Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to address this issue on behalf of the Minister for Transport. Coastal railway construction and maintenance has always been challenging. Throughout its history, interventions have been required to protect the east coast rail line from impacts of embankments, water coming over the line and coastal erosion. The Minister for Transport understands that Iarnród Éireann has, over many years, managed the coastal defence of the east coast Dublin to Rosslare line and monitors the coast line erosion rates at key points along the railway line on an ongoing basis. Iarnród Eireann operates 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 south side DART, Gorey commuter and Rosslare Europort intercity services operating along the scenic route.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the frequency of storm events as results of climate change. This necessitates more maintenance works to be carried out to respond to the effects of coastal erosion, wave over-topping and coastal flooding on the rail line and supporting infrastructure. In 2017, Iarnród Eireann undertook a feasibility study to assess the anticipated increase in maintenance requirement for this area resulting from climate change. The 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 disruptions. The ECRIPP scheme was established to deliver the necessary enhanced coastal protection to the existing railway infrastructure in a number of key locations on the rail network. The project will mitigate against coastal erosion, extreme weather and coastal flooding to ensure rail connectivity is maintained. Iarnród Eireann will continue to undertake maintenance and remedial works in key areas along the east coast rail line.

The primary focus of this project is to address and implement protection of the existing railway and coastal infrastructure against the further effect of coastal erosion due to climate change in key locations along the railway line between Dublin and Wicklow. The project works to provide an additional benefit in that it will be protecting property, businesses and farmland while performing its primary function of protecting the railway infrastructure. The key objectives of the project include supporting the continued safe operation of the rail services; increased 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 the long-term efficient management and maintenance of the railway corridor; and support sustainable low-carbon local, regional and international connectivity, fostering a low carbon and climate resilient society.

I trust the Deputy will see that the matter is being taken very seriously. It is also important to say that in 2020, €230 million for this programme was included in the National Development Plan 2021-2030. It will be delivered over many years.

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