€230m Must Be Spent On Dublin-Wicklow Rail Line To Stop It From Falling Into The Sea.

In the last 20 years, there have been more storm events than there have been in the last century.

At least €230 million needs to spent protecting parts of the rail line between Dublin and Wicklow to stop it from falling into the sea.

Irish Rail says in the last 20 years there have been more storm events than there have been in the last century, increasing erosion.

Assessments by Irish Rail have found infrastructure works costing at least €230 million are needed along parts of the south Dublin Dart line that runs to Wicklow, to stop it from collapsing.

The Irish Times reports some of the most vulnerable sections are around Dalkey and Killiney, sections between the Merrion Gates and Dun Laoghaire Harbour, and Bray Head and Greystones.

Irish Rail says wave overtopping on to the tracks and track washout where the sea has eroded the land under the line have increased in the last 20 years - and that if action isn't taken, the track would be at risk in certain sections within a decade.

A contract's been awarded to an engineering firm to carry out preliminary design and environmental assessments ahead of planning applications for the works being lodged.

In the meantime, engineering works will take place between Dun Laoghaire and Wicklow this weekend 3rd and 4th September.

Customers are advised there will be no train service between Dun Laoghaire and Wicklow. The following stations will be closed for train services: Glenageary, Dalkey, Killiney, Shankill, Bray, Greystones and Kilcoole. DART services will operate between Malahide/Howth and Dun Laoghaire only.

Dublin Bus and Go Ahead Ireland will accept valid tickets within the affected area and a number of stations will be closed for train services.

Bus transfers will also be in operation on Rosslare services.