Once More Onto The Breaches

The Beaches at Sunset. Pic: Chris Dobson

atest press release from Simon Harris TD, issued on Tuesday, December 7th 2021…

Wicklow Fine Gael Minister Simon Harris TD has called on Wicklow County Council to apply for funding for flood prevention measures under the Office of Public Works’ Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

Minister Harris said: “In July I brought my colleague, the Minister for Public Works Patrick O’Donovan TD, to meet residents at the Breaches to examine the flood threat and see first-hand the hazard posed to homes and local businesses.

In recent weeks I have been in contact with the Council Management including Chief Executive to set out the urgency of the situation and that the OPW is awaiting a funding application from the Council.

The arrival of Storm Barra this week highlights the urgency of the situation.”

Minister Harris also thanked Irish Rail for their assistance in recent weeks to keep the Breaches clear: “I would also like to thank the team at Irish Rail who responded to a number of requests from me to clear blockages at the coastline including this week with the onset of Storm Barra.

Broaching the Breaches breach

“While Irish Rail had traditionally kept the Breaches clear, their responsibility for this shifted to the local authority and the National Parks and Wildlife Service in recent years.

“I am very grateful for the support that Irish Rail has provided the community to date, but it is unfair that the community must rely one off discretionary assistance of Irish Rail to clear blockages and I have urged the council to finally resolve the matter by applying to the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.”