A community heritage project and social enterprise, the Waterford Suir Valley Railway has enabled the magic of rails golden age to be brought to life in Kilmeadan. A heritage narrow gauge railway runs along 10 kilometres of the abandoned Waterford Dungarvan line.
The Railway has a voluntary board of directors and began operating in 2001. Its heritage narrow gauge railway runs along 10 kilometres of the abandoned Waterford to Dungarvan line between Kilmeadan and Bilberry, just outside Waterford city. The railway is operated mainly by a volunteer crew supported by personnel on Government back to work schemes. It is now one of the main tourist attractions in Waterford attracting over 25,000 visitors each year - it appeals to people of all ages.
The organisation has continued to improve and extend the experience for tourists. In 2010, the railway track was extended, and a train shed built. In 2011 the company purchased a new locomotive. Most recently, they have added a café to their business and are making the most of being on the new Waterford Greenway.
The organisation has been supported by Waterford LEADER Partnership and obtained grant funding from the LEADER Programme. They also received support from the Waterford City & County Enterprise Boards. Clann Credo provided the necessary bridging finance to drawdown approved grants, and term loan facilities to enable the organisation to continue to develop the project.
Maria Kyte, a Business Development Manager for Waterford Suir Valley Railway spoke about her experience, “We have worked with Clann Credo since 2006, They have provided invaluable financial help to us through bridging finance and affordable term loans, without which our project could not continue to develop."
Location: Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford
Website:
http://www.wsvrailway.ie/
"It is now one of the main tourist attractions in Waterford attracting over 25,000 visitors each year - it appeals to people of all ages."