The North Beach in Arklow is at risk of disappearing unless there is swift investment in coastal protection, according to local TD Stephen Donnelly.
“Rock armour needs to be completed and groynes that were promised were never built,” Donnelly said. “This underinvestment needs to be addressed before there are further breaches of the system like there was near Porter’s Rock recently.”
Coastal erosion has become a major issue for residents in Arklow who have seen the beaches at the leisure centre and duck pond all but vanish in recent years.
Donnelly asked Minister Brian Hayes to address the issue at a recent meeting of the Committee for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Committee was discussing the budget for the OPW, which includes flood defences.
“Minister Hayes told me that he was aware of the issues in Arklow and that there were funds available. He said that it was up to the County Council to apply to the OPW. I will be taking this up with the County Council and asking them to make an application to the OPW,” Donnelly said.
