Iconic win for town’s viaduct
THE IRONIC image of the Boyne Viaduct is now an award winning one after a formal plaque unveiling at MacBride railway station.
Chief Executive of Iarnrod Eireann David Franks and John Ellis, chairman of the National Railway Heritage Awards were on hand to reveal the coveted award.
It came as a result of the restoration of the Boyne Viaduct and the ceremony was attended by the judging panel of the Railway Heritage Awards, and Iarnród staff, including station master, Conor Keane.
The EU-funded refurbishment of the Boyne Viaduct, won the Historic Structures Restoration Award at the Railway Heritage Awards, presented at a ceremony in London.
Speaking at the Drogheda event last week, Mr Franks said that the European funding had been secured after the Narrow Water project didn’t go ahead, but it allowed them to refurbish the bridge and also the Enterprise fleet.
‘It is an icon of this area,’ he stated.
Oliver Tully, who was the only councillor at the event, said he was glad to see the bridge work recognised as it was also shortlisted for a county council award last year.
‘It’s part of our history and I was glad that Louth CC played its part by funding the lighting on the bridge,’ he stated.
The lighting colours can be programmed to change at various times and the bridge goes ‘green’ for St Patrick’s Day.
He now wants to see a similiar lighting project taking place at St Laurence’s Gate over the coming months.