Steam engine No. 461 returns to the Irish rail network after lying idle for three decades.
Steam locomotive number 461 was built for the Dublin and South East Railway and on the Dublin to Wexford line between 1923 and 1963.
The engine and its train have now been fully restored. Locomotive driver, Nicky Moore, reflects on his long family association with No. 461. His father was also a driver on the same line. Today, the engine runs on smokeless fuel and can reach speeds of 45 to 50 miles per hour.
President Mary Robinson presided over the relaunch, travelling with the restored locomotive on the Dublin to Dún Laoghaire line, the first railway route to open in Ireland. Accompanying her was former Taoiseach and vice president of the Railway Preservation Society, Dr Garret FitzGerald.
President Mary Robinson paid tribute to the volunteers whose dedication ensured the locomotive is preserved as part of Ireland's tranpsort heritage.
The restoration, costing £30,000, was carried out at Mullingar in County Meath and at Whitehead in County Antrim. Much of the work was completed by volunteers from the Railway Preservation Society. David Humphries of the society outlined plans for a series of one day public excursions from Dublin through the year, culminating in the Limerick Treaty 300 celebrations in September.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 16 April 1991. The reporter is Kevin McDonald.
