Removing graffiti a ‘risky business’ council warns

Erasing graffiti from a prominent landmark on the busy Ring of Kerry tourist route could be a “high risk” operation, according to Kerry County Council.

For years, eyesore lettering has been scrawled on the Gleesk viaduct, part of the old Farranfore to Reenard railway line that closed more than 50 years ago.

Tourism and Transport Minister Leo Varadkar is considering an application for funding to develop a walking/ cycling trail on the disused line which commands spectacular sea and mountain views.

The graffiti is painted close to the top of the viaduct, near Kells, which is difficult to access safely.

Kerry TD Brendan Griffin, who has suggested painting over the graffiti, said it was sending out a very negative impression.

“It is a terrible shame to see this wonderful structure so badly defaced at present,” he said. However, the council’s acting roads director, Ger MacNamara, said painting over the graffiti was not an option, as the location was high-risk from a safety perspective.

However, the council will examine safe methods of removing the graffiti from the viaduct, alongside the main N70 road. The proposed 26km trail would run from Glenbeigh to Reenard and is being promoted as a tourist attraction that would draw thousands of additional visitors to the area.

However, it is among almost 40 similar applications being considered for funding by Mr Varadkar’s department. There’s a total fund of €6m and the minister has indicated that only a handful of projects will be benefit. An announcement is due in the coming weeks.

An application has also been made for funding to further develop the Great Southern Trail on the closed Limerick to Tralee railway line, work on which has been completed from Rathkeale, Co Limerick, to the Kerry border, near Listowel.