A local resident from Derrymore writes in an email received on 7 January 2013: "Derrymore should be familiar as it was a stop on the famous T&DLR. My Grand-uncle also worked on the line as a guard, while other members of my family worked on other railways in Kerry. So for this reason I have always had a strong interest in the line. The reason I am sending this email is in relation to preservation of the remainder of the track-bed. I feel that this greenway scheme represents
the final chance to preserve what remains of the old route. Namely:
As you are aware it is now 60 years since the last train ran
and West Kerry has changed beyond all recognition, however it is important for
future generations that something of the route be preserved, within reason, for
historians, railway enthusiasts and cyclists/pedestrians who
would use the preserved track-bed as a modern amenity and a safe alternative to
using the road for cycling/walking. The purpose of my email really is to get some authorities on
the history of the T&DLR to contact Kerry County Council about preserving
what remains of the line as part of this greenway scheme. The section of the
line from Camp Village west to Scrallebeg crossing was demolished for road
improvements in recent years so my fear is that Gleann na nGealt will be next.
If people like David G. Rowlands and other Rail historians (or anyone who can
help!) can contact the Council on roads@kerrycoco.ie or Roads, Transportation & Safety, Room 115, Co Buildings, Rathass, Tralee, Co Kerry, it
will highlight the issue and hopefully preserve the historic platform into the
future." |
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