Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has expressed serious concerns about extensive new erosion at the Murrough in Wicklow Town during recent storm Emma. He has called on the Minister with responsibility for the OPW Boxer Moran to ensure that funding is put in place immediately to protect the amenity and the rail line.
Speaking after inspecting the recent erosion Teachta Brady said “The issue of protecting the Murrough needs to be taken serious and progressed as quickly as possible. During Storm Emma several meters of coastline the length of the Murrough was swept into the Irish Sea. Not only further diminishing the public amenity, but also putting the rail line at risk.
“In January I along with other public representatives walked the Murrough with Minister Moran and showed him the extent of the erosion and left him under no illusion as to why it needs to be protected. He gave assurances that he would work with Wicklow County Council on a technical report with a view of securing funding from his Department for the extensive coastal protection works that are needed.
“He however now needs to ensure the report is completed and that funding is forthcoming immediately for the extensive coastal protection works that are needed. During Storm Emma the pre-cast concrete units that were installed in 2016 following Storm Frank along a small section of coastline, only gave very limited protection. Storm Emma washed away several meters of coastline directly behind the defences. The best option would be off-shore protection units; this would provide more extensive protection the full length of the Murrough.
Teachta Brady concluded “I have been in direct contact with the Minister again on this important issue. Unfortunately time isn’t on our side when it comes to protecting the Murrough; action must be taken now before we lose this important amenity for good.
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