NTA / Irish Rail have recently published proposals for the protection of the East Coast
Railway which includes the section between Merrion Gates and Dun Laoghaire Harbour. A
Community Update issued by the Blackrock Community Group, VRAG (see here) gives a
very good summary of the proposals. For all those who support the idea of a seafront
Walkway and Cycleway there are a number of concerns arising from these proposals.

1. For the majority of the route the plan is to simply raise the sea wall by varying amounts
   from 0.7 to 1.5m by partially enclosing the existing stone wall in concrete. This will
   obscure the view of Dublin Bay from the Dart in some places and obliterate it entirely for
   most of the route. There is no provision for either a walkway or cycleway at any point.
   
2. In current storm conditions, the waves regularly over-top the sea wall by 3 meters or more. It is difficult to understand how increasing the seawall by 0.7m is an adequate response.
   
3. There are no proposals for any works to be undertaken at sections that also need to be protected at Blackrock Baths, Maretimo, Brighton Vale and Seapoint. Work on these parts should be fully co-ordinated with the works to the railway and executed at the same time. Because they are not directly under the control of Irish Rail, there is no plan as to when or how they will be completed. These works should be co-ordinated.
   
4. S2S has always envisaged the integration of a completely traffic free walkway and cycleway outside the existing sea wall. The proposal would provide better protection for the railway by introducing a buffer zone between the sea and railway while at the same time preserving the view from the Dart. It would be a real gain for the local community and the citizens of Dublin.

Comments should be made before Wednesday 4 th December 2024. Make your views known
to the promoters through the online form at:

https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/about-us/iarnrod-eireann-projects-and-investments/ECRIPP/ecripp-pc1