Irish Railway News Message Boards

For a number of years this was the official website for the Irish Railway News, the provisional wing of the Irish Railway Record Society. It  was for those who aspire to eventually join the ranks of the IRRS politburo. Content is from the site's 2007 -2010-archived pages.

Welcome to Irish Railway News message boards! Keep up to date on the latest news on all aspects of Irish Railways here.

Message Board

The Informed Online Resource for all matters relating to Irish railways!

Action Item

A decision is about to be made regarding supplier agreements with vendors and the union is up in arms. There has been some controversy regarding the awarding of the custodial responsibilities to a family member of the board. That family member also happens to have a financial interest in the cleaning supplies online commerce entity that was awarded the contract. "This is not a matter of mops and brooms, but one of propriety," The Daily Herald posted. Everyone agrees that the railroad needs a reliable supplier of toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, etc. Mr. Barnes argues that having a closely held business supply the railroad is in the interest of the system. Once again the the union leadership warns that members are being pandered. More to come...

Forum Membership

Membership of our EzBoard message board is by prior approval and is subject to our rules as outlined in our "Documents Section".  If you wish to apply for membership of our message board then please carefully read steps 1 to 3 below before you commence the application process.

1. You must have a "Global Account" with ezboard to become a member of our message board.  If you already have an ezboard global account then go straight to step 2 below.  Otherwise you must register for Global Account using the link on our message board.  You must complete the Global Account registration process in full. 
2. When your global account is activated, please return to our message board and click the "Apply for Membership button" and follow any steps thereafter.  HINT: f you cannot locate the "Apply for Membership button" then attempt to post a reply to an existing message on the board and this should force the "Apply for Membership button" to appear!
3. You must email the site managers by clicking here or by using the contact us button at the bottom of this page, advising us of your intention to join.  You must quote your global account nickname and include some information about yourself.   If you are an existing member on our MSN site then please mention this to us including your MSN nickname. This will help us process your application more quickly and once complete, we will contact you at your email address.

Signing Up - Some Good Advice!

It is important that you properly complete all of the steps above to ensure that your membership of our message board is both approved and activated.  Please be aware that Irish Railway News has no jurisdiction over allocation, activation and management of the EzBoard Global accounts referred to in Step1 above.  If you apply for a global account and experience issues activating or using  it then you must refer these to EzBoard.  Irish Railway News does not allocate or manage Global accounts - this is between you and EzBoard.

Occasionally, we have to decline membership applications because the email required in step3 is either not sent to us or does not contain the stipulated information.  Please remember to send this email to us and ensure that it contains the information outlined in Step3.

Membership of our MSN Archive is not required as the board is open for viewing only.  However no new messages or photos can be posted on the MSN site as it is now locked.

The Rules....!

We strongly advise all potential or current  members carefully read our forum policies in our "Documents Section". Membership is granted on the understanding that you accept these rules and undertake to abide by them.  They are designed to ensure that those who use our forums do so in fair and respectful manner. We welcome and encourage informative discussions and debate, however we certainly wish to avoid any forms of trolling, provocative, inflammatory or generally unacceptable behaviour. Note that new members may also be subject to restrictions on the numbers of posts that they can initially make.

The strongest asset of this forum is its members.  We recognise and appreciate the positive contributions that many of you have made in the past, and we look forward to your strong and continuing support of our forum.

Finally, if you have any queries regarding forum membership then please contact us using the link below.

ENJOY !

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IRN Messageboards

 

 

 

 

More Background On IrishRailwayNews.com

IrishRailwayNews.com has played a pivotal role in the digital documentation and discussion of Ireland's railway system. Although it is no longer actively updated, the website served as a vital resource for enthusiasts, historians, and the general public. This article delves into the history, content, community impact, and cultural significance of IrishRailwayNews.com, offering a comprehensive understanding of its contributions to preserving Ireland’s railway heritage.

Historical Context and Evolution

IrishRailwayNews.com operated as an extension of the Irish Railway Record Society (IRRS), a prominent organization dedicated to the study and preservation of Irish railway history. The IRRS was established in 1946 and has been instrumental in documenting and preserving railway artifacts, records, and histories. The website functioned from 2007 to 2010, providing a wealth of information through its message boards and archived content.

The platform offered updates on various aspects of Irish railways, including service changes, planning issues, and preservation efforts. It was a central hub for discussions on locomotive news, railcar updates, and historical insights, fostering a community of informed and passionate railway enthusiasts.

