A new book by Glasgow-based transport journalist, Hugh Dougherty, tells the story of the County Donegal Railway bus services which ran from 1960 to 1971, replacing the famous CDR narrow gauge trains, running from Strabane to Killybegs, Letterkenny, Donegal and Ballyshannon, after the railway’s last train on December 31, 1959. The CDR painted its […]
All-Ireland Rail Network could transform transport
SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said that the establishment of an All-Ireland Rail Network has the potential to transform transport across the island. He was speaking after introducing a motion at the SDLP Conference in Derry. Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said: “The establishment of a modern rail network across Ireland has been a […]
‘Rail line between Portadown and Donegal should be prioritised’
The Minister for Transport said the government would be prepared to invest in Northern Ireland rail infrastructure as he believes the line between Donegal and Portadown should be treated as a priority. Deputy Eamon Ryan said he believes there is a need for balanced regional development, ‘particularly for the north west, and specifically on the lack of […]
Senator urges government to take steps to publish All Ireland Rail Review
Fianna Fáil Senator Niall Blaney has called on the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to meet with politicians in Northern Ireland regarding the All Ireland Rail Review in order to allow publication of the report. Senator Niall Blaney was speaking to Minister Ryan in the Seanad who has previously stated he won’t publish the report […]
Rail campaigners release a video to highlight ‘St Valentine’s shutdown’ of Donegal’s railway
Rail campaigners ‘Into The West’ have released a video to highlight the anniversary of the ‘St Valentine’s Shutdown’, when Donegal lost the last of its railways on 14th February 1965. That closure stripped both Tyrone and Donegal of rail and erased the north-west’s direct rail link with Dublin. Up until that St Valentine’s Day Shutdown, […]
Trains could be set to return to Donegal
IT seems trains could be set to return to Donegal as the All Island Rail review appears to recommend a line be installed between Letterkenny and Derry. The Journal reports that the review, which is in draft form at present, recommends a railway link between Letterkenny and Derry. The review, which has been leaked ahead […]
Book celebrates history of Donegal railways
A NEW book of photographs celebrating the history of Donegal’s unique railways will be launched today. The Donegal Railway Heritage Centre will launch “The County Donegal Remembered” by Jim McBride who has been involved with railway heritage and preservation for decades, and is the Irish Editor of the “Disused Stations”. The book of 250 photographs includes […]
Recalling the Letterkennny to Burtonport railway line
There was a painful poignancy to the last goodbye from a 12 year old girl to her older brothers that can still be heard in her voice today 92 years on