post publication edit: This was the 2025 April 1st post! An annual tradition on the page
A new tourism initiative has just been announced. It will see the Barrow Railway Bridge Revived. It will also be seen as a game-changer for the fortunes of the South West Wexford area.
Opened in 1906 to connect the new port at Rosslare with Waterford, the bridge, which crossed the River Barrow at its meeting point with the Suir has been a feature of Waterford Harbour since. However, the line was closed in September 2010.
In recent years there were hopes that the line might become a greenway. This changed as a consequence of Brexit and a forward looking Green Party in government. Many thought the need for sustainable transport might have restored the line. However the dinosaurs are now back in charge, there is no imminent climate catastrophe and no need to consider the environment.
But every cloud has a silver lining, they say – and the good people of Great Island, Co Wexford are living examples of the motto. Availing of tourism grants from Bord Failte and Visit Wexford, (and the power of a new Ceann Comhairle from the area no doubt) a new concept – a boat on rails has been announced. The model of the fabulous proposal is photographed below.
The initiative is being branded as the Barrow Flyer. It will see busloads travel to Campile Co. Wexford for embarkation on a 1-hour pleasure journey across the bridge. Although some might see it as a poor man’s cruise, locally it is been championed as a boat trip without seasickness. Linking with the Rural Bus Service, Passage East Car Ferry and the numerous other visitor attractions of the SW Wexford area, hopes are high for an exciting year ahead.
The initiative is an action of the Great Island Community Enterprise Group. My understanding is that the captain of the vessel will be Robert Dunne, who is stepping back from the whelk pots for the year. Bookings will be taken just after Easter so keep your eyes peeled for the new offering from SW Wexford, and well done to the forward-looking folks of Great Island. Details will soon be available for booking this summer via Visit Wexford.
Yeah right !! APRIL FOOL
Good Watch.