Kilkenny’s famous black and amber road train has been banned from the city’s roads, due to what Gardai are describing as ‘technical specification problems’.
While the exact nature of the problem is not fully clear, Sergeant John Hanlon said that Gardai had a number of concerns with the vehicle, some of which concerned its road specification, and others arising from complaints made about the train by local taxi drivers.
At this week’s meeting of the borough council, Councillor Andrew McGuinness asked if the council could have any influence in resolving the issue, given the loss of revenue to the train’s operator, Ivan Sheridan.
“Ivan’s train was due to link the Christmas Market on the Parade with the Kilkenny on Ice up at Cillin Hill. But that cannot happen due to the current regulations,” he said.
“Seven or eight of these trains exist in Ireland, and Ivan’s is the only train that has been taken off the road.”
Labour councillor Sean O’ hArgain has called for common sense on the issue.
“This wasn’t a problem for the last six months – why has it suddenly become an issue at a crucial time of year?
“This is creating a potential loss for three business over the important Christmas period – the Christmas market, Kilkenny on Ice, and the train itself.”
Mayor David Fitzgerald told the borough council that the council was powerless to intervene.
“[The Gardai] have made it clear that there are licensing issues with both vehicles,” he said.
“That is, as far as I know, why they are not operational. And this licensing is outside the remit of the borough council.”
Speaking to the Kilkenny Advertiser yesterday evening, Cllr McGuinness said he hoped that the issue would be resolved soon.
“From speaking with Ivan in the last few days, it is obvious that he was not expecting this to happen as he has done everything requested of him to date in terms of operating the train and ensuring safety is a priority,” he said.
“He has worked very hard creating this valuable asset to Kilkenny tourism, and he has provided an excellent service. I hope the Gardai can resolve the matter quickly so he can get back to business.”
The issue first arose at the meeting when a number of local councillors called for some form of regulation for Kilkenny’s road train sector.
Councillor John Coonan tabled a motion for a framework to deal with the operation of the tourist train service, given that a second train had been introduced to the city.
“The train system and tourist system is already a familiar sight in Kilkenny city, and it’s something that should be developed and protected as well,” he said.
“In the latter months, a second train was brought in. I wouldn’t like to see a successful initiative being overkilled. I think a framework should be put in place to protect this.”
Kilkenny County Council director of services John Mulholland said that there was no regulation for the enterprise, given that it was tourism-based, and not public transport.
“In relation to commercial enterprises, there is no role at all for local authorities,” he told the borough council.
“In terms of operating in Kilkenny, [the train operators] submitted routes and proposals, they did it early and conscientiously, and they were permitted with an exceptional load permit.”
