The former Glenans Sailing Centre in the West Cork coastal village of Baltimore has been sold to a private developer, despite the local community's campaign to preserve it for a maritime heritage centre.
The long saga of Baltimore Railway Station, which had been a Glenans centre for many years, has ended in disappointment for the coastal village community’s efforts to get the dilapidated but historic building on the waterfront acquired as a maritime heritage and community amenity centre.
The building had been used for several years as a sailing centre by the French Glenans organisation.
A local community sign erected at Baltimore Railway Station
It was owned by Fáilte Ireland.
One of the community leaders, Mary Jordan, told me of the local disappointment from the sale to developers.
“We are devastated,” she says. “Minister for Heritage Malcolm Noonan tried his best with Fáilte Ireland, but it was all sewn up. Where does our maritime heritage and history stand in this country? Just trampled on.”
