Dunboyne Relay

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irishrailwaynews	Dunboyne Relay	Lead	[-]
Posts: 470 (01/03/09 21:59:44) Moderator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Tags : None This thread is to report any news on the rebuilding and relaying of the former MGWR route to Navan closed in 1963 from Clonsilla through Dunboyne to Pace a length of 7.5km. Work has already begun on clearing the formation. Three new stations will be constructed, at Hansfield, Dunboyne and Pace, which also comprises a major Park and Ride facility.
Commuter 29422		#1	[-]
Posts: 1915 (01/03/09 23:10:16) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Well (I think as reported elsewhere) work commenced on this line shortly after the new year at Clonsilla. The buffer stops on the Clonsilla "siding" (which will be the new line to Pace/Navan) were moved forward a few metres to allow the work to begin. A number of new concrete sleepers were stacked up behind the buffer stops when I passed by last Thursday/Friday, which I assume will be laid immediately behind the buffer stops, therefore extending the existing "siding". I'm not sure if work has begun on the new bridge, crossing the canal at Clonsilla yet. Commuter 29422 Last Edited By: Commuter 29422 04/03/09 21:17:23. Edited 1 times.
MGH2		#2	[-]
Posts: 166 (03/03/09 12:11:35) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	From last week's papers:- Ex-GAA boss puts stop to 'dangerous' rail work Irish Independent 26/2/09 FORMER Meath GAA football manager Sean Boylan yesterday got a temporary injunction halting railway improvement works near his home. Mr Boylan secured the High Court interim injunction restraining Irish Rail or its agents carrying out the works on the Navan/Dublin line close to his home in Dunboyne, Co Meath, unless they are carried out in accordance with law. Counsel for Mr Boylan said the court application was prompted by "extraordinarily dangerous" works carried out within feet of his property last Tuesday without prior notice. Early that day, he saw machines "pulverising" a ditch and trees within feet of his property, representing a danger to his family, employees and clients of the Sean Boylan Herbal Medical Clinic which he runs at his property, employing 10 people. He ran out to the workers' involved, who expressed surprise he was unaware the machines would be coming on to the property and carrying out such works. Safety Counsel said those works had ceased at the request of Mr Boylan but his client was concerned to ensure any future works would be carried out safely and as agreed. Mr Boylan was supportive of the upgrading of the Dublin-Navan rail line but people should not be put at risk, counsel said. Ms Justice Mary Laffoy agreed to grant an injunction against Irish Rail restraining the works being carried out other than in accordance with law and she returned the matter to tomorrow. Rail work gets the green light Irish Independent 28/2/09 THE High Court yesterday lifted an injunction stopping railway work near the home of former Meath GAA football manager Sean Boylan. On Wednesday, Mr Boylan secured a temporary injunction restraining Irish Rail or its agents carrying out the works on the Navan/Dublin line close to his home and herbal remedies clinic in Dunboyne, Meath. He had claimed the works, being carried out within feet of his home, were dangerous and had been commenced without any notice to him.
