Dan Walsh reports from Courtown today
During the February meeting of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, members expressed concern regarding the issue of coastal erosion and advocated for appropriate measures to address the matter.
Enda Brennan, the Executive Engineer responsible for Environmental matters, was reminded by members about the damage at Kiltennel and the importance of beach nourishment, as well as potential erosion affecting properties managed by Coilte, the OPW, and Courtown Golf Club. Recent severe storms have further exacerbated the situation in this area.
The coastline north of the Burrow River entrance has been eroded by the sea, leaving the rock armour stranded several metres from the beach and no longer serving its intended purpose.
Cllrs Pip Breen, Mary Farrell and Oliver Walsh all addressed issues of coastal erosion in their areas. Problems at Cahore, Old Bawn, Ballyconnigar, and Ballinamona beaches are also being assessed by Wexford County Council. Mr. Brennan will provide an update and report at the next meeting.
Meanwhile in Dáil Éireann Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow-Wexford constituency Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD, highlighted concerns in Leinster House, noting that along Cahore, Glascarrig, Courtown, Castletown, Arklow and right up to Brittas Bay, the coastline is disappearing at an alarming rate. With changing weather patterns and more frequent storms, erosion is becoming a major issue that requires urgent action to protect our coastline.
Teachta Ó Súilleabháin said; “The beautiful and historic Courtown Woods have lost an area equivalent to 18 football pitches in recent decades. The Kiltennel walking trail is being swept away, and the Arklow walking trail up to Brittas is being devastated. These coastal walks are hugely important for health and well-being, and they are being absolutely destroyed.
“With climate change accelerating the problem, coastal communities are genuinely worried about the future of their homes.
Further north towards Dublin, reports have highlighted how erosion could affect rail infrastructure raising additional concerns about potential impacts on towns such as Arklow and Gorey.”
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin asked what measures the Government is taking to address these issues. He noted, however, that while reports are welcome, action is urgently needed. “Coastal erosion is not a new problem, and just like the flooding we have seen during recent storms, the Government needs to be proactive as well as reactive.
“Major investment is required now to slow the devastation occurring along our coastlines,” concluded Teachta Ó Súilleabháin.
WexfordLocal.com 