Kilcoole to Newcastle
This project area spans approximately 4 km between Kilcoole and Newcastle, with proposed works covering 2.5 km of this stretch. The railway is situated on a natural embankment at the back of the beach, which is a soft barrier beach feature underlain by hard geology. The railway is locally protected by rock revetments at Kilcoole Station and at the estuary mouth, known as The Breaches. The project area falls within several designated conservation sites, including The Murrough Special Protection Area and the Murrough Wetland Special Area of Conservation.
Project Objectives
The objectives of the project are:
- To reduce the impacts of wave overtopping on railway infrastructure and operations,
- To reduce the risk of coastal erosion undermining the railway
Preferred Scheme
The preferred scheme involves a rock revetment along parts of the coastline between Kilcoole and Newcastle to protect the railway from erosion and wave overtopping. It will consist of two layers of high-quality armour rock placed over geotextile, with the design tailored using wave models that account for sea level rise.
Figure 1: Illustrative view of rock revetment at the Murrough
Concrete Revetment
At The Breaches underbridge, a concrete revetment is proposed instead of rock to reduce predator presence near the Little Tern nesting site. This structure includes a concrete slope, vertical sheet piling, and rock toe protection. Due to concrete’s impermeability, a larger wave wall is required to manage wave run-up and overtopping.
Figure 2: Illustrative view showing the proposed concrete revetments at The Breaches
Wave Walls
Wave walls, made of precast reinforced concrete, will be installed behind most of the revetments to act as impermeable barriers. In areas where the beach is stable, wave walls alone are sufficient, without revetments.
Figure 3: Illustrative view looking South to Newcastle showing the transition from the set back wall to a rock revetment with wave wall
Pedestrian Access
To ensure safe pedestrian access, new precast concrete steps will be added south of The Breaches, while existing steps near Newcastle will be replaced. No new steps are planned between Leamore Lower and Newcastle, where beach access remains open.
A maintenance access ramp will be built near the level crossing south of The Breaches to support ongoing maintenance. It will be secured with a demountable barrier to prevent unauthorised access.
Useful Material and Downloads
- Preferred Scheme Kilcoole to Newcastle Brochure
- Illustrative view of rock revetment at the Murrough
- Illustrative view showing the proposed concrete revetments at The Breaches
- Illustrative view looking South to Newcastle showing the transition from the set back wall to a rock revetment with wave wall
- Kilcoole to Newcastle Location Plan
- Kilcoole to Newcastle (Coastal Cell Area 6.1) Phase 3 Design Report
