East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects ECRIPP
Project Overview
Iarnród Éireann operates and maintains a safe rail network on the east coast of Ireland. The Dublin to Wicklow section of this line is a critical part of the rail network, with southside DART, Gorey commuter and Rosslare Europort Intercity services operating along this scenic route.
In recent years Iarnród Éireann has seen an increase in the frequency of storm events as result of climate change. This necessitates more and more maintenance works to be carried out to respond to the effects of coastal erosion, wave overtopping and coastal flooding on the rail line and supporting infrastructure. These works result in increasing disruption to existing services and may render the line unviable in this area in the future.
In 2017 Iarnród Éireann undertook a feasibility study to assess the anticipated increase in maintenance requirements for this area resulting from climate change. This study identified several key areas between Dublin and Wicklow where strategic intervention at this time would enable existing rail services to continue to operate with minimal disruption.
The East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects (ECRIPP) was established to deliver the necessary enhanced coastal protection to the existing railway infrastructure in a number of key locations on this rail network.
ECRIPP is currently undertaking surveys that will help develop design options and solutions for each affected area and we will look to present the emerging preferred option for individual areas to the public in Autumn, 2023. Feedback on the proposals will be incorporated into further design development which will culminate with submissions for the necessary statutory consents in Q4 2024.
Further detail on ECRIPP and the steps being taken to protect sections of the Dublin to Wicklow rail line can found below.
Some sections of the coastal railway south of Dublin to Wicklow are vulnerable to the impacts of coastal erosion, coastal flooding, wave overtopping and cliff instability that is expected to increase both in frequency and severity in future years as a result of climate change. More information on the impact of climate change in Ireland is provided at www.climateireland.ie.
The impacts of coastal erosion on the east coast of Ireland from Dublin to County Wicklow are increasingly evident with beaches and cliffs slowly being lost on an annual basis. Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail (IÉ) has first-hand experience of these impacts. This rate of loss will increase in line with sea level rise and storm frequency/intensity increases as a result of climate change. Some areas of the East Coast rail line have seen encroachment through the loss of coast of up to 20-30 metres in the last 10 years alone. This has resulted in large losses in land and habitats, and incursions to such levels that the railway line between Dublin and Wicklow, is vulnerable to further loss due to coastal erosion.
The current east coast rail line is fully operational. ECRIPP will mitigate against coastal erosion, extreme weather and coastal flooding to ensure rail connectivity is maintained. Iarnród Éireann will continue to undertake maintenance and remedial works in key areas along the east coast rail line.
Key Project Objectives
The primary focus of this 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;
Coastal Cell Areas
Five key locations have been assessed as requiring protection to increase resilience to coastal erosion as a result of climate change. These five coastal cell areas have been assessed as they have experienced incursions to such levels that existing infrastructure is at risk due to coastal erosion.
These five coastal cell areas (CCAs) are;
- CCA1 - Merrion to Dún Laoghaire
- CCA2-3 - Dalkey Tunnel to Killiney station and Killiney South
- CCA5 - Bray Head to Greystones North Beach
- CCA6.1 - Greystones to Newcastle
- CCA6.2 - Newcastle to Wicklow Harbour
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Click here for an Accessible version of the ECRIPP Coastal Cell Areas map
Where are we now?
We are currently in Phase 2 Project Concept, Feasibility and Option Selection. During this phase the project team is undertaking physical assessment and evaluating the environmental constraints of each of the five Coastal Cell Areas. We will develop appropriate measures termed ‘options’ and consider the risks associated with each option in terms of addressing coastal erosion.
Over the coming months we will be carrying out several surveys to inform Phase 2. These surveys will cover non-intrusive ecological surveys, topographic surveys, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys and bathymetric surveys. We also plan to carry out ground investigation to inform the design close to the rail line.
Next Steps
The project team will evaluate all options using an objective assessment methodology. This will define an emerging preferred option that will be published as part of a non-statutory public consultation later in 2023. Public feedback received during the public consultation will be used to inform subsequent designs.
The capturing of feedback given by stakeholders is critical during the design development process and is a key element to the delivery of ECRIPP. We welcome public feedback during all stages of the design development. Feedback and queries can be submitted through the project e-mail address, or by written correspondence.
For further details see the Contact Us section.
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Click here for an accessible version of the project timelines and milestones graphic
FAQs
ECRIPP - FAQs
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The East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects (ECRIPP) will deliver enhanced coastal protection to the existing railway infrastructure on the rail network between Dublin and Wicklow. The line is vulnerable to coastal erosion, coastal flooding, wave overtopping and cliff instability that is expected to increase both in frequency and severity in future years due to climate change effects.
ECRIPP will deliver long term engineering solutions to proactively manage climate change effects in the form of wave overtopping, coastal flooding, erosion and cliff instability to this important rail infrastructure corridor. The project will consider how this line can be protected for future generations in the face of predicted climate change impacts.
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The Dublin to Wicklow section of this line is a critical part of the rail network, with southside DART, Gorey commuter and Rosslare Europort Intercity services operating along this scenic route.