hstacpoole		#3	[-]
Posts: 82 (04/03/09 21:54:07) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Here are extracts from the original IRN reporting the lifting of the Meath road after its closure on 1st April 1963 after almost 101 years of operation. Its interesting to read that the last section to be lifted of the Meath road in 1965 is roughly the section that is being rebuilt 44 years later. There is some suggestions that some trackwork may have remained at Dunboyne until the early 70s. Can anyone shed any light on this? IRN July 1964 Liftings. Meath Line: Following the completion of Oldcastle to Navan, the CIE lifting gang left the area. Then, early in May a contractor from Co. Donegal commenced work at Fairyhouse Bridge (M.P. 12) lifting Northwards towards Navan. The most interesting part of this operation was the arrival at Navan at 20.54 on May 5 of a special train - Loco, ex GNR A (later UTA No. 101) & van. This car was to have been sold for scrap but is now in use, minus half of its bodywork, as a lifting train on the Meath road. The removal of the rear portion of the body enables it to work a winch for rail lifting. Up to the end of June it was based at Kilmessan but since the progress of lifting passed that points its depot is now Navan. IRN October 1964 Meath Line: Lifting of the Fairyhouse Bridge - Navan section has been completed to M.P. 33 ¼ - Navan Home signal. Railcar A which was used for its removal is now derelict at this point. Clonsilla - Fairyhouse remains intact. IRN January 1965 reported no further lifting IRN July 1965 CLONSILLA - FAIRYHOUSE: When the Clonsilla - Navan line was removed, the work, which was undertaken by a contractor, commenced at Fairyhouse Bridge M.P. 12 ¼ to Navan. This left a spur from Clonsilla of just over 5 miles. In mid-May contractor's men commenced removing parts of this section working from Dunboyne. Rails and other material are being removed by road. The remains of railcar 101, formerly GNR A are still lying derelict in the GNR goods yard at Navan - extremely derelict. IRN October 1965 CLONSILLA - FAIRYHOUSE: The removal of this spur was completed in July leaving only a siding from Clonsilla. Last Edited By: irishrailwaynews 13/03/09 16:56:54. Edited 3 times.
Commuter 29422		#4	[-]
Posts: 1930 (07/03/09 01:09:49) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I took a walk down along the canal at Clonsilla the other day to see the progress being made on the new line to Pace: 1.) Looking west on the Pace line, the stone wall on the left is (I presume) that of the former railway bridge over the canal? The area behind this wall has been excavated to some extent. 2.) Similar photo to that above, again looking towards Maynooth/Pace with Clonsilla station behind. The current "siding" at Clonsilla (ie. the new Pace line) ends, at present, just before the wall on the left of the photograph. 3.) This was as far as I could go as the path is closed beyond this point. Note the new railway embankment built up on the far right of the photograph (to the right of the CAT excavator)This new embankment extended as far as I could see from where I was standing anyway, so it would seem that a fair amount of progress has been made already. Commuter 29422
scaniaps		#5	[-]
Posts: 233 (07/03/09 19:54:59) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I think the original abutment on the North side of the canal seems to have been removed. The one on the South side is seen on the photograph but part of the retaining wall on that side has been raised or rebuilt. There was also an underbridge immediately beyond the canal bridge. Great to see a start being made.
Csalem		#6	[-]
Posts: 842 (08/03/09 18:48:18) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Some shots taken near Dunboyne today can be found here: http://www.railsceneireland.fotopic.net/c1662282_121.html Rail Scene Ireland "The sound of the can opener is the only thing that makes me feel truly alive."
irishrailwaynews		#7	[-]
Posts: 477 (13/03/09 15:45:20) Moderator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Here are some pictures of the work that has already been undertaken on the Dunboyne line. Pictures taken on March 1st (C) Irish Railway News. At Clonsilla looking towards Dublin. Work has started on preparing the foundations of the new bridge to carry the reinstate line across the Royal Canal. A bailey bridge has been constructed to allow access to the otherside of the Canal. Foundations piles where being dug. The original retaining wall is being retained, and the piles for the new bridge are being sunk behind it. ] the next two views are of the trackbed looking toward the canal and Clonsilla station in the distance. In the first shot Consilla station can be seen in the distance. in the undergrowth is the orgional Dublin and Meath engine shed. The canal is behind the photographer looking towards Navan. Where the electric power lines crosses the trackbed is the site of Hansfield station View Batterstown Bridge looking towards Clonsilla again where the electric power lines crosses the trackbed is the site of Hansfield station Batterstown Bridge will be retained and strenghtened. A temporary road way has been constructed to allow heavy machinery to cross the trackbed and allow traffic to be diverted while the bridge is strenghtened. View looking towards Navan from Batterstown Bridge old bullhead rail left over from the lifting trains? The next road overbridge is Stirling overbridge which will be demolished and replaced. Here is a veiw of the cleared track bed looking towards Clonsilla. Note the garden recovered for railway use. The next two views show the trackbed looking towards Navan from Stirling overbridge. The next bridge along is a farm accomodation bridge which will be demolished. Dunboyne looking south towards Clonsilla from the road overbridge. The Water tower will be retained. Some clearance work has taken place at the station. The existing station house will remain a private residence and not form part of the reopened station. The new station and car park will be constructed on the up side (right hand side) The next views are taken from Bennetstown overbridge which will be demolished. Looking south towards Clonsilla Taken from trackbed level looking towards Dunboyne. You can see the station in the distance Bennetstown Road bridge - which will be demolished. the road will be come a cul de sac. Trackbed looking towards Pace from trackbed level at Bennetstown Pace road interchange. The overbridge marks the southern end of Pace station. Last Edited By: irishrailwaynews 13/03/09 16:53:52. Edited 6 times.
