Clár Consanta Bhonneagar Iarnróid an Chósta Thoir
Achoimre ar an Tionscadal
Cuireann Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) gréasán iarnróid sábháilte ar fáil ar chósta thoir na hÉireann agus déanann sé cothabháil air. Is cuid ríthábhachtach den ghréasán iarnróid í an chuid seo idir Baile Átha Cliath agus Cill Mhantáin agus tá seirbhísí DART ó dheas, seirbhísí comaitéireachta Ghuaire agus Idirchathrach Eoraphort Ros Láir ag feidhmiú feadh bhealach seo na radharc.
Is léir do IÉ go bhfuil minicíocht na stoirmeacha ag méadú le blianta beaga anuas mar gheall ar an athrú aeráide. Éilíonn sé seo go ndéanfar níos mó agus níos mó oibreacha cothabhála chun freagra a thabhairt ar thorthaí creimthe cósta, scaileogú (tonnta ag réabadh thar constaicí) agus tuile cósta ar an líne iarnróid agus ar an mbonneagar tacaíochta. Cuirtear isteach níos mó ná riamh ar na seirbhísí reatha mar gheall ar na hoibreacha seo.
Cuireadh tús le Cláir Chosanta Bhonneagar Iarnród an Chósta Thoir (ECRIPP) chun cosaint fheabhsaithe riachtanach cois cósta a thabhairt don bhonneagar iarnróid atá ann cheana féin i roinnt príomhshuíomhanna feadh an stráice seo den ghréasán iarnróid.
Cúlra an Tionscadail
Tá codanna áirithe d’iarnród an chósta atá ó dheas de Bhaile Átha Cliath i dtreo Chill Mhantáin a bhfuil an baol ann go dtarlóidh creimeadh cósta, tuile cósta, scaileogú agus éagobhsaíocht aille agus meastar go dtiocfaidh méadú ar na tionchair sin ó thaobh minicíochta agus déine de sna blianta amach anseo mar gheall ar an athrú aeráide. Cuirtear tuilleadh faisnéise maidir le tionchar an athraithe aeráide in Éirinn ar fáil ag www.climateireland.ie.
Tá tionchair an chreimthe cósta ar chósta thoir na hÉireann ó Bhaile Átha Cliath go Contae Chill Mhantáin níos follasaí lá i ndiaidh lae agus tránna agus aillte á gcailleadh go mall ar bhonn bliantúil. Tá taithí phearsanta ag Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) ar na tionchair seo. Méadóidh an ráta caillteanais seo ar aon dul le hardú leibhéil na mara agus méaduithe ar mhinicíocht/dhéine stoirmeacha mar gheall ar an athrú aeráide. Chonacthas cúngú i roinnt áiteanna de líne iarnróid an Chósta Thoir toisc gur scuab an fharraige suas le 20-30 méadar den chósta chun siúil le 10 mbliana anuas. Is é an toradh a bhí air seo ná gur cailleadh go leor talún agus gnáthóg, agus go ndearna an fharraige ionraí sa chaoi go bhfuil an baol ann go gcaillfear tuilleadh codanna den líne iarnróid idir Baile Átha Cliath agus Cill Mhantáin de bharr chreimeadh an chósta.
Tá líne iarnróid reatha an chósta thoir go hiomlán oibríochtúil. Maolóidh ECRIPP an creimeadh cósta, adhaimsir agus tuile cósta chun a chinntiú go gcoinnítear nascacht iarnróid. Leanfaidh IÉ ar aghaidh ag tabhairt faoi oibreacha cothabhála agus leasúcháin i limistéir thábhachtacha feadh líne iarnróid an chósta thoir.
Príomhchuspóirí an Tionscadail
Is é príomhaidhm an tionscadail seo ná aghaidh a thabhairt ar an iarnród agus bonneagar cósta atá ann cheana agus iad a chosaint ar éifeachtaí an chreimthe cósta mar gheall ar an athrú aeráide i gcúig limistéar tábhachtach ar an líne iarnróid idir Baile Átha Cliath agus Cill Mhantáin.
