Kilmacthomas's former railway station, which has been closed since 1982 after 104 years of service, is set to be transformed into tourist accommodation. In a scheme developed by Waterford City and County Council in conjunction with the Kilmacthomas Social Enterprise group, the main building will be converted into two accommodation units with capacity for four people.
The project will also include two traditional style work huts and a purpose-built unit to house a large model railway constructed over 30 years by Lar Barton, a former council caretaker who passed away in 2022. The model, measuring approximately 10m by 4m, "explains the history of the line and includes local features like towns, villages, tunnels, bridges and station houses," according to Labour Councillor Ger Barron.
The development is expected to enhance the appeal of the nearby Waterford Greenway while also serving as a standalone attraction. The project is estimated to cost around €500,000 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.