Possible closure of level crossing on the Quinsboro Road in Bray ‘recipe for disaster’, according to Wicklow TD

Wicklow County Council’s transport committee heard at a recent meeting that the permanent closure of the level crossing is being considered as part of the development of the Dart+ Coastal South programme.

Irish Rail’s Dart+ project aims to expand the capacity of the Dart network and increase the frequency of services.

Increased dart services would mean longer level crossing closure times, which would lead to traffic congestion. Irish Rail is considering the closure of some level crossings on the Dart line as part of the expansion programme, and the redirection of all forms of traffic.

If a decision was made to close the the level crossing on the Quinsboro Road, traffic travelling to the Strand Road could be redirected via Seapoint Road.

Sinn Féin TD John Brady said he has very serious concerns about the possible closure of the level crossing and will write to the Transport Minister to outline his opposition.

“It is very concerning that discussions are taking place with a view of possibly closing the vital level crossing which is located at Bray Dart Station. This vital crossing over the rail tracks leads to Bray Seafront is an extremely busy crossing. I have very serious concerns that Iarnród Éireann, the National Transport Authority (NTA) or any other body would contemplate its closure as it would cause chaos and result in no added benefits for rail users.”

“For anyone to think that redirecting traffic from this crossing down the Seapoint Road with its height restricted bridge would work, is showing a real lack of knowledge of the area. This is a recipe for disaster. The height restricted bridge on the Seapoint Road is not designed for a high volume of traffic, it is neither wide enough nor high enough.

“Fire tenders are unable to pass under it due to height restrictions, so closing the level crossing would seriously restrict access to the seafront for emergency vehicles, putting public safety at risk.

“Safety on the Seapoint Road is currently under threat due to plans to develop a bridge over the Dargle River leading onto the road. The road is not suitable for the increased volume of traffic from a bridge such as that. However, the notion of all traffic redirected down Seapoint coupled with that of a bridge is a recipe for chaos and disaster and must be opposed.”

Deputy Brady said he has written to the Minister for Transport Eamonn Ryan, the NTA and Irish Rail to request a meeting to discuss the plans and outline his opposition.

A spokesperson for Irish Rail previously confirmed that the permanent closure of some level crossings on the coastal rail line between Dublin and Greystones is under consideration as part of the Dart+ programme, but no proposals have been finalised.

Any changes to level crossings, including at Bray, would have require planning permission from An Bord Pleanala.