On track at Belturbet Railway Station
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It may have been 1957 since the last passenger train pulled into Belturbet Railway Station but the old platform is still attracting plenty of footfall as the building is in use as a museum and event venue.
The restoration of the old railway station in Belturbet began in 1994, after the Community Development Association was formed.
Local volunteer, Tony Prior, was part of that original group: “We set out to restore the old buildings, which had been derelict since March 1959, when the railway finally closed,” recalls Tony.
“We purchased the site of the station for £50,000 (€63,000 today) from George McClarey, a Cavan man - God rest him.
“All of the buildings were restored with the help of Interreg, the local community, and the Cavan and Monaghan Leader Group,” Tony added.
The group had a spend of £1 million at the time, as well as grant aid of £700,000.
In 2018 it was decided that a new company should be formed to look after the heritage side of the venture - Belturbet Heritage Railway Group was formed.
“We’ve had some new members who have come on board,” Tony said, “alongside the original committee, most of whom are still involved. The new group took over the running of the museum. We’re open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 12 noon to 5pm.
“We give guided tours around the site, but people can also do self-guided tours. Of course, if somebody wants to come and do a tour, they just have to give us a call, that’s always fair enough with us.”
Since it has re-opened, the station has contributed significantly to Belturbet’s community. The Men’s and Hens’ Sheds are both located in the centre, as well as the busy astro-turf facility next door. It also hosts a diverse range of events.
Belturbet Heritage Railway Group is incredibly proud of the station’s rich history: “The station was unique, with a narrow gauge system at 3ft. This brought together Cavan and Leitrim. We also had the broad gauge, for the Great Northern, and brought passengers from all over Ireland.”
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FULL LIST OF FINALISTS
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