Leinster Leader 14 September 1974
TRANSPORT MUSEUM OPEN AT WEEK-ENDS NOW
The Transport Museum Society of Ireland Ltd. has announced that its transport museum at Donard will be open every Saturday, Sunday and Bank holiday and at other times by appointment.
The Society owns an excellent site at Castleruddery. A 6,000 square foot depot has been completed, with permission to double this area. Cost of the project today has been £10,000 and while grants will cover £4,000, there is a heavy dept which must be cleared, and quickly, because Stage Two of the Depot must start as soon as possible. The Society has less 100 members and there has been no sponsorship whatsoever. Neither has the Society any connection whatever with any other group claiming to be interested in settling up a transport museum. An appeal for funds will be launched very shortly and members are urgently needed. The volume of support received will largely dictate the speed at which development will proceed everything depending on a steady income and active membership.
Based on the completed Stage One of the main depot, the plans provide for a figure of eight road layouts, over which bus, trolley, and train services could ultimately operate. A narrow-gauge industrial railway layout is envisaged with signaling system. Items from all the other utilities including electricity, public lighting, telephones etc., can be located in correct settings in this layout and will be authentic and natural looking.
The South-west quadrant of the layout will incorporate some small period-style buildings including a fire station, petrol station and exhibition hall. The north-western section will be developed as a small park with bandstand fountain and picnic facilities. Landscaping will be a most important part of the whole scheme and will be given great care.
12 ON VIEW
Nearly thirty vehicles have been assured of a future at the museum and twelve of these will be on view on opening day, others joining their collection as their overhaul is completed. The range is very open, covering buses, trolleys, lorries, military transport, fire engines and municipal equipment.
The Society hopes that the museum will become a focal point for community activities and its facilities will be available to other groups and become an attractive destination for organised coach parties and educational tours. For the family out on an afternoon drive- even in winter- the museum should prove a convenient and attractive place.
Re-typed by Lynn Potts
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