Plans under way to stop erosion of old dump at north beach

PROGRESS has been made on plans to stop coastal erosion at an old landfill at Bray North Beach.

Deputy John Brady said that he has had discussions with various stakeholders, including Wicklow County Council, following further erosion to the cliff-side containing the dump during Storm Emma and other recent weather events.

While the landfill is located on Bray’s North Beach, it is on land under the remit of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. ‘ The dump contains more than 104,000 cubic meters of waste, including broken asbestos tiles and excessive levels of ammonia Cal nitrogen, potassium and manganese in the ground water,’ said Deputy Brady.

‘Due to coastal erosion, the old landfill is continuously being washed into the sea, causing considerable environmental damage.’

The company charged with the task, Malachy Walsh and Partners, has advanced on their initial plans for the project. Engineering, archaeological and architect surveys have been completed.

Wave modelling runs are being completed for extreme wave conditions and two preliminary coastal protection designs should be available by the end of April this year.

At that point, further discussions will take place amongst stakeholders, including Wicklow County Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and the relevant government departments.

Deputy Brady said that he is looking forward to moving onto the public consultation phase.

‘It is envisaged that by the end of this year there will be a comprehensive public consultation process and I will be keenly assessing how this process can be conducted with a wide range of public views included,’ he said. ‘For now at least, the public should be aware that I am advised there are ongoing and regular inspections of the area and clean-ups conducted when and where necessary. Both Wicklow County Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council are in regular contact with each other.’