Homeowner begs for a few feet more from line
Tim Murray, and his wife, Deirdre, whose home is one of three closest to the proposed line at Glounthaune, said that when it is constructed it will be between 12ft and 15ft from their property.
He appealed to Iarnród Éireann to put the track further back, but they have refused.
Mr Murray said he couldn’t understand this when the company was prepared to spend so much on constructing a bridge which will be used to gain access into Harper’s Island, a nearby bird sanctuary.
Access will only be granted by appointment. Yet access to the area is easily gained from the East Cork Parkway.
“I cannot understand why they won’t build an automated level crossing, especially as the bridge will only be used a couple of times a year,” Mr Murray said.
Iarnród Éireann is proposing to construct the large bridge less than 30 metres from his front gate, which will add to his problems.
The company have said they will build an acoustic barrier between his garden and the line, but have refused to move the line back or to drop plans for the bridge.
“I’m not opposed to the railway one bit. I’m not opposed to birdwatchers either, but Iarnród Éireann has simply failed to examine any alternatives,” the 34-year-old welder said.
“This bridge is surely a colossal waste of taxpayers’ money. How can they justify that kind of money when there will be just a few visits a year by birdwatchers? Surely the money could be better spent on providing hospital equipment or orthodontic services for children,” Mr Murray said.
He made clear some of his concerns at last week’s four-day inquiry into the reopening of the railway line.
Iarnród Éireann is putting in measures to protect badgers and bats, which has led to claims that it’s treating wildlife better than some of the residents living alongside the track.
The company was asked to comment but did not reply.
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