Residents angry over railway heritage plans

RESIDENTS opposed to the handling of a heritage railway track restoration project in Co Waterford have called for the company involved to address their concerns.

The Kilmacthomas to Waterford Residents Committee are disappointed at the outcome of a meeting with the Waterford and Suir Valley Railway Company, but insist a compromise on the development is possible.

The group was set up following concerns about developments of a section of the abandoned Waterford to Dungarvan track, from Kilmeadan to Carriganore. While many support the project they have criticised the lack of consultation with them by the company.

“We just want to see the terms of the original planning application adhered to for the steam heritage railway with a walkway and cycle track alongside it,” said group chairman Donnchadh Ó Fuarthain.

The group also have concerns regarding safety at Kilmeaden station and plans to develop the railway line as a commuter service from Kilmeaden into Waterford.

“How do they propose to establish a commuter service on a railway line and facilities which are run and funded by a company operating as a charity,” asked Mr Ó Fuarthain. The group is hoping to have a private meeting with the company soon to address concerns.

Waterford and Suir Valley Railway Company is a community heritage project with charitable status and is run by a board of directors. Following a meeting with residents last week, it agreed to appoint a local volunteer as an additional director.

However, some residents are adamant the company is acting in an underhand fashion and represents a threat to community life and tourism, in particular to the existing rights of way on the track.

“They are locking gates and putting up security signs,” said Cosy Thatch pub proprietor Martin Doyle.

“They are building the line under the guise of it being a heritage, not-for-profit, heritage project when they have openly admitted it is a commercial, commuter project,” he added.

The company would not directly comment on the individual concerns of local residents but said in a statement: “we are delighted with the opportunity to communicate the future plans to the people living closest to the railway and company director Pádraig Ó Gríofa reiterated an invitation for more people to get involved from the area.