This impressive mural at the entrance to the former Passage West to Glenbrook tunnel, is the work of local man Neil O'Sullivan. He initially spent some time researching the background to the CB&PR company's rolling stock to ensure that a true representation of the subject was reproduced. (The wheels were painted red in order to, in his own words, add an extra splash of colour
Construction of the extension to Monkstown on the CB&PR line got underway in 1900. Work involving the bypassing of the centre of Passage, so as not to interfere with its important dockyard industry, necessitated the construction of a tunnel under a section of the town.
The boring of the Passage to Ferrypoint tunnel proved to be extremely problematic. Much of the work was through solid rock, so explosives had to be used on occasion. These were stored at the Glenbrook end of the tunnel and when about 10 lbs of dynamite exploded accidentally, some houses were damaged at Lucia Place and Ferry Point. Luckily there were no serious injuries. To add to the delays a spring was discovered midway down the tunnel, and it took some time to bring it under control.
The 500-yard tunnel was finally completed in January 1902. It was the only one of its kind on the Irish narrow-gauge network. It included a large shaft, which was built to assist the extraction of smoke and steam. At intervals of about 25 yards, 6 feet high cavities were built to shelter workers from any approaching train. At the far end was Glenbrook Station, which had a long platform and station building.
The brick-lined tunnel was put forward as a possible air-raid shelter during the Second World War but the need did not arise. It was used for a time for growing mushrooms until the Glenbrook end became badly flooded.
The tunnel is part of the proposed Greenway to connect between Cork and Carrigaline but the other end is currently on private property (see photo)