do you have any source that I could cite or more information on that matter? I saw the original loco running once in 2006 shortly after arriving in Tralee (me, not the train ) and would love to see it coming back.

kingdumb

Word of mouth,
Will try to get a source for it tho,

Quackster

kingdumb wrote: »

Hey Quackster,

Just out of interest, was there anyone blocking the part of the line before the Fenit line branches off ?

If so someone's lawyers need to get a finger out. Afaik there was optic fiber laid on the line to limerick, I would say the last thing some phone company want is someone claiming the now own a couple of meters of it

The double line from Rock St to the split is intact but shortly after the split, another individual has cannibalised a section of the Limerick line to extend their back garden. They are aided by the fact that there is a break in the line beside their house where an overbridge was removed years ago.

I know ESAT laid an underground fibre optic cable along the line back in the late 90s but I don't know what the current status of that cable is because there's no evidence of its existence visible on the ground now as far as I can see.

IE have shown a complete disregard for defending what is state property. It's a national scandal that needs airing. :mad:

Quackster

Was chatting to someone today who told me IE had a surveyor down recently marking out the route of the fibre optic cable along the double line section to prevent it being damaged when the track along there is taken up.

I also hear that one of the chief objectors in the Fenit area has been prominent in the Fenit Island right-of-way protests. Oh, the irony!

Quaderno

Quackster wrote: »

Was chatting to someone today who told me IE had a surveyor down recently marking out the route of the fibre optic cable along the double line section to prevent it being damaged when the track along there is taken up.

I also hear that one of the chief objectors in the Fenit area has been prominent in the Fenit Island right-of-way protests. Oh, the irony!

Thank you, that's good news indeed. I hope they are not only after the scrap metal. But works progressing is always a good sign...
BTW: The thread re Fenit Castle can be found here. There are some interesting pieces of information in there...

kingdumb

I was wondering about that, but ICE/Esat should be more worried about folk claiming ownership of the land that the fiber is on, you the might end up paying tolls on the packets !

Quackster wrote: »

Was chatting to someone today who told me IE had a surveyor down recently marking out the route of the fibre optic cable along the double line section to prevent it being damaged when the track along there is taken up.

I heard similar, we got to protect our right to walk on public land*

Quackster wrote: »

I also hear that one of the chief objectors in the Fenit area has been prominent in the Fenit Island right-of-way protests. Oh, the irony!

*except where there is a chance that I can extend my garden onto said public land.

stevielenihan

kingdumb wrote: »

I was wondering about that, but ICE/Esat should be more worried about folk claiming ownership of the land that the fiber is on, you the might end up paying tolls on the packets !



I heard similar, we got to protect our right to walk on public land*


*except where there is a chance that I can extend my garden onto said public land.[/QUOT






Has there been any more progess to turn the tralee to fenit rail line into a walk and cycle path?

manoverboards

That is f'in hillarious.

All he has to say is that he put up the fence in order to stop drug dealers, rats and pedophiles.

Case closed !

Quackster wrote: »

I also hear that one of the chief objectors in the Fenit area has been prominent in the Fenit Island right-of-way protests. Oh, the irony!

stevielenihan

Has the walkway been build already?

kingdumb

There is a walk tomorrow [Sunday 23rd] in support of the Tralee to Fenit pathway.

Quaderno

Thanks, I'll be there!

trail man

Hi fenit line people..
a word of advice from an old southern trail campaigner..
The whole line needs to be walked regularly just to show to the objectors that ye guys arent just a flash in the pan brigade..get the media on board and public representatives.. DONT GIVE UP.. in the end it will be worth it..

kingdumb

Hey Trail_man

It wasn't only the Fenit line that was walked but the other end of the Great Southern Trail.

The weather was shocking on Sunday, but the was still a good turnout with is a great sign, there was a few local representatives, local media and even one of the main objectors.
The same objector had been busy in the previous days building no less than 3 mounds of earth, stones and branches, each about 2 meters high !