Rockfall closes rail line until end of week

Dublin-bound commuters face more weather-related travel misery as the main rail line to the south-east will stay closed until at least the end of the week.

Following a rockfall above a tunnel near Bray Head, Iarnrod Eireann said a safety assessment of the cliff face was needed before removal work could begin, warning the route would remain closed indefinitely.

Travellers on trains and Dart services between Dublin and Wicklow and Wexford will be worst affected by the suspension.

The line is closed from Bray to Greystones, although Iarnrod Eireann insisted buses will be available to ferry commuters between the two stops.

Barry Kenny, Iarnrod Eireann spokesman, warned the closure could last for a significant period of time.

“This is not a ’back this evening’ job, it will certainly be all of this week and the potential is for it to go on a bit longer,” he said.

The rockfall fell close to the entrance of the first tunnel on Bray Head and is straining the protective nets above the line.

Mr Kenny said there was still instability on the cliff face and a safety assessment had to be carried out before efforts to remove the debris could begin.

Dart services to Greystones, Gorey commuter and Rosslare intercity services will all be affected. Bus transfers will operate between Bray and Greystones for all Dart passengers.

Meanwhile, Met Eireann has warned the wintry cold spell is to continue as further falls of sleet and snow blanketed parts of the country overnight.

There will be more wintry showers today with temperatures ranging between two and five degrees Celsius.