PREPARATIONS are being made for the barge moored by Blennerville bridge to leave the area within the next few months.
The barge has rested on the canal since 2007 where it had been proposed to be used as a restaurant, but due to the financial climate, plans had to be scrapped.
Kerry County Council and the barge owner, Joe Goodfellow, from Galway have been in contact since Christmas and both are anxious to move the boat away from Blennerville.
For this to happen there is still some work to be done on the rudder of the vessel before it can make the long trip back to Galway.
The owner is also waiting for a burst of good weather so that the ship can sail out on the high seas and up to Galway with the minimum of fuss.
Situated in one of the most photographed scenic spots around Tralee, the barge added character to the view, but up close it told a different story.
Due to its abandoned state, it has become a bit of a rust bucket and a possible environmental problem on the canal.
The wheelhouse, which is open, has bags of rubbish inside and some walkers along the canal have commented on the poor state it is in.
The back of the barge in Blennerville, has been showing up a lot of rust. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
The outside of the wheelhouse of the barge in Blennerville. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
The beautiful view that surrounds the barge in Blennerville. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
If Gavin knew anything about ships he would know that the rust is just surface rust and once removed and painted Catherina would look “a million dollars” again. Also he would know she was originally built as a Dutch Sailing Klipper. She was built in 1905 and survived two world wars. She is setting sail for Galway shortly as TCC wouldn’t renew the planning permission. (they mustn’t have noticed the worst recession in Irieland occurred) . Anyway I am sure Tralee has plenty of other tourist attractions. Good luck. Joe (loving owner)