Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow John Brady has cautiously welcomed the slow progress on coastal protection works at the Murrough in Wicklow town and North Beach in Arklow.
Teachta Brady said:
“I have received a comprehensive update from the Minister with responsibility for flood relief Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran this week. This came after much back and forth with the Minister since his visit at my request to both sites in Wicklow last January.
“On Friday, officials from the Minister’s office will meet with officials from Wicklow County Council to progress plans. The Minister has informed me that he will fund coastal protection studies at both the Murrough and North Beach and that they will be completed within weeks. He estimates that this will cost between €55,000 and €76,000.
“Minister Moran has also confirmed to me that he will look favourably on the application for funding which will be approved by him in conjunction with the options put forward by the studies.
“I reiterated to the Minister the urgency for the work to be carried out. Considerable damage has and continuous to happen at both sites, both are of huge amenity value, the continued erosion is also undermining existing coastal protection.
“Progress has been extremely slow, its important that the Minister expedites the process. Critically however, what we don't want is another report on what needs to happen to protect both areas. There have been enough reports carried out that alone could be used as coastal protection. We need solid assurances that at the end of this process funding will be made available. I will continue to work on this issue to ensure that the crucial works needed at both the Murrough and North Beach is carried out.”
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