Transport within Ireland was very difficult in the aftermath of the Anglo-Irish War (1919–1921) and the subsequent Civil War (1921–1922). The road network had been neglected since World War I. Ireland had never had a comprehensive rail system due to the low population density of the country and those which had been built were reduced in capacity due to economic circumstances before the Second World War. It was therefore, often, faster and more economic to transport goods around the coast, rather than by road or rail. Coasters fulfilled this need. The MV "Kerlogue" was such a coaster.