I measc phríomhchuspóirí an tionscadail, tá;
- tacaíocht a thabhairt d’oibriú sábháilte leanúnach na seirbhísí iarnróid;
- athléimneacht an bhonneagair iarnróid i leith an athraithe aeráide amach anseo a mhéadú;
- oibreacha cosanta cósta inbhuanaithe agus feabhsaithe a chur ar fáil in aghaidh éifeachtaí tuartha an athraithe aeráide amhail ardú leibhéal na mara, creimeadh cósta, borrthaí stoirme ar chonair iarnróid an chósta thoir;
- an líne iarnróid a chosaint do na glúnta atá le teacht;
- bainistiú agus cothabháil éifeachtach fhadtéarmach ar chonair an iarnróid a cheadú;
- tacaíocht a thabhairt do nascacht inbhuanaithe ísealcharbóin áitiúil, réigiúnach agus idirnáisiúnta chun sochaí ísealcharbóin agus athléimneach ó thaobh na haeráide de a chothú;
Limistéir an Chósta
Rinneadh measúnú ar chúig shuíomh lárnach agus meastar go bhfuil cosaint de dhíth orthu chun athléimneacht i leith an chreimthe cósta mar gheall ar an athrú aeráide a mhéadú. Rinneadh measúnú ar an gcúig limistéar cille cósta seo toisc go raibh ionraí orthu a bhí chomh dona go bhfuil an bonneagar atá ann cheana i mbaol de dheasca an chreimthe cósta.
Tá cúig Limistéar Cille Cósta ann, agus is iad seo a leanas iad;
- Geataí Mhuirfean go Trá an Phointe
- Trá na Carraige Báine go Cill Aighne Theas
- Ceann Bhré go Trá Thuaidh na gCloch Liath
- Cill Chomhghaill go dtí an Caisleán Nua
- An Caisleán Nua go Muiríoch Chill Mhantáin
Cliceáil anseo chun leagan Inrochtana de léarscáil na Limistéar Cille Cósta ECRIPP a fháil
Cad é an staid reatha?
Táimid i gCéim 3, an Réamhdhearadh, faoi láthair Déanfar an t-aiseolas ar fad ó Chomhairliúchán Poiblí 1 a mheas chun an dearadh a chur ar aghaidh trí Chomhairliúchán Poiblí 2 san fhómhar in 2025, nuair a chuirfimid an Scéim a Roghnófar i láthair maidir le gach ceann de na cúig Limistéar Cille Cósta.
Rinneamar roinnt suirbhéanna chun na scéimeanna a threorú. Chlúdaigh na suirbhéanna seo suirbhéanna éiceolaíochta neamhsháiteacha, suirbhéanna topagrafacha agus suirbhéanna aerfheithicle gan foireann (UAV). Rinneamar suirbhé imscrúdaithe talún freisin chun an dearadh gar don líne a threorú.
Féach nasc le Dearbhú Scagtha AA a bhaineann le suirbhé an fhiosrúcháin talún.
Comhairliúchán Poiblí
Is féidir leis an bpobal agus le páirtithe leasmhara aiseolas agus tuairimí a thabhairt i gcónaí ach ríomhphost/líne theileafóin ECRIPP a úsáid agus cuirfear na tuairimí agus an t-aiseolas sin san áireamh, más bainteach, agus forbairt leanúnach á déanamh ar an dearadh, agus taifeadfar iad i dtuarascálacha dearaidh agus comhairliúcháin amach anseo.
Chun tuilleadh sonraí fháil, tabhair cuairt ar an leathanach comhairliúcháin.
Na Chéad Chéimeanna Eile
Tar éis measúnú iomlán a dhéanamh ar an aiseolas, déanfar Tuarascáil ar Thorthaí Comhairliúcháin maidir le Comhairliúchán Poiblí 1 a ullmhú agus a fhoilsiú.
Bainfear úsáid as an bhfaisnéis uile arna bailiú ag an bhfoireann tionscadail chun forbairt dearaidh na scéime a roghnófar a threorú maidir le gach Limistéar Cille Cósta. Beidh an scéim a roghnófar ina hábhar ansin de Mheasúnacht Tionchair Timpeallachta (MTT) agus de Mheasúnacht Chuí (MC) mar chuid den iarratas ar phleanáil.
ECRIPP - FAQs
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The East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects (ECRIPP) were established by Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail (IÉ) to provide improved coastal protection against predicted climate change effects of sea level rise and coastal erosion on the railway corridor.
