Ennis to Athenry Railway - progress report, 1867
Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2021 11:53 am
The first attempt at building a railway from Ennis to Athenry (in Co. Galway) began well with the turning of the first sod in Ballyline (see "Peasantry Dance to a German Band, Ballyline 1863":http://www.ourlibrary.ca/phpbb2/viewtop ... f=1&t=7141), but failed sometime afterwards. In 1867, a fresh attempt was made, as reported in the Clare Journal:
Mon 4 Mar 1867:
Mon 4 Mar 1867:
Mon 13 May 1867:Athenry and Ennis Junction Railway. We gather from a recent report of the shareholders of this company, that there is prospect of the speedy construction of this line, the Directors having succeeded in their negotiations for placing the works in the hands of a new contractor. A bill has also been lodged for extending the time for the completion of the line, which has become absolutely necessary from the delays occasioned in the progress by the late contractor. The line, when completed, will be of immense benefit to the county, and particularly to Ennis, which lies at the caudal extremity of a railway system, not in that direct communication with the Northern and Midland lines, as the junction at Athenry will place us. Both the passenger and goods traffic of the Ennis and Limerick Railway will also be greatly increased by the opening up of the northern part of the county. The report, on the whole, was highly satisfactory to the meeting, who quite coincided with the opinion of the Directors that application should be made to Parliament for additional powers, though at what period the line is likely to be completed, we cannot say, nor does the report refer to it. At all events, operations will be commenced some time between this and the next half-yearly meeting.
Thur 23 May 1867:Athenry and Ennis Railway. The works on this line, we understand, will be immediately resumed; in accordance with the announcement made at the last meeting of the shareholders; and, in all probability, the line will be finished and opened for traffic, as far as Gort, by Christmas next. Our esteemed fellow-townsman, Thomas Greene, Esq, J P, has been appointed auditor of the accounts, and we believe there is every prospect of the works being completed throughout its entire length very shortly afterwards, as the company have obtained a grant from the government of £50,000 to enable them to push forward enterprise. The cessation of work on the line had occasioned much injury to the working classes having caused many to have recourse to the workhouse for relief, and it is therefore to be hoped, the employment now to be afforded, will have a most beneficial effect on the condition of the working classes.
Mon 17 Jun 1867:The Ennis and Athenry Railway. The Engineers engaged in the construction of this line have arrived in Ennis, and have been engaged in a tour of inspection along the works. Operations will be resumed next week, and it is confidently anticipated that the line as far as Gort will be completed by Christmas.
SheilaEnnis and Athenry Railway. The works on this line, were resumed last week, though only upon a limited scale, owing to the delay incident to the employment of labourers. It is anticipated, however, that a full compliment of men will be engaged upon the works before the end of the week, when operations will be vigorously pushed forward with a view to the completion of the line as soon as possible. The line to Gort is in a much more forward condition than on any other portion of the route, and an effort will be made to have it completed as far as that town by Christmas. In consequence of some misunderstanding the few who were employed last week thought fit to stop work on a strike of some kind or another, it is supposed in order to have their wages accurately defined. The men have, however, returned to their employment, and on the arrival of Mr Edgworth, the engineer of the line, it is certain all things will go on favourably.