EUROPEAN SUPERHIGHWAY E01
Alice Jordan
The First decade of the 21st century witnessed the development of a modern and remarkable road network in Ireland – an Engineering achievement that ranks with the great accomplishment of the past, such as rural electrification, the development of the railway network, and the development of the canal ways. The improvements to the road network are a legacy that will benefit future generations. - The National Roads Authority, 2000 - 2010.
Euopean Superhighway E01 European Superhighway E01, explores the road that runs along the south east of Ireland from Larne in Northern Ireland to Rosslare Port in the south. The road has caused significant controversy and protests during its construction, especially from small rural communities most affected by its construction. The communities directly impacted by the road are perceived to be collateral damage rather than being perceived as essential destinations with cultures and communities to support. In 1973 Ireland joined the European Union, along with The United Kingdom and Denmark. A move that would later open doors for smaller nations to, increase job creation and economic growth, Ireland became more appealing to multinational companies looking to set up European headquarters. At the turn of the century with EU funding, Ireland invested heavily in the development of its infrastructure, making much needed improvements to its’ roads and communications networks across the country. However, the improvement in infrastructure comes at a significant cost especially for small rural communities who are most affected by major roads cutting through farmlands, isolating small villages, noise, and air pollution, and threatening the livelihood of rural communities.
The Glen of the Downs Protests In 1997, during improvements of a part of the E01, Wicklow County Council compulsory purchased land in a nature reserve, which they planned to develop by removing a large number of Native Oak trees. Historically Ireland was covered in natural woodlands similar to the Glen of the Downs, much of it had been removed during the English occupation and was never replanted. Ireland had one of the lowest percentages of woodland cover in Europe. Protestors occupied the Glen of the Downs woodland for two years, in an attempt to convince the County Council to reconsider their infrastructure building plans. They built tree houses and created roped systems throughout the trees to move across the canopy, they also dug tunnels to weaken the forest floor, preventing the council from bringing in larger machinery needed to carry out the operation, causing significant delays by generating safety concerns. Following two years of resistance the protestors were arrested and forcibly removed from the area, allowing the council to complete the work. A growing concern for the protestors was that the road may need to be widened again in years to come. Twenty years later, following the original protest the council announced new plans to deal with increasing traffic in the area, one of the proposed plans is to wide the existing road again.
For many of the small villages and towns along the E01, the motorway has meant the end to passing trade. Prior to the E01, the journey between major destinations ran through these small communities, keeping local businesses alive with new customers and supporting local economy. Now most traffic avoids contact with these communities entirely leading to the closing of local amenities that were supported by passing trade but vital to local communities. Putting people out of jobs and forcing them out of the area to find work.
“Irish rural areas saw an increase in burglaries in the period following the millennium when the majority of the Irish motorway network was rolled out… the expansion of the motorway brought attractive rural targets closer to criminals… High quality roads like motorways are an artery to valuable stolen goods and a reliable escape route… Outside of Dublin, the counties with the highest burglary rates over the period are all directly accessible using the motorway network” - Agnew, K. (2020) ‘How new Irish motorways led to more rural crime.’ RTE.
With Britain leaving the European Union, many of the lorry drivers carrying goods between Ireland and mainland Europe are attempting to avoid complications with British Customs by taking a new trade route between the Irish port of Rosslare and Dunkirk. The increased traffic on this route has led to plans for further improvements and more disruption which will exacerbate the effects already felt by rural communities. While Ireland continues to grow economically and needs infrastructure such as the E01 to support it, the benefit of this economic growth isn’t felt by everyone. There is an increasing disparity between those who live in urban areas and those who live in rural Ireland. The environment and culture that once existed around Ireland is being extinguished as it’s railroaded to fuel the push for global trade and Influence.