ECRIPP aims to deliver improved coastal protection measures to the railway infrastructure, addressing vulnerabilities related to coastal erosion, wave overtopping and cliff instability that are projected to worsen due to climate change. To improve resilience, the Projects will be designed to withstand a 1 in 200-year return period event, for a minimum of 50 years (i.e. to year 2075).
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The impacts of coastal erosion on the East Coast of Ireland from Dublin to Wicklow are increasingly evident with beaches and cliffs slowly being lost on an annual basis. This rate of loss will increase in line with sea level rise and storm frequency/intensity increases. Some areas along the East Coast railway line have seen encroachment through the loss of coast of up to 20 to 30 meters in the last ten 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 Projects enable the protection of a key transport corridor along the East Coast. Protecting this important transport infrastructure from the effects of climate change allows the safe operation of the DART and Intercity services for passengers and provides a sustainable transport option.
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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 ECRIPP include;
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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;
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support sustainable, low carbon, local, regional and international connectivity fostering a low carbon and climate resilient society.
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Through previous studies conducted by IÉ, five key locations (termed coastal cell areas) along a 65km route have been identified and assessed as particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion and climate change effects on existing rail infrastructure.
The five key locations are as follows:
- Merrion Gates to Seapoint Beach
- Whiterock Beach to South Killiney
- Bray Head to Greystones North Beach
- Kilcoole to Newcastle
- Newcastle to Wicklow Murrough
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Some sections of the coastal railway between Dublin to Wicklow are more vulnerable than other sections to the impacts of coastal erosion that is expected to increase both in frequency and severity in future years as a result of climate change.
These five key locations have been assessed as they have experienced recent incursions to such levels that existing railway infrastructure is at risk of disruption due to coastal erosion or wave overtopping due to climate change.
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Public Consultation 1 took place in November 2024 on the Emerging Preferred Scheme. The Project Team has considered all feedback received, to advance the design through to Public Consultation 2, where we will present the Preferred Scheme for each project.
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After Public Consultation 2, all feedback will be reviewed and used to help finalise the Preferred Scheme. A Consultation Findings Report will be published to document the feedback received. Next steps include continued design development and option refinement, which will inform the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Appropriate Assessment and other documentation in support of the statutory planning process for the Projects.
Stakeholders will be afforded the opportunity to engage on the Projects again at this point through the statutory stakeholder engagement process.
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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.
IÉ are committed to the Projects 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. The Projects are 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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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. The Project will be undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment which will identify the potential for impacts, and it will identify mitigation measures required to reduce the impact insofar as reasonably practicable.
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In some areas it is expected that access to the beach and sea will be temporarily rerouted during the construction phase. Construction is not due to take place until 2029. 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 to liaise with local residents and users of the beach.
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The Projects are 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 these certain interventions may be required that will impact on specific structures.
The Project Team will consider the architectural heritage of all structures throughout the design and environmental assessments. Physical interventions to these heritage structures will only be undertaken where absolutely necessary.
Any heritage interactions will involve input and consultation with the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage.
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The Projects 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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The Projects are a railway infrastructure protection project and will focus on the railway corridor specifically and where this is impacted by coastal erosion and climate change effects.
The scope of the Projects are to deliver coastal protection measures to protect the railway from further coastal erosion, coastal cliff instability and wave overtopping that will increase in frequency and severity as a result of climate change.
Under the National Development Plan, IÉ is currently undertaking a range of projects, as well as essential maintenance, right across our lines.
IÉ 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 and visit -
https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/news/irishrail-engineering-works
IÉ 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 locations.
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 projects are not expected to commence until 2029-2030.
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
ecrippenquiries@irishrail.ie.
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DART+ Coastal South is a project independent of ECRIPP. Non-Statutory public consultation on DART+ Coastal South will take place this winter. The commencement of construction of ECRIPP, subject to planning being granted and funding being allocated will not impact ECRIPP’s progress. For more information on DART+ Coastal South please visit
dartplus.ie.
The construction phase for ECRIPP is not expected to commence until 2029- 2030.