Csalem		#8	[-]
Posts: 846 (13/03/09 16:11:50) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Nice shots. I see I got some of my locations mixed up on my trip last Sunday and will have to fix them on my site. We did get a bit lost going down the country roads, criss-crossing the landscape, trying to find the railway line. Rail Scene Ireland - Come and see where it all began for "The Wanderer" "The sound of the can opener is the only thing that makes me feel truly alive."
jhb171achill		#9	[-]
Posts: 424 (20/03/09 13:40:02) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	So it's actually happening! This will be one line I will want to travel on at an early stage as I never managed to go on the original - I was only six or so when it closed.....
railrust	Irresistible Curves	#10	[-]
Posts: 34 (24/03/09 20:58:57) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Experience the full beauty of those semi-elliptical bridge arches ! Definition of an ellipse: A curved shape, where the distances of each point on the curve from each of two fixed points, when added together, always give the same value. Now draw your own ellipse ! Take a piece of cardboard, two pins, some string and a pencil. Fix the pins to the cardboard, attach the ends of the string to the pins and, holding the string taut, draw the curve as shown: Beautiful - well done ! These fabulous bridges were all built using the upper half of this curve or a close approximation of it (hence semi-elliptical). The design was strong, conserving of material, and visually very pleasing. Last Edited By: railrust 24/03/09 21:12:59. Edited 1 times.
harcourtst		#11	[-]
Posts: 294 (24/03/09 23:49:11) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I forgot, I photographed the Dunboyne and Clonsilla areas recently. I also found a few bridges where the line crossed the Tolka and its tributaries. Certianly the road overbridges were built to last, just a shame a few of them have suffered damage from vehicles during the intervening years. http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/D/Dunboyne/A&Bindex.html http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/C/Clonsilla/A&Bindex.html
metrovick001		#12	[-]
Posts: 521 (26/03/09 23:59:06) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Great shots there Harcourt st. Is the watertower in Dunboyne now gone? The former station is now owned by the great Sean Boylan of GAA fame! To borrow an expresionn from the men from the West.......next stop Navan!
MGH2		#13	[-]
Posts: 178 (27/03/09 09:58:02) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	The water tower is to be retained I believe. Mark
MGH2		#14	[-]
Posts: 179 (27/03/09 11:23:43) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I'm going to drift off-topic here but nonetheless. The railway bridges at Dunboyne were popular with another type of gricer in the sixties when a four-mile motor racing circuit starting from the village and using what are now the R156, N3 and R157 was in use for annual car and motorcycle races. As the circuit traversed both hump-backed rail bridges it gave rise to some exciting pictures. Racers at the circuit included John Watson, Piers Courage (sadly to be killed in the 1970 Dutch GP while driving for Frank Williams) and Michael Smurfit who was then active in a Jaguar E-type. The circuit was last used in 1967. Mark Luke Duffy airborne at Boylan's Bridge (Station) in his Cooper T56 Ford during the 1966 Dunboyne Trophy Photo (c) Brian Foley Len Ireland on his Norton 348 on the approach to Bennetstown Bridge Photo (c) Dunboynemotorclub.com
harcourtst		#15	[-]
Posts: 296 (27/03/09 12:51:13) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Thanks Metrovick. The water tower at Dunboyne is still there, looking better than before, they even cleared the ivy off it too. Apologies if the dates are confusing, I took those photos a couple of weeks ago, though the date bloew is an error which I'll have to rectify sometime! Interesting info there Mark, I do recall hearing sometime about the former road races around that area.
