Page updated 14/03/98....see update below.
For many years now I have been interested and active
in a group which is restoring a section of the WCR permanent way and preserving
any locos, carriages, wagons, documentation etc., which relate to the infamous
little railway.
The bad time keeping habits and poor service in the
early days of the railway resulted in the railway company being mocked
in a delightful song "Are ye right there Michael, are ye right!", which
was written, after a bad experience, by Percy French - a civil engineer
turned troubador.
The group is based at Moyasta Junction, a village
halfway between Kilrush and Kilkee in Clare. 
The group, with the assistance of the European Union's
LEADER programme have acvquired the old stationhouse at Moyasta, together
with 3 miles of track bed. The only remaining locomotive - the No 5, built
by Dubs & Co has been moved to Moyasta. The engine has been surveyed
by the RPSI and will be restored over the next two years to its former
glory.
Some pics of the WCR.
Picture Gallery
March 1998
significant progress is reported on all aspects of the project.
Local community involvement is becoming an increasingly welcome feature.
Strategies for the 1998 summer season are being prepared.
In my personal opinion, it would be very desirable if other villages and
towns become involved with the project. In particular, with the construction
of a new golf links at Doonbeg-right along by the old Railway, in. the
integration of tourist attractions such as the Marina at Killrush and Kilkee's
beautiful beach and diving facilities, the Railway would provide a very
positive contribution.
Update Oct 4 1997:
Work completed on track laying... approx 600 metres.
Work has commenced on station house and it is looking well.
I am delighted to report, that thanks to the generosity of
the Cavan and Leitrim Narrow Gauge Railway folks, Jackie Whelan of the
W.C.R. was able to run a rail car on the finished section of track. This
occurred in early August.
We have received the condition report from the R. P. S. I.
It may be possible to restore, with the assistance of the R. P. S. I.,
the engine for a cost of approximately £40,000. This may be an optimistic
figure, but perhaps somebody or some company might like to support the
restoration.
Joe Taylor and family have moved to Tralee and the Clancy
family have taken over the pub at Moyasta.
Update Mar 23 1997:
Three miles of ballast laid...westwards towards Kilkee and
northwards towards Doonbeg.
Fencing completed on three miles.
Many thanks to The Cavan and Leitrim Narrow Gauge Railway
folk for oiling up the No 5.
The engine was surveyed on the 18th March by Peter Scott
and his associate. Many thanks to Peter and the RPSI for their time and
kind co-operation. We look forward to receiving their advice for restoration.
Work commenced on track laying yesterday 22 March. Initially
approx 600 metres of track is being laid, in the vicinity of the station
house....assistance from ESB towards rails and slepers, and assistance
from CIE towards rail track laying.
Work to commence early 97 on station house.
It is with great sadness that I hear that Joe Taylor and
family are selling their pub at Moyasta. This historical pub is closely
linked to the WCR..Joe's uncle was the author of the recently published
book on the West Clare railway. Anybody interested in continuing the tradition
should contact Joe at: ( Tel ) 065 51284 or international 353 65 51284
You
are visitor no. 
since 5th July
You can e-mail me at killeen@iol.ie
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This page © Steve Killeen 1996. Animated Images
© Jamie Killeen 1996.