Updated / Monday, 12 Jun 2023 1219 A section of an old railway line in Co Mayo is getting a new lease of life, with the opening of a new amenity for locals and visitors. The velorail project in Kiltimagh is being launched following several years of effort by the town's development group. IRD Kiltimagh estimates the initiative has the potential to attract thousands of tourists to the east Mayo area annually. It involves the use of purpose-built rail bikes, which can be pedalled along a 13km stretch of track, centred around the town. Sixteen dedicated rail bikes have been built for the project Those wishing to use the service will pre-book in advance and select from a two, four or five-seater rail bike. Chief Executive of IRD Kiltimagh Joe Kelly said the initiative involved Iarnród Éireann licensing the section of track to Mayo County Council, with the development group charged with operating the venture. Since work began on the project in 2013, a total of €700,000 in funding has been provided to bring it to fruition. The route forms part of the so-called Western Rail Corridor, running from Sligo to Galway. The rail line in question closed to passenger traffic in 1963 and last carried freight trains in the mid-1970s. It fell into disrepair over the intervening years but as part of the Velorail plan, the track has been cleaned and reinstated and is now ready to carry it is first passengers in decades. Mr Kelly said the idea for the project came from a similar initiative in Europe, combined with a desire to try and develop a unique offering that would attract people to the area. Sixteen dedicated rail bikes have been built for the project. They will be available for hire at scheduled times throughout the day, allowing an effective convoy of four-wheeled bikes to pedal along the single track. More stories on