Council await report on coastal erosion
COUNCILLORS are pressing on Wicklow County Council to pursue funding avenues to safeguard the Murrough from continuing erosion.
The Murrough is a 15km coastal wetland walk in Wicklow town which is hugely popular with walkers and runners. Over the years coastal erosion has eroded away sizeable sections of the Murrough, leading to increased calls to protect and preserve it against any further degradation.
Cllr Mary Kavanagh was the first elected member to raise the matter at the Wicklow County Council Zoom meeting held on Monday.
She commented: ‘Five years ago we had a meeting about coastal erosion that was attended by all of our TDs and councillors.
‘Assurances were given that something would be done about securing funding. The coastal erosion is continuing. The Murrough is our open air park. It is the one place where everyone goes and it would be a complete disaster if we lost it.’
Cllr Kavanagh added that a plan devised by a local marine consultant made some recommendations regarding the protection of the Murrough.
‘Breakwaters in the sea or groins on the beach would halt the waves hitting the very delicate shoreline. It would take all the impact out of the waves. It’s five years later since that meeting and nothing has been done.’
Wicklow County Council Chief Executive Frank Curran said a draft report had been carried out by Irish Rail, in conjunction with Wicklow County Council, over the whole coast the rail-line runs along from Merrion Gates in Dublin to Arklow.
He said: ‘ there are various proposals in the report. It has only just been completed and is with Irish Rail at the moment. It’s a big project and will cost in the region of €200 million to cover the whole lot.
‘It is necessary to protect the railway line, the Murrough and the greenway plans. It’s a big scheme. I will contact Irish Rail and see if they will give us a presentation.’
Cllr Irene Winters said the report has been with Irish Rail since August.
‘ That is five months ago. If they aren’t going to read it could they not give it to us so we can. Wicklow County Council and the OPW paid for the report as well. Five months is completely unacceptable.’