NetWorks Issue 17: The Design Issue

All Aboard Irish Rail’s Journey towards Sustainability

As part of our commitment to our members, BITA has recently launched a new Rail Division. The aim is to share best practice and create areas where rail specialists and leaders can raise and meet challenges faced by their industry.

There are many industries that feed into Rail, including construction and IT, and we are planning a calendar of events for 2024 where our rail and non-rail members can meet, network, and share insight and advice. Keep your eyes on our events page!

We are lucky enough to have Michael Danaher chairing our Rail Division for 2024. Michael is the Infrastructure Manager, Head of Programme & Projects, Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), and we have been learning more about what they have been up to, and their plans to meet the future head on.

Iarnród Éireann’s Dublin to Wicklow rail line stands not only as a pivotal artery in Ireland’s transportation network but also as a symbol of sustainable connectivity. Facilitating the transition to a low-carbon society, this vital route hosts an array of services, including southside DART, Gorey commuter, and Rosslare Europort Intercity operations, traversing through picturesque landscapes and serving as a lifeline for communities.

However, Iarnród Éireann has confronted an escalating challenge posed by climate change and rising sea levels, manifested through heightened frequency and severity of storm events. The resultant coastal erosion, wave overtopping, and flooding have necessitated extensive maintenance works, imposing disruptions on existing services and casting a shadow on the line’s future viability.

To address these pressing concerns, the East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects (ECRIPP) have been developed, aiming to fortify the railway against the ravages of coastal erosion and safeguard its operational integrity. Recognizing the imperative of proactive intervention, Iarnród Éireann embarked on a journey to ensure the long-term climate resilience of this critical infrastructure.

The study area, spanning from Merrion to Wicklow, has been meticulously dissected into six coastal cell areas (CCAs), delineating distinct stretches of railway facing similar vulnerabilities. These areas, identified as high-risk zones for coastal erosion by the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS), demand targeted intervention to mitigate potential threats.

Understanding Climate Hazards and Projections

Climate resilience lies at the core of Iarnród Éireann’s strategy, underscored by a comprehensive analysis of anticipated coastal hazards up to a 2100 design horizon. Wave overtopping, coastal flooding, erosion, and cliff instability emerge as principal threats, projected to exacerbate in tandem with sea-level rise and intensifying storm events. Adopting a forward-looking approach, the project aligns with projections indicating a 1-meter rise in sea level by 2100, coupled with heightened storm and precipitation events.

Environmental Sensitivity and Mitigation Strategies

The coastal cell areas are not just vulnerable from an infrastructural standpoint but also harbor significant environmental sensitivities, marked by the presence of protected habitats and species. To mitigate adverse impacts, a meticulous assessment of environmental constraints was conducted, integrating environmental criteria into the decision making process. Stakeholder consultation with local authorities and environmental agencies ensured a comprehensive approach to option development, balancing engineering efficacy with environmental preservation.

Option Development and Multi-Criteria Analysis

A diverse array of coastal defence measures was explored, encompassing both structural and non-structural solutions. Through a rigorous Multi Criteria Analysis, options were evaluated across various dimensions, including economic viability, safety, environmental compatibility, and technical feasibility. The iterative process culminated in the identification of emerging preferred options, fine-tuned through stakeholder engagement and alignment with regulatory frameworks.

Looking Ahead

The East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects epitomize Iarnród Éireann’s commitment to resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change. By proactively addressing coastal vulnerabilities and embracing innovative engineering solutions, the project not only safeguards critical rail infrastructure but also underscores the imperative of harmonizing infrastructure development with environmental stewardship.

As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing climate, collaboration and forward-thinking will remain paramount. Iarnród Éireann stands poised to continue its investments in enhancing rail services, aligning with national objectives outlined in Project Ireland 2040 and the Climate Action Plan. With a steadfast focus on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection, the company remains steadfast in its mission to foster sustainable development and connectivity across Ireland’s rail network.

The East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects herald a new era of resilience and adaptability in Ireland’s rail sector, serving as a beacon of innovation and environmental stewardship. Through concerted efforts and strategic investments, we can ensure that our railways not only withstand the challenges of the present but also emerge stronger and more resilient for future generations.

THE CORK AREA COMMUTER RAIL PROGRAM

The Cork Area Commuter Rail program, mentioned in Future-Proofing Railway Infrastructure, page 32, is an integral part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040, and aims to transform the Cork Rail Network. Led by the National Transport Authority (NTA), in collaboration with Cork City and County Councils and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), CMATS envisions a sustainable, integrated transport network to support urban growth and reduce reliance on private cars for improved living areas: less pollution, less road congestion, and less stress. Key initiatives include enhancing existing railway corridors, establishing a multi-modal transport hub at Kent Station, increasing rolling stock, and building new stations and Park & Ride facilities. This transformative rail improvement program, the largest investment in Cork’s rail network to date, focuses on increasing train capacity and frequency to foster connected communities and promote sustainable transport. The program encompasses infrastructure development, electrification, and re-signaling across major lines from Mallow to Cobh and Midleton. Progressing through various interrelated projects, the Cork Area Commuter Rail program aims to create a more efficient, low-carbon rail network to support Ireland’s emission reduction targets and enhance regional connectivity. We will look forward to hearing more about this project as it progresses at our upcoming Rail Division Events!