Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has expressed disappointment that an application for funding to reinstate the Coastal Walk at North Beach in Arklow has been turned down. The application for funding was made to the Department of Rural and Community Development. The popular walk was destroyed during Storm Ophelia in 2017.
Expressing disappointment Deputy Brady said “It is deeply disappointing that Arklow again is forgotten by this government. The application was made to the Minister of Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The coastal walk in Arklow has remained closed since it was destroyed during Storm Ophelia in 2017.”
“Enhanced coastal protection is needed at North Beach also. In January 2018 Minister Boxer Moran visited Arklow to have a look at the damage to the coastal walk and see where the coastal protection was needed. A study of the Wicklow coast line is in the process of being carried out and this will look at where protection is needed. This process will however take time before any plans are advanced to deal with the coastal protection.”
Deputy Brady concluded “Funding must be secured for the immediate reinstatement of the widely used amenity. We can’t have a situation were nothing is done with the coastal walk until the upgrade of the coastal protection scheme happens. This could take a number of years and the people of Arklow can’t be left waiting for the reinstatement of the popular walk. I will continue to push for funding to have the work carried out so it can be reopened as soon as possible.”
