Sailing centre on track to berth willing buyers

FIRST the train left the station, then the station left the town — so what’s now coming down the tracks for this Baltimore, West Cork, coastal property?

Leased for a number of years to the international Glenans Sailing Centre (and being sold by Fáilte Ireland which is currently involved in the sale of a number of Munster sites and properties,) the one-time rail station and station master’s house all on a 1.3 acre site is guided at €350,000 by selling agents Brian Edwards and Eoin Ryan of DTZ Sherry FitzGerald.

The proposed sale has been criticised locally as a loss to Baltimore’s maritime history and services, as Glenans had developed the centre since 1969 in association with the French-founded volunteer organisation. Glenans spread from Baltimore to Bere Island, and to Clew Bay in Mayo, but wound up in 2103. A successor sailing organisation, Glenua/Baltimore Maritime Centre, has said the old rail station has scope for expanded activities and training, tied in to Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way promotion.