A major plan has been launched to stop parts of the Dublin to Wicklow train line from collapsing due to climate change.
The public is being asked for opinions on a range of projects along the line aimed at limiting the impact of climate change.
The East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects (ECRIPP) will protecting the dart and train line from Merrion Gates to Wicklow Harbour from coastal erosion.
It is expected to cost at least €230 million.
Irish Rail said waves "overtopping" onto the tracks and "track washout" have increased in the last 20 years - and that if action isn't taken parts of the line would be at risk within a decade.
Dun Laoghaire Baths. 14/12/2022 Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ieIrish Rail Spokesperson Jane Cregan said work could begin within four years.
“There's significant amounts of the coast have been lost in the last 10 years that wouldn't have been predicted to have eroded at the level that it has,” she said.
Green Party Councillor Tom Kivlehan said the plan will also protect homes along the coast.
“We're going to have these freak weather events more often, storms are going to be stronger as well,” he said.
“So we have to make our infrastructure solid so it can handle this.”
East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects Coastal Cell Areas Graphic. Image: Irish RailIrish Rail have said the primary focus of the project is to “address and implement protection of the existing railway and coastal infrastructure” against “the further effects of coastal erosion due to climate change” in five key areas on the railway line between Dublin and Wicklow.
The key objectives of the project include:
- Support the continued safe operation of rail services.
- Increase railway infrastructure future resilience to climate change.
- Provide improved and sustainable coastal protection works against predicted climate change effects such as sea level rise, coastal erosion, storm surges on the east coast railway corridor.
- Secure the railway line for future generations.
- Allow for the long-term efficient management and maintenance of the railway corridor.
- Support sustainable low carbon local, regional and international connectivity fostering a low carbon and climate resilient society.
The five key locations assessed include:
- Merrion to Dún Laoghaire
- Dalkey Tunnel to Shanganagh Bray Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Bray Head to Greystones North Beach
- Greystones to Newcastle
- Newcastle to Wicklow Harbour
The public consultation will run until December 4th.
Additional reporting by Molly Cantwell.
Main image: Stormy weather brings waves crashing over trains in UK. 13/11/14 Image: Theo Moye / Alamy Stock Photo
