Coastal erosion under the spotlight

CONCERNS have been raised that more properties will be flooded in Cromane, Glenbeigh and Rossbeigh as erosion continues to destroy the sand dunes at Rossbeigh beach.

Cllr Michael Cahill has called for Castlemaine harbour to be given special status to allow for funding to be assessed to put in place a flood prevention plan.

Kerry County Council have applied for funding from the OPW to carry out a Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management Study for the Coastal Cell area covering Rossbeigh, Inch and Cromane.

The council said that this study is required ahead of any proposed intervention works that could be considered.

Cllr Cahill said that the lack of urgency on this matter is putting homes in danger and will lead to more flooding.

“I am extremely concerned about a number of family homes that are in very real danger of flooding, particularly at Lower Cromane. If action is not taken, sooner rather than later, it will simply be too late.

“Relocation is now being seriously considered by a number of families due to the Government’s failure to help these communities, and this is most disappointing.”

He says that the areas affected include Incharea, Keelnabrack, Reenalagane, Dooks, Cromane, Glosha, Tullig, Gurrane, Reen, Killorglin, Callinafercy, Castlemaine, Keel and Inch. The FF councillor said that providing Castlemaine harbour with a special status would allow funding to be sourced to protect homes and infrastructure in the area.

“Up to 20 acres of sand dunes have been washed away at Rossbeigh during the past few month’s alone and this is extremely worrying as the sandspit at Rossbeigh has historically acted as a protection barrier for low-lying areas.

“This area is the most problematic in the country from an erosion and flooding perspective and a plan of action needs to be put in place immediately.”

Councillor Michael Cahill