Storm damage forces closure of sections of Louth coastline
Louth County Council has cordoned off a storm‑damaged stretch of coastline at Salterstown, a well‑known destination for sea swimmers, after winter storms left the area severely undermined.
The damage, which affects the narrow coastal road and adjacent shoreline, was raised at the recent meeting of Ardee Municipal District.
Cllr. Pearse McGeough told the meeting that the area is in “bad need of rock armour” to prevent further coastal erosion, warning that the route now poses a “potential danger” to motorists, walkers, and other road users.
A local resident also contacted independent.ie to highlight the extent of the erosion, with photographs of the affected stretch show significant undermining along the edge of the road.
In a statement, Louth County Council confirmed it is “aware of the significant coastal erosion that has occurred along Salterstown Strand Road.”
Initial inspections by council staff found that sections of the existing rock armour have been displaced following recent severe sea conditions.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: “As an immediate safety measure, our operations crew has barriered off the affected areas to protect the public.”
The council has now begun preparing a work plan to repair the damage and strengthen the coastal defences. The spokesperson added that this plan will aim to reinforce protections and ensure the continued safety of road users and the wider community.
The local authority have also applied to the Department of Transport for additional emergency funding to carry out works on storm damaged areas across the county.