Train travels through Laois town for first time in 60 years

For the first time in over 62 years, a train has travelled through Mountmellick.

Stradbally Woodland Railway recently completed a project they have spent over 15 years working to achieve: they have secured a vintage peat train for their railway fleet.

The group recently picked up a Wagonmaster Locomotive LM301 from Rossan Bog Co. Westmeath, and a peat wagon built for Rhode Power Station in Co. Offaly. The vehicles were then transported by lorry to Stradbally.

Pictured: Bord na Móna locomotive driver on LM301 from 2009-2011, JJ Donoghue (left) with Sean Spollen, driver of locomotives for many years.

The train and wagon were transported down the M6, and across the N52 and N80. On the way, a photo was snapped of the train passing through Mountmellick.

In March of 1885, a railway line was built in Mountmellick to connect to the Waterford and Kilkenny line. The railway was a short, seven mile line that ended in a dead end, connecting Wolfe Tone street in Mountmellick to Portlaoise.

Passenger and goods services through Mountmellick ceased in 1947, but the line remained open for sugar beet and specials until January 1963. 

The train secured by Stradbally Woodland Railway, Bord na Móna's "Wagonmaster" locomotive, was built by Hunslet between 1962 and 1986. The locomotives are often seen working peat trains on Bord na Móna's 3 ft gauge railway network.

Pictured: the LM301 locomotive being prepared for transport

"The dream finally came through in 2025 with Project 568," the group announced.

"With a lot of twists and turns along the way, the project evolved onwards from the loco and wagon originally envisaged. We delivered this project last week which seen an Ungraded Wagonmaster Locomotive LM301 from Rossan Bog Co. Westmeath and a peat wagon built for Rhode Power Station in Co. Offaly join the Stradbally Woodland Railway fleet," they shared.

"The addition of a peat wagon fills a notable gap in Irish railway preservation representing the peat traffic hauled by most of our locomotives, this wagon is as important to Irish heritage as the ubiquitous slate wagon is to Welsh slate railways," the group explained.

Pictured: the locomotive and peat wagon were transported by lorry across the Midlands

"Massive thanks to Bord na Móna staff JJ Donoghue, Sean Spollen, Derek Guinan and Ciaran Mahon with a special word of thanks to Bord na Móna fitter Pat Dunne who assisted our project team massively on the technical aspects of LM301," the Stradbally Woodland Railway team finished.

Stradbally Woodland Railway are excited to feature their locomotives at the upcoming National Steam Rally.

The Irish Steam Preservation Society will hold the 61st National Steam Rally on the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Taking place on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th August, the rally promises two unforgettable days of family fun, vintage machinery, and musical entertainment.

Read more on the upcoming event here.