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Email:
ecrippenquiries@irishrail.ie
Phone Line:
01 202 7900
Postal Address: If you would prefer to write to us, please send correspondence to:
ECRIPP,
Engineering and New Works Building,
Iarnród Éireann,
Inchicore Works,
Dublin 8,
D08 K6Y3
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As part of the statutory process, the Projects will be subject to an environmental assessment, and it is foreseen that an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and an Appropriate Assessment will accompany the planning submissions. These assessments will identify any potential for environmental impacts and will include mitigation measures to reduce the potential impact insofar as reasonably practicable.
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The Murroughs have been identified as one of the areas at greatest risk of coastal erosion and flooding. At this location, a new section of rock revetment will be constructed. This revetment will help absorb wave energy and prevent further erosion of the coastline.
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At Seapoint, the proposed Project includes installing a new wall in place of the existing fence line along the railway boundary. In addition, the seaward walls will be raised by approximately 1.0 – 1.5m but the footpath behind the wall will also be raised to reduce the visual impact of the wall raising. This increase is necessary to address wave overtopping during storm events and to prepare for future sea level rise.
Where existing walls are in poor condition, they will be rebuilt from ground level with reinforced concrete. The design also includes raised walkways and steps to maintain public access and amenity use, while ensuring safety and accessibility
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The Projects primary focus is on coastal protection for railway infrastructure, addressing erosion, flooding, and climate-related risks. While public access and visual impact are considered, especially in areas such as Whiterock and Killiney, the Projects do not include the creation of dedicated walking or cycling paths as part of its final design.
Local Authority projects may explore opportunities to enhance walking and cycling connectivity in areas adjacent to the railway, especially where public interest and environmental conditions allow.
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Whiterock Beach is part of the Whiterock to South Killiney section, an area especially vulnerable due to its proximity to the sea and the presence of critical railway infrastructure. The proposed design includes a rock revetment to protect the existing wall and embankment from wave damage and erosion. The footprint of rock revetment has been reduced as much as possible to minimise impact on the beach. However, access to Whiterock Beach around The Bluff will be reduced around high tide levels compared to the existing access.
At Killiney and South Killiney, the design enhances beach access and visual appeal by replacing wave walls with steps and ramps. The Preferred Scheme aims not only to safeguard the railway but also to preserve the beach’s character and maintain public access, while minimizing environmental and visual impacts.
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Upgrades to the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk do not form part of the Projects. Any works to the walking trail itself are being handled separately by Wicklow County Council. Iarnród Éireann are engaging with Wicklow County Council’s efforts to maintain the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk.
Maoiniú an Tionscadail
Tá Iarnród Éireann tiomanta don tionscadal seo chun a chinntiú go gcosnaítear bonneagar ríthábhachtach agus go gcomhlíonaimid na spriocanna náisiúnta um athrú aeráide atá fadtéarmach agus uaillmhianach agus an gealltanas chun iompar poiblí a chosaint agus a fheabhsú ar aon dul le Straitéis Iarnród Éireann.
Maoinítear ECRIPP ag an Roinn Iompair, tríd an Údarás Náisiúnta Iompair faoi Tionscadal Éireann 2040. Tá Iarnród Éireann tiomanta don tionscadal seo agus déantar foráil dó sa Chlár Rialtais agus sa Phlean Forbartha Náisiúnta.
Braitheann gach tionscadal ar chistiúchán an Státchiste don mhaoiniú ar deireadh thiar thall. Leanfar ar aghaidh leis an tionscadal faoi réir fhaomhadh cead pleanála agus faomhadh an Cháis Ghnó ón Rialtas a fháil.
Urraí an Tionscadail
Tá ECRIPP á chur i bhfeidhm ag Iarnród Éireann mar chuid de Thionscadal Éireann 2040 agus an Clár Forbartha Náisiúnta.
I measc Urraí an Tionscadail, tá:
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Déan Teagmháil Linn
Is féidir teagmháil a dhéanamh le foireann an tionscadail ach ríomhphost a sheoladh chuig;
Is é 01 202 7900 an uimhir ghutháin
R-phost: ecrippenquiries@irishrail.ie
Post: ECRIPP
Foirgneamh Innealtóireachta agus Oibreacha Nua
Iarnród Éireann,
Oibreacha Inse Chór,
Baile Átha Cliath 8, D08 K6Y3
