Funding for the regeneration of Tramore Train station – announced today by Minister of State Malcolm Noonan
Waterford TD welcomes funding for the regeneration of Tramore Train station which was announced today by Minister of State Malcolm Noonan under the Historic Towns Initiative.
Waterford Green Party TD Marc O Cathasaigh today welcomed the announcement of €75,000 funding for the regeneration of the historic Tramore Train Station as part of the Historic Towns Initiative. Tramore is one of 10 towns throughout the country to share €1.5m under this scheme which was announced today by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan in association with The Heritage Council. The funding will be used to complete works to the windows of the derelict Victorian railway station in the Waterford town which will prepare the unique landmark Protected Structure for occupancy and will bring it another step closer to opening as a community space in the town.
Speaking after the announcement, Deputy Ó Cathasaigh said: “This is great news for Tramore as we look forward to seeing this beautiful heritage building become a hub for the community. The last train ran from Tramore Train Station in 1960 and many older people in the area still remember using the train and have fond memories of the 5 minute bell which rang to let people know the train was due to leave. This building opened in 1853 so it has a long and rich history and is an architectural jewel in the crown of Tramore. It is being brought back for community use in stages and I very much look forward to seeing the next stage of work start very soon.
As well as regenerating the building and bringing it back into public use, the funding allocated will help to provide local employment through heritage-led regeneration. The building is owned by Waterford Council which received €100,000 in 2017 and €40,000 in 2020 under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme for the restoration of the roof and the creation of an outdoor market space. Further funding will be required to complete the restoration and to restore this important piece of our transport heritage back to it’s former glory but I am confident that will be forthcoming in the near future.”
Minister Noonan added: “We wish to put built, cultural and natural heritage at the front of both Government policy and the recovery of the country and so I look forward to working with the Heritage Council on similar initiatives over the coming months and years. Heritage Ireland 2030, the new national heritage plan which will be published later this spring, will further ensure that our heritage is at the heart of policy across Government.”
The Tramore to Waterford railway line which opened in 1853 was built by William Dargan over a 7 month period and it was the only train line never connected to the rest of the Irish railway network.
About the Heritage Council: The Heritage Council was established under the Heritage Act 1995 with responsibility to propose polices and priorities for the national heritage. It works in co-operation with a range of agencies, communities and individuals to promote education, enjoyment and understanding of our national heritage. For further information, visit: www.heritagecouncil.ie.
