Minister for the Irish language, Gaeltacht and the Islands Joe McHugh has sanctioned a grant of €5,756 for Fintown Railway-Cumann Traenach na Gaeltachta Láir for essential repair works to historical equipment.
“I am delighted to be able to sign-off on such well-deserved grant support for Fintown Railway-Cumann Traenach na Gaeltachta Láir in Donegal,” Mr McHugh said.
“This €5,756 funding will allow the managers to carry out repair works to RailCar 18, the company’s historical equipment and it will ensure they can put their best show on for the busy and valuable tourist season.
“It will ensure an important piece of railway heritage on the shores of Lough Finn is preserved and that the train can start running again.”
Mr McHugh, Fine Gael TD for Donegal and Government Chief Whip, said: “Fintown Railway-Cumann Traenach na Gaeltachta Láir, within striking distance of Letterkenny in Gaeltacht Láir, the middle Gaeltacht as it’s known, is a unique offering.
“It offers heritage tourism and services such as lectures for primary schools and summer colleges as well as open-days for playschools and other groups.
“This €5,756 grant will give some financial security for the project in the coming months and help guarantee workers’ jobs and their invaluable knowledge of railway heritage and the work that they do to support the revival of the Irish language.
“I would also encourage people travelling on the Wild Atlantic Way to make the journey to Lough Finn to see what a truly unique offering it is.
“I wish those behind the project every success in the future.”
This grant is being sanctioned under the 5 Year Plan under the area of An Ghaeltacht of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.
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