Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2217. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of Irish Rail's engagement with Departments in regard to coastal erosion affecting the Dublin to Rosslare railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33626/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that Iarnród Éireann monitors the coast line erosion rates at key points along the railway on an on-going basis. In 2015 Iarnród Éireann, along with Wicklow County Council, co-funded a significant erosion mitigation emergency works at the Murrough near Wicklow railway station. These works were prompted by an erosion event that potentially could have resulted in the loss of a section of railway line.
This joint collaboration was very successful and prompted the need to undertake a much larger multiagency study of coastal erosion along this stretch of coastline. As part of the initial discussions, Wicklow County Council has approached the Office of Public Works (OPW), Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and local interested parties. Iarnród Éireann has had discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Wexford County Council. It is noted that Wexford County Council have commissioned their own study which was on-going prior to Iarnród Éireann’s discussions with them. It should also be noted that a number of locations are designated with Special Area of Conservation and Natura 2000 conservation status.
A steering group is established with representatives from Iarnród Éireann and Wicklow County Council who have agreed to undertake a coastal erosion study in accordance with OPW requirements. The scope extends from Bray head to the southern Wicklow County boundary with Wexford and incorporating some areas between Bray and Booterstown for climate change affects. It was agreed that Iarnród Éireann will take the lead role for the tender process to procure a specialised consultant to undertake this study and contract award is imminent. Within the scope it is envisaged to generate a high level coastal erosion model for the scope area and to then assess the results. Each risk area will be then examined to establish the best solution to be installed (if any). First stage study reporting is due January/February 2019 with final stage due later in 2019. In the interim, remedial coastal defence works have been undertaken at Ballygannon Coastal defence maintenance works 1.5 miles. (Greystones to Ballygannon) and at the Murrough Works. Further Works are planned to include structures stabilisation, Cliff face stabilisation and a number of other locations at Bray Head.
In relation to Wexford, Wexford County council are currently carrying out a study to investigate the erosion at Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Harbour and to propose interventions in areas under their control. Iarnród Éireann are included in discussions related to this study. On completion of this study an action plan will be developed. Currently it is anticipated that remedial action will be required in 5 to 10 years, but possibly sooner depending on weather events.