Content and Features

One of the core features of IrishRailwayNews.com was its message boards, meticulously organized to cover a wide range of topics:

• Operations Department: Discussions on current operations and future plans for Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) and NIR/Translink.
• The Running Shed: News and observations about locomotives and hauled stock.
• The Unit Zone: Updates on DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) and EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) railcars.
• Irish Railway History: Detailed discussions on historical trains, services, and railway lines.

Additionally, the site featured contemporary and historical photo galleries, providing visual documentation of Ireland’s railway evolution. The community statistics highlighted the site's active user base, showcasing thousands of visits and views per day, reflecting its importance as a resource for railway enthusiasts.

Community and Membership

IrishRailwayNews.com cultivated a strong community through its membership-driven forums. The process to join was detailed, requiring potential members to register through EzBoard, a popular forum hosting service at the time. This ensured that the discussions remained respectful and informative, free from trolling and provocative behavior. The emphasis on community rules and the significant contributions of its members were integral to the forum's success.

Cultural and Social Significance

The cultural significance of IrishRailwayNews.com extends beyond its digital presence. Railways have historically been a vital part of Ireland's infrastructure, influencing economic development and social mobility. The platform served as a digital preservation tool, maintaining the legacy of Irish railways and making historical information accessible to a broader audience. This effort mirrored the physical preservation work undertaken by organizations like the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI), which maintains heritage railways and runs historic steam trains.

Press and Media Coverage

While specific press coverage of IrishRailwayNews.com itself is limited, the broader topic of Irish railway preservation and heritage frequently appears in media. Articles in sources like Global Railway Review discuss the ongoing efforts to enhance and preserve railway infrastructure in Ireland. These efforts include modernizing rail services, improving safety measures, and maintaining historical railways for future generations.

For instance, the RPSI has been featured in various media outlets for its dedication to preserving steam locomotives and organizing rail tours. Similarly, the IRRS is recognized for its extensive archives and publications that document the history of Irish railways. These organizations, along with digital platforms like IrishRailwayNews.com, contribute to a rich tapestry of historical preservation and public engagement.

Audience and Community Impact

IrishRailwayNews.com attracted a diverse audience, ranging from railway enthusiasts and historians to casual observers interested in Ireland’s transport history. The website's detailed message boards and photo galleries provided a platform for users to share knowledge, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions about Irish railways.

The community's contributions were invaluable, with members providing insights, sharing photographs, and participating in discussions that enriched the collective understanding of Ireland’s railway heritage. This collaborative environment fostered a sense of camaraderie among members, united by their passion for railways.

Known For

IrishRailwayNews.com was known for its comprehensive coverage of all things related to Irish railways. It offered:

• Up-to-date News: Regular updates on service changes, planning issues, and operational news.
• Historical Insights: Detailed discussions on the history of Irish railways, including notable events, key figures, and significant milestones.
• Community Engagement: A vibrant forum where members could share information, ask questions, and participate in discussions.
• Visual Documentation: Extensive photo galleries showcasing contemporary and historical images of Irish railways.

Cultural and Social Significance

The significance of IrishRailwayNews.com extends beyond its digital presence. Railways have historically been a vital part of Ireland's infrastructure, influencing economic development and social mobility. The platform served as a digital preservation tool, maintaining the legacy of Irish railways and making historical information accessible to a broader audience.

Details and Insights

The website's forums were a treasure trove of information, with topics ranging from operational updates to historical discussions. For example, users could find detailed posts about the restoration of specific locomotives, changes in rail service schedules, and discussions about the future of railway transport in Ireland. The photo galleries provided a visual journey through time, with images capturing the evolution of Ireland's railways from steam engines to modern electric trains.

Examples and Specifics

One notable discussion on the forums was about the restoration of the MK3 locomotive series. Enthusiasts shared updates on the progress of the restoration, discussed technical details, and posted photographs documenting each step. Another example was the debate about the future of the LUAS tram system in Dublin, where members analyzed proposed extensions, potential impacts on traffic, and the benefits of expanded tram services.

 

IrishRailwayNews.com may no longer be actively updated, but its legacy endures through the wealth of information it provided and the community it fostered. As a digital extension of the Irish Railway Record Society, the website played a crucial role in preserving and sharing the history of Irish railways. It served as a comprehensive resource for enthusiasts and historians, offering insights, discussions, and visual documentation of Ireland’s rich railway heritage. Through its detailed message boards and photo galleries, IrishRailwayNews.com has left an indelible mark on the preservation of Irish railway history, ensuring that this important aspect of Ireland’s cultural heritage remains accessible to future generations.