MILLIONAIRE ENTREPRENEUR Sir Gerry Robinson has secured a licence to sell alcohol at a train station on his massive country estate.
The former head of Granada Television now lives in Raphoe, Co Donegal, with his wife Lady Heather Robinson.
But yesterday he was granted a rather unusual request after making an application under a 1902 law at Buncrana Circuit Court.
The couple, who open up their lavish Oakfield Park Estate to the public each year for charity, will be able to sell alcohol at the Difflin Lake Railway.
Under the 1902 Licensing (Ireland) Act a new licence can only be granted to existing premises where a permit has expired or to a railway refreshment room.
The train-lover has developed a 4½km (2.8 mile) narrow gauge railway around the 100 acre estate.
Each year Sir Gerry takes geat pleasure in driving the train around the estate for hundreds of lucky children.
At the court session the couple’s barrister, Peter Nolan, applied to Judge John O’Hagan for a licence for the railway refreshment room at the station.
Evidence was heard at the court that the railway at Oakfield was defined as such in accordance with the Railway Act.
Lady Heather confirmed that the railway, complete with steam locomotive, accepted paying passengers who were required to purchase tickets.
She told the court there was a refreshment room and seating area in a fenced off section at the station.
“I can almost smell the steam,” said Judge O’Hagan before granting the licence in what he described as an “absolutely unique” application.
The judge added: “I don’t think there is a judge in the country who has heard an application for a railway refreshment room probably since the foundation of the State.”
He then wished the couple well in their tourism enterprise.