WCC Addresses Greystones’ Gategate

Those pearly gates…

atest press release from Wicklow County Council, issued on Tuesday, December 2nd 2021…

Over the last number of years concerns have been raised regarding overtopping at Greystones Harbour during weather events similar to those that occurred last Friday and Saturday during which significant overtopping occurred along the northern breakwater.

In addition, during late summer this year antisocial behaviour along the breakwater raised significant safety issues.

Sispar Ltd, in accordance with the Concession Agreement signed with Wicklow County Council, are responsible for the delivery, management and operation of the Greystones Harbour and North Beach Project.

In late summer representatives from Sispar Ltd contacted Wicklow County Council as they were experiencing complaints regarding anti-social behaviour at the northern breakwater, which were raising significant health and safety concerns. An Garda Síochána were consulted but unfortunately it was not possible to resolve the matter. Sispar Ltd subsequently requested the assistance of Wicklow County Council and permission was sought to erect a temporary fence at the entrance to the northern breakwater.

In order to support Sispar Ltd, Wicklow County Council engaged the services of a contractor for the supply and installation of a gate at the northern breakwater. The contractor installed the gate yesterday (November 30th). During the installation process it was necessary to temporarily close off the breakwater for a short period. This was done in the interest of health and safety and is not considered unusual for a temporary work site. Works were completed by approximately 2pm. The boardwalk, southern breakwater and rest of the development remained open during the installation process.

The gate is a safety feature which will be deployed predominately during weather events but there will also be an option to temporarily close the gate if there are significant safety concerns along the breakwater such as antisocial behaviour impinging on the safety of other harbour users. With regard to overtopping, research from the UK indicates that between 1999 and 2002 at least 12 deaths were attributed to overtopping at coastal paths, breakwaters and seawalls.

Wicklow County Council does not envisage having to close the breakwater often and in this regard the Environment Section of Wicklow County Council will be setting out clear criteria under which the gate can be closed.

You can read yesterday’s Guide piece that finally sparked Wicklow County Council into explaining their actions here.