No More Unto The Breaches…?

I wash the line…

Latest press release from Cllr Tom Fortune, issued on Thursday, October 8th 2020…

Cllr Tom Fortune has spoken out about yesterday’s devastating news for Newcastle and Kilcoole residents.

Irish Rail announced they would no longer keep the Breaches clear from blocking up. This is a vital service as it prevents this area and some Newcastle resident properties from flooding. It also has flooding implications for residents as far as the sea front in Kilcoole. Cllr Fortune is calling for urgent action.

Mr. John Nugent of Newcastle Airfield had been doing this work for years, but in recent times he was informed by Irish Rail that that they would take over. However, there was damage done recently to an Irish Rail digger, and at a meeting in last couple of days, they have informed Mr Nugent that they are ceasing this activity.

We are all shocked at this decision.

Cllr Fortune understands that they spoke with Wicklow County Council suggesting that perhaps Mr. Nugent could resume the job of clearing any blockage. Insurance became a blocking point for WCC.

Cllr Fortune says the obvious solution is to have Mr Nugent do this work which he is willing to do and is calling for Wicklow County Council to put this solution in place immediately or else confirm this week that they are going to do it, with the structure and manpower in place.

There are very concerned residents in Kilcoole and Newcastle very worried about this decision, and this situation needs to be resolved as soon as possible.