tallmanirl		#16	[-]
Posts: 267 (20/07/09 21:14:10) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Why was the Clonsilla/Navan line closed instead of the Navan/Drogheda line? Facts only please!
Wilkinstown		#17	[-]
Posts: 422 (21/07/09 20:26:13) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I guess at the time of closure (1963) the traffic on the meath lines consisted principally of general freight from Navan and gypsum from Kingscourt to Drogheda and Limerick. The goods yard at Navan was on the GNR line (to Drogheda) while much of the gypsum traffic was also bound for Drogheda. Also the ex-GNR line was probably in better condition than the ex-MGWR line. Perhaps the Platin cement plant (opened 1972) may have already been planned although the last point is entirely speculative on my part.
scaniaps		#18	[-]
Posts: 294 (04/08/09 19:11:51) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	A visit to Dunboyne on the 28th July revealed that the new station building is up to structural steel stage. The road into to Dunboyne village has been divided at the bridge with the South bound carriageway now on the old station entrance road and across the former rail formation. The North bound carriage is still on the bridge. At Clonsilla the original bridge south abutment wall has been reduced in height and R.C. walls are being constructed to carry the new bridge. A box culvert has been built on the North side of the Canal for the tow path. A new embankment has been built to the North of this Culvert and the new track stone sub-base has been constructed on it. A new R.C. bridge has been constructed about 400 yards further North to carry a local road over the new line.
Mayner		#19	[-]
Posts: 318 (07/08/09 08:03:25) Full Member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Wilkinstown wrote: I guess at the time of closure (1963) the traffic on the meath lines consisted principally of general freight from Navan and gypsum from Kingscourt to Drogheda and Limerick. The goods yard at Navan was on the GNR line (to Drogheda) while much of the gypsum traffic was also bound for Drogheda. Also the ex-GNR line was probably in better condition than the ex-MGWR line. Perhaps the Platin cement plant (opened 1972) may have already been planned although the last point is entirely speculative on my part. The ex GNR line always seems to have been the more successfull with quiet heavy goods traffic from Kells and Navan and enough local passenger traffic to justify a reasonably frequent Drogheda-Kells railbus service until the CIE takeover. By contrast neither the GSR or CIE took much interest in the Meath Road, a single daily Amiens St-Kingscourt passenger and a daily goods. Passenger services ceased in 1947, at the same time the goods was cut back to a three times weekly out and back Dublin-Kingscourt working. Kilmessan-Athboy closed in 1944 similar to Streamstown Clara the line was used to store wagons awaiting scrapping. Some time before closure Navan-Clonsilla was closed to through traffic, the few remaining cattle specials from Liffey Junction to Drumree and Kilmessan were worked by the Liffey Junction G Class pilot. I wonder does anyone know whether an additional working was introduced to handle the Kingscourt traffic or the goods from Drogheda work to Odcastle and Kingscourt on alternate days? The track would not have been great minimal maintenance 25mph speed limit in the end the G class were the only locos allowed over the southern end of the line. John
finnyus		#20	[-]
Posts: 110 (10/08/09 13:18:26) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	any up-to-date photos on the re-construction? http://finbarrsrailwayphotos.fotopic.net/ "Next stop: Midleton" "Endhaltestelle: Ostfildern-Nellingen"

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