Waterford Suir Valley Railway unveil restored crane - We are WLR FM

Waterford Suir Valley Railway has fully restored a rare 160-year-old industrial goods crane once located at Ferns Railway Station in Co Wexford.

Bray Waddington and Co, a Leeds-based company famous for building the first railway bridge over the River Thames in 1859, manufactured the 2-ton crane.

It is one of only four surviving examples made by the company.

Discovery and Preservation

In 2020, a WSVR volunteer discovered the crane remains in undergrowth at Ferns Railway Station. Investigations confirmed it was likely installed by the Dublin, Wicklow & Wexford Railway Company around the station’s opening in 1863.

Irish Rail donated the crane to Waterford Suir Valley Railway in 2021. The charity transported the parts to Kilmeadan Station with the aim of preserving the historic piece.

Heritage Funding and Expertise

In 2025, WSVR secured Heritage Council Community Heritage Grant funding for restoration. Support came from Waterford City & County Council’s Heritage Officer, Bernadette Guest, and Fáilte Ireland.

Dr Colin Rynne of UCC provided expert guidance free of charge. Andrew Clarke of Rock Forging Ltd, Co. Cavan, carried out the conservation work.

Community Celebration and Dedication

Alan Moore, WSVR Board member, said:

“We are very grateful to Irish Rail for donating this valuable piece of industrial heritage. The funding and expert support have ensured the 160-year-old crane will survive for decades for visitors to admire.”

The crane was also dedicated to the memory of James Kelly, a former WSVR engineer who passed away in July 2025

Speaking at the launch of the crane, Suir Valley Railway Manager Maria Kyte said:

“The crane is 160 years old, James would have been 60 today. What better way to honour a sturdy and reliable man like James, than with a piece of engineering that is sturdy and reliable”