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Coastal erosion is threatening the extensive sand dune system
in the Co Sligo seaside resort of Strandhill, where the golf
course is also now at risk, according to local people.
Sligo-based Fianna Fáil Senator Marc MacSharry has called
on the Government to provide emergency funding to avert “an
unfolding coastal erosion disaster” which he says is posing
a threat to “the integrity of the coastline, the very existence
of Strandhill Golf Club and the community in Strandhill”.
Most of the popular walkway at the main beach in Strandhill
has been washed away and Sligo County Council has been forced
to block access for safety reasons.
A number of 'SOS' (Save Our Sand Dunes) signs have been erected
throughout the village as locals fear a popular amenity known
as the Shelly Valley is under threat.
Strandhill has gained a reputation as one of the leading
surfing destinations in the country.
Last year, the council received emergency funding of almost
€50,000 to protect the dunes - and, while protective rock
armour was erected, according to local businessman and surfer
Neil Byrne, many of the measures taken were “washed out to
sea” last month.
Mr Byrne, whose family runs the Strand Bar near the beach,
acknowledged that the financial challenge facing the council
was daunting.
“The council have tried, but this is a special area of conservation
and under European law,” he said. “The State and the local
authority have to protect it.” Mr Byrne estimated that up
to 400 tourism jobs were at risk in the village.
While rip tides mean bathing is prohibited, there has been
a surge in tourism in recent years.
Mr MacSharry told the Seanad that hundreds of thousands of
euros would be needed to resolve the immediate threat.
Some local people have questioned whether what is happening
is a natural phenomenon which happens in cycles over several
decades. In the Seanad, Minister of State Brian Hayes said
studies had shown that sometimes coastal erosion interventions
caused problems farther along the coast.
Mr Hayes, who has responsibility for the Office of Public
Works, said €45 million had been allocated this year for flood
relief schemes and it would be up to the council to make a
submission for further funding once a consultants’ report
is complete.
Mr Hayes said that the council had received €423,000 for
protection works including a rock revetment (barrier) in 2010,
while last year a further €47,700 was approved for other works
and €11,500 for a coastal study.
The council said a report from specialist consultants RPS
was due at the end of next month. A spokesman said the consultants
would advise on changes in beach behaviour.
Source - The Irish Times
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