In recent years Iarnród Éireann has seen an increase in the frequency of storm events as result of climate change. This necessitates more and more maintenance works to be carried out to respond to the effects of coastal erosion, wave overtopping and coastal flooding on the rail line and supporting infrastructure. These works result in increasing disruption to existing services and may render the line unviable in this area in the future.
Some areas of the East Coast rail line have seen encroachment through the loss of coast of up to 20-30 metres in the last 10 years alone. This has resulted in large losses in land and habitats, and incursions to such levels that existing infrastructure, in particular the railway line between Dublin and Wicklow, is at real risk of loss to coastal erosion.
The proposed East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects (ECRIPP) will examine how to protect railway infrastructure at five key locations that runs along a 65km route on the east coast. These locations are vulnerable to the impacts of coastal erosion, coastal flooding, wave overtopping and cliff instability that is expected to increase both in frequency and severity in future years as a result of climate change.
The primary focus of this project is to identify and implement sustainable coastal erosion protection measures to protect the existing railway infrastructure.
ECRIPP enables IÉ to continue to contribute towards the social and economic development along the east coast railway line. The railway is an important asset to enable a better quality of life and more sustainable travel and Iarnród Éireann will continue to invest in long term strategic infrastructure.
The current east coast rail line is fully operational. ECRIPP will mitigate against coastal erosion, extreme weather and coastal flooding to ensure rail connectivity is maintained Iarnród Éireann will continue to undertake maintenance and remedial works in key areas along the east coast rail line.
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The railway is an important asset to enable a better quality of life and more sustainable travel and Iarnród Éireann will continue to invest in long term strategic infrastructure.
The key objectives of the project include;
- support the continued safe operation of rail services
- increase railway infrastructure 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 and increased rainfall 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
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Five key locations, termed coastal cell areas along a 65 km route have been identified and assessed as particularly exposed to coastal erosion and climate change effects on exiting rail infrastructure.
The locations of the five coastal cell areas (CCAs) are:
- CCA1- Merrion to Dún Laoghaire
- CCA2-3- Dalkey Tunnel to Killiney station and Killiney South
- CCA5- Bray Head to Greystones North Beach
- CCA6.1 -Greystones to Newcastle
- CCA6.2- Newcastle to Wicklow Harbour
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Some sections of the coastal railway south of Dublin to Wicklow are more vulnerable that others to the impacts of coastal erosion and coastal flooding that is expected to increase both in frequency and severity in future years as a result of climate change. These five coastal cell areas have been assessed as they have experienced recent incursions to such levels that existing infrastructure is at risk of coastal erosion due to climate change.
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We are currently in Phase 2 Project Concept, Feasibility and Option Selection. During this phase the project team is working on the development of appropriate measures to best manage the risks to the railway associated with coastal hazards in the 5 key areas (coastal cell areas). Over the coming months we will be carrying out several surveys to inform Phase 2. These surveys will cover non-intrusive ecological surveys, topographic surveys, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) surveys and bathymetric surveys. We also plan to carry out Ground Investigation to inform the design close to the rail line.
The project team will then identify the emerging preferred option(s) for public consultation in 2023. This will be the first non-statutory public consultation on the project and an opportunity for the public and key stakeholders (commuters, local communities, landowners, businesses and those who will be directly or indirectly impacted) to submit feedback on the emerging preferred option(s) for each coastal cell area.
An option selections report will then be prepared detailing the identified emerging preferred option(s) for each of the five Coastal Cell Areas with further consultation expected here.
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Further public consultation on the preferred option (s) will be undertaken in phase 3 Preliminary Design on the development of the Preliminary Design. This consultation will take place later in 2024.
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The National Development Plan forecasts a ten-year timeline to complete the project, to manage long term coastal erosion risks to the railway.
Iarnród Éireann is committed to this project to ensure that Ireland protects critical infrastructure into the future, meets its many ambitious long-term national climate change targets; and its commitment to protect and improve public transportation. ECRIPP is provided for in Project Ireland 2040, in the Programme for Government and the National Development Plan. Ultimately all projects are dependent on Exchequer funding for financing. Subject to receipt of planning permission approval and approval of the Business Case by Government, the project will go ahead.
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Public participation during the design development process is a key element to the delivery of major infrastructure projects such as ECRIPP. This process allows public feedback to be assessed and used in developing the design with knowledge of all issues.
Information on future public consultations will be updated to the project website
www.irishrail.ie/ecripp. All public consultation launches will be highlighted through in-station posters and a leaflet drop along the project route, briefing of elected representatives, email notification to the project database, targeted digital advertising and advertising in print media and on radio where appropriate.
| Phase 2 Options Selection |
Date |
Location |
| Consultation Event 1 |
Autumn 2023 |
Dun Laoghaire |
| Consultation Event 2 |
Autumn 2023 |
Bray |
| Consultation Event 3 |
Autumn 2023 |
Wicklow |
| Phase 3 Preliminary Design |
Date |
Location |
| Consultation Event 4 |
Spring 2024 |
Dun Laoghaire |
| Consultation Event 5 |
Spring 2024 |
Bray |
| Consultation Event 6 |
Spring 2024 |
Wicklow |
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The majority of works will be carried out seaward of the existing rail corridor.
