Action on coastal erosion at Standhill required immediately – Mac Sharry
Published on: 06 April 2012
Fianna Fáil Senator Marc Mac Sharry has called on the Government to honour the commitment given to him in January this year by Minister of State Brian Hayes to take action against severe coastal erosion at Stranhill Hill, Co. Sligo. The national tourist attraction and amenity that is Strandhill is in danger of severe damage without immediate remedial action.
Senator Mac Sharry said: “The report of RPS Consulting Engineers is extremely important and outlines a series of measures that should be taken, costing €290,000. I raised this issue with Minister Hayes who has responsibility for the Office of Public Works in advance of the report being completed. The amenity in Strandhill is not just for the people of Sligo, it is a national tourist amenity and one of the major centres for surfing in Ireland facing the Atlantic. However the coastal erosion is an unfolding disaster and is a threat not just to the beach and Shelly Valley but to other areas like Strandhill Golf Club and the car parking site.
“The report is very detailed and I commend the work carried out for it. It outlines how the erosion from very unusual weather conditions in May last year caused significant damage and the resulting storms in November and December exposed rock beneath the beach for the first time in decades.
“I am calling on the Government to move quickly now to ensure the remedial work recommended in put in place. The report recommends a new ramp structure which would protect the exposed and sensitive areas while at the same time providing safe pedestrian access. However this is estimated to cost almost €300,000.
“I raised the prospect of significant costs being required with Minister Hayes back in January and he assured me swift action could be taken. The Minister said: ‘I will have no difficulty in examining what progress, if any, can be made with an application that may come from Sligo County Council.’ I am urging Sligo County Council and the Minister to meet on this very important issue, not just for Sligo but for the country, and bring about the work that is need to protect this important national amenity,” concluded Senator Mac Sharry.
Read or download the full report here:
