Concern has been raised in Portarlington over the shocking disrepair of the Railway building at the station according to a local senator.
The issue has done the rounds this week on social media causing growing outrage after a photograph of the current state of the building was posted on facebook. The picture shows that the building is falling in on itself. It is surrounded by a wire fence which seems to be the only safety measures taken.
“It is shocking to see such a beautiful building be let go to wrack and ruin,” said Senator Fiona O’Loughlin. “Not to mention from a health and safety aspect the building does not look like it will stand up on its own much longer.”
The building is on the far side of the railway and has not been used for some time. The station was built in 1850 in the typical Victorian style. An intricate lattice work foot bridge crosses above the railway line. It is constructed of cast iron. Renovations on the grounds took place in the 1990’s and later on a new bridge and lift was constructed replacing the original foot bridge. Senator O’Loughlin is calling on Irish Rail to repair the building as a matter of urgency.
“Portarlington is well known far and wide for it’s station and this deserves to be repaired and kept as a historical monument to the town.”