AARON KENT
On September 29, with the wind rising shortly before a yellow weather warning came into effect, a small crowd gathered in Railway Square, Waterford City for the unveiling of the City’s latest blue plaque which commemorates the Waterford to Tramore Railway Line.
The line ran from 1853 to 1960 and was a central feature in the lives of people from the east of the county.
The blue plaques record the historic significance of a place, a person or an event in Waterford. There are over 70 blue plaques around the county, commemorating everything from Ireland’s first garage on Catherine Street, to the home on Philip Street of the six Colins Brothers who fought in World War One.
Following the unveiling, Heritage and Conservation Officer for Waterford Council, Bernadette Guest, brought the group to an information board about the railway on St. John’s River Walk, near Poleberry. The board was pursued by Cllr. Donal Barry for years after first being mentioned in 2022.
Speaking at the event Chair of the Civic Trust, Dr. Eugene Broderick said the main objective of the organisation was to preserve, protect, and celebrate Waterford’s rich heritage.
“The Blue Plaque being unveiled today remembers the Waterford and Tramore railway, which connected this city and the seaside town from 1853 to 1960,” he added. “It played an important and much loved part in the lives of generations of Waterford people.”
Julia Luczak and Finlay Weir, Snr. Photo; John Power
Speaking to The Munster Express, Dr. Broderick also explained that the Waterford Tramore Railway line was unusual in that it stood alone and was not connected to any main railway. It saw significant use in the summer months in particular. Unfortunately, all of the tracks were removed a short time after it was decommissioned.
“In July this year a blue plaque was unveiled on the old Railway Station in Tramore. So, while the city and the much loved sea side town are no longer linked by rail, they are now linked by two Blue Plaques remembering the old railway,” commented Dr. Broderick.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Liam Brazil, was in attendance and was tasked with the official unveiling.
“This railway had a special place in the hearts of those living in Waterford and Tramore, at a time when cars were not as common as they are now,” he explained. “For Waterford people, it was the means of going to Tramore, to enjoy its beautiful beach and relax at the seaside on a warm summer’s day. It was a great way of getting to the races at the Tramore course. This short railway line helped bring real joy and pleasure into the lives of so many.
“When it was announced in September 1960 that the line would close on 31 December, the decision was greeted with dismay. Waterford and Tramore lost something really special,” the Mayor said.
“The Blue Plaque which will be unveiled today is on the site of the old Manor Street Station, which was the Waterford Terminus of the railway line. During the summer, a plaque was unveiled on the old Station House in Tramore, the Tramore end of the railway. The two of them are a reminder of something that is still remembered with great fondness by many people in Waterford City and County.
“To Waterford Civic Trust, the organisers of today’s event, I extend my sincerest congratulations,” Mayor Brazil added.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
