CIÉ lays claim to disputed rail line

CIÉ is claiming sole ownership of a disused rail line where leisure walkers were blocked by farmers.

An 85km stretch of an old rail line from Rathkeale, Co Limerick, to Fenit, Co Kerry, is being developed by local communities as a walking and cycling trail.

The semi-state company was yesterday adamant it owns the property, but some farmers in north Kerry also claim ownership.

The farmers blocked walkers from going onto the line last weekend.

The North Kerry Abandoned Rail Line Action Group, representing the farmers, sent a solicitor’s letter to CIÉ stating the farmers’ claim to sections of the line.

However, the company insisted it had full ownership of the property, and it also indicated its support for plans to develop the disputed section of the line as part of the Great Southern Trail for tourism purposes.

Work on a 40km section on the Limerick side has already been completed but, on Saturday, about 150 walkers approaching from Limerick were reportedly prevented from entering Co Kerry during a three-hour stand-off.

There are now fears the problem could end up in court, with consequences for the trail project.

The farmers’ action group wants the ownership issue resolved before work takes place along the property.

Yesterday, Listowel Fianna Fáil town councillor Jimmy Maloney, who supports the project, appealed to the landowners, CIÉ, and Great Southern Trail promoters to reach a deal. “Concerns by landowners on the Limerick side were discussed and agreement was reached and there’s no reason why the same can’t be done on the Kerry side,” he said.

Mr Maloney said the trail had huge potential, refering to Mayo’s Great Western Greenway, which attracted 145,000 visitors over 12 months and was worth €7m to the local economy.

The Limerick to Tralee passenger service ended in 1963 and the line closed in 1977.