Some items of Signalling Interest, Mullingar to Athlone

[Wilkinstown]

If you follow the dropbox link below (and assuming I have set set it up correctly) you will find an several images including one commemorating amongst other dates the closure of Castletown station as a block post. The cabin on the former MGWR main line, between Mullingar and Athlone, remained in use to operate signals protecting the adjacent level crossing with occasional movements operating over the line until the late 1990s.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/q0oq7w9xt0sc ... swTsa?dl=0

[KEVIN SMITH]

Nice photographs , it looks like a cycle track has been built along side is that right ? So what is the currant status of the line is it OOU, closed, mothballed ? you never cam tell in Ireland trains just stop running but they leave the track in place and do any of the signals work if any have survived ?

[Wilkinstown]

Athlone to Mullingar line is disconnected at both ends, track remains in place with cycle-way alongside. Plans to re-open the line fell foul of the recent recession but there remains a slim possibility of future re-opening but I wouldn't hold my breath.

[AndyB]

Interesting - I didn't realise it was inaccessible at Mullingar.

It was disconnected at the other end when Athlone East Junction needed to be renewed, and Irish Rail couldn't justify paying for a new turnout to a line with no traffic.