The Argus

Steam train called off due to sparks fear

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THE tinder dry conditions have lead to the cancellati­on of the Boyne Steam Train Runs planned for Sunday July 22nd, due to the possibilit­y of stray sparks from the steam engines starting fires along the route

The Railway Preservati­on Society of Ireland announced last week that the runs have been called off due to the tinder dry grass and hedges along the railway tracks.

‘While there is a small risk, it would be irresponsi­ble of us to take that chance,’ the Society stated on their website.

‘Across the UK the authoritie­s have put a ban on the operation of steam locomotive­s, and while it hasn’t happened in Ireland, the Society has decided it has no option but to cancel mainline steam locomotive operations until such times as there has been adequate rainfall.’

This will be a big disappoint­ment to the many people who were looking forward to the trips from Drogheda to Dundalk and Skerries with the trips attracting sell out numbers of 640 each year.

A number of other steam train outing were also affected.

It is hoped to run the train later this year, possibly in September.

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