Some survey work will occur on the line. Every effort will be made to avoid, reduce, and/or mitigate negative impacts, however, there is likely to be some disturbance experienced for those in close proximity to the railway line. We will work to ensure that any such disruption is minimised,
We are currently at an early stage in the projects timeline with an assessment of options currently being undertaken. The types of construction work required at each specific location will determine the type of impact that may affect the area/your property. As the projects proceed any potential impact that may occur will be communicated with the public.
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In some areas it is expected that access to the beach and sea will be temporarily affected during the construction phase. Construction is not due to take place until 2028-2030. We are currently at an early stage in the projects timeline with an assessment of options currently being undertaken. As the projects proceed any potential impact that may occur will be communicated with the public.
A dedicated Community Public Liaison Officer will be put in place to communicate details of upcoming works and every potential mitigation will be put in place to minimise the disruption that may occur. To contact the CPLO please email
ecrippenquires@irishrail.ie.
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The ECRIPP project is seeking to deliver enhanced climate resilience to the existing railway infrastructure whilst protecting where possible the existing heritage of the railway. In order to achieve this certain interventions may be required that will impact on specific structures. We are currently at an early stage in the projects timeline with an assessment of options being undertaken.
The project team will consider the architectural heritage of all structures in the options assessments and physical interventions to these heritage structures will only be undertaken where absolutely necessary. In most cases works will be confined to the railway line and works will be restricted as much as possible to avoid any potential impact on these structures.
Any heritage interactions will involve input and consultation with the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage.
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ECRIPP will deliver enhanced coastal protection to the existing railway infrastructure on the rail network between Dublin and Wicklow. Delivery of this project will support the existing communities along the railway, support future sustainable development and retain the railway for future generations.
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ECRIPP is a railway infrastructure protection project and will focus on the railway corridor specifically and where this is impacted by coastal erosion climate change effects. The scope of ECRIPP is to deliver coastal protection measures to protect the railway from further coastal erosion, coastal flooding, cliff instability and wave overtopping that is due to increase in frequency and severity as a result of climate change.
Under the National Development Plan, Iarnród Éireann is currently undertaking a range of projects, as well as essential maintenance, right across our lines.
Iarnród Éireann will continue to undertake routine maintenance and remedial works in key areas along the east coast rail line. To view a list of upcoming line improvement works please visit the dedicated
Line Improvements page.
Iarnród Éireann will engage and collaborate with key stakeholders such as the
Office of Public Works,
Environmental Protection Agency, Local Authorities and relevant Government Departments on wider coastal erosions protection projects along the east coast.
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The majority of works will be carried out within or seaward of the existing rail corridor owned by IÉ. Some access to third party lands will be required in some coastal cell areas.
Where access is required through/on private land, contact will be made with the relevant landowner and permission will be sought for access. Construction phase of the project is not expected to commence until 2028-2030.
A dedicated Community Public Liaison Officer will be put in place to communicate with any landowners that may be affected. To contact the CPLO please email
ecrippenquires@irishrail.ie.
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ECRIPP and
DART+ Coastal South are two separate projects. ECRIPP is a railway infrastructure protection project and will deliver enhanced coastal protection to the existing railway infrastructure on the rail network located on the coastline between Dublin and Wicklow.
DART+ Coastal South is designed to enhance the capacity for services on the line between Dublin city centre and Greystones.
ECRIPP does not depend on any other project in order to advance. It will interface with a number of proposed rail and public transport projects including DART+ Coastal South. The project team is working closely with Iarnród Éireann in order to ensure that projects are developed in a consistent manner and to be consistent with each other.
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The DART+ Coastal Projects are currently at an early stage in the projects timeline with an assessment of options currently being undertaken. As the projects proceed, two stages of non-statutory public stakeholder engagement will be conducted prior to the lodgement of the Railway Order applications. For further information on the DART+ Coastal Projects visit the dedicated
DART+ website.
The construction phase for ECRIPP is not expected to commence until 2028 - 2030.
Project Funding
Iarnród Éireann is committed to this project to ensure that critical infrastructure is protected and we meet the ambitious long-term national climate change targets and commitment to protect and improve public transportation in line with Iarnród Éireann’s Strategy.
ECRIPP is funded by the Department of Transport, through the National Transport Authority under Project Ireland 2040. Iarnród Éireann is committed to this project and it is provided for in the Programme for Government and the National Development Plan.
Ultimately all projects are dependent on Exchequer funding for financing. Subject to receipt of planning permission approval and approval of the Business Case by Government, the project will go ahead.
Project Sponsors
ECRIPP is being implemented by Iarnród Éireann as part of Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Programme.
Project Sponsors include:
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Contact Us
The project team can be contacted by emailing by;
Phone is 01 202 7900
Email ecrippenquires@irishrail.ie
Post: ECRIPP
Engineering & New Works Building,
Iarnród Éireann,
Inchicore Works,
Dublin 8 D08 K6Y3
