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The proposed East Coast Greenway, in Co Wicklow, has been given a boost after the findings of a coastal erosion survey, those campaigning for the greenway have said.
The 18km paved cycling and walking facility would stretch from Wicklow Town to Greystones via Kilcoole and Newcastle, running along the coast. Rather than using an old disused rail line, like many Irish greenways, it would run next to the existing working rail line.
However, there have been concerns about erosion along the
coast, which has undermined calls for a greenway to be installed on the sea
side of the railway line.
But now a coastal erosion survey, commissioned by Irish Rail and carried out by consultants Arup, has set out a plan for protecting the coastal railway line from the erosion that has been getting closer to it.
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It would cost €145 million to carry out works along the
coastline from Bray to the Murrough in Wicklow town; by upgrading and extending
the Wicklow revetment and placing detached breakwaters in areas at high risk of
erosion, amongst other measures.
Chairman of the East Coast Greenway Committee, Ciarán
Lally, said the publication of the plan significantly boosts prospects for the
greenway. He explained the works planned to ensure erosion does not impact the
railway line would also safeguard the proposed site of the greenway.
“It's very positive news for us. One of the main issues
for us securing funding was the fact that the Arup report still wasn't out yet,”
he told the Wicklow People.
“This should be a game-changer for us in regards to
getting funding. Irish Rail seem very bullish. Before the publication of the
report, people were afraid that a greenway would be washed away in 10 or so
years' time.
“If the coast is protected, then there is no reason why
the East Coast Greenway can't progress. This is a major obstacle out of the
way,” Lally said, adding the lobbying of politicians to get funding for the
greenway had already begun.
“Our next step is to get funding for an environmental impact statement. We want to work hand in glove with nature and not cause any damage. If the (environmental study) doesn't throw up any concerns, then we could have a greenway in the next few years.”
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