Tourism plan for disused rail line

A disused rail line in Kerry, closed more than 50 years ago, could become a key attraction on the Wild Atlantic Way.

As areas all along the west coast jockey to be included in the new tourist route from Cork to Donegal, a case is also being made for the old Farranfore to Caherciveen line.

The line ran for more than 50km along the spectacular Ring of Kerry, commanding views of the rugged landscape, sea and mountains.

Shut down in 1961, it could be developed into something similar to the popular Western Way in Galway and Mayo, the promoters maintain.

Killarney-based councillor Michael Gleeson has proposed the county council progress its partnership with South KerryDevelopment Partnership on creating a cycleway-cum-walkway.

“The tourism potential will be enormous for the entire Iveragh Peninsula. I have no doubt it will be one of the great scenic attractions of western Europe,” he said.

The high cost of developing the line for tourism has been an obstacle to progress to date, but a number of options are currently being looked at.

Sections of the line, which hugs the mountainside in places and includes a much-photographed viaduct at Kells, may be developed on a phased basis.

Talks have also taken place with property owners bounding the line and further discussions are planned with them, according to the council.

But land acquisition may prove a big issue.