Six-Year Coastal Erosion Study Published

Crumble to the sea…

atest press release from Simon Harris TD, issued on Tuesday, February 2nd 2021…

Greystones Fine Gael Councillor Derek Mitchell and Wicklow Minister Simon Harris TD have welcomed the publication of the Coastal Erosion Study.

Cllr Derek Mitchell stated: “I welcome the release of this report which has taken Irish Rail & Arup some years to prepare. It has studied from Merrion Gates in Dublin to Wicklow Town where the rail line is at risk in most of these areas. Arklow and Brittas Bay were also included. It recommends solutions in each area:

1. Bray Head to Greystones, upgrading Bray Head structures, beach nourishment (placing shingle on beach) and detached breakwaters (short breakwaters just offshore) which reduce the waves reaching the beach. This needs a detailed study of rainwater flowing off Bray Head also.

2. Greystones to Wicklow, detached breakwaters, some beach nourishment, dune regeneration, upgrade and extend the Murrough revetment.

3. Arklow North Beach, offshore breakwater and beach nourishment

4. Arklow South Beach, large scale beach nourishment.

5. Brittas Bay, dune management by protection and planting.

“Work is also detailed at Merrion Gates and Killiney. The area North of Bray Harbour is not dealt with as work is more advanced and is proceeding.

“Irish Rail is proceeding with more detailed studies of areas from Dublin to Wicklow with funding from the Department of Transport. This will cost a lot of money and will be done in stages. Urgent works, such as on the Murrough where there was much erosion with the weekend storm, will be done but now in accordance with the overall plan.”

Minister Simon Harris added: “I very much welcome the publication of the Wicklow Coastal erosion study. This will form the basis of not only the refurbishment of the railway line, but also the protection of our coastline. I know many community groups that have eagerly awaited the publication of this document as it will have major implications for local amenities such as the Murrough and the proposed East Coast Greenway.

“The development of an overall plan opens up a number of exciting opportunities for the community.”

You can check out the study’s findings here.