Extension of existing rock armour and creation of dune boardwalk part of coastal protection plan for Strandhill

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Cllr Fergal Nealon has welcomed significant progress on the Strandhill Coastal Protection project following a presentation this week by RPS- the appointed team of consultants to Sligo County Council, OPW officials, Councillors, and senior council staff.

Councillor Nealon said the outcome represents very positive news for the Strandhill community, confirming that all technical, environmental, and planning reports required for the next stage of works are now complete.

“This means the Part 8 planning process is expected to be advertised next week, with Phase 1 works potentially beginning in the coming months, subject to the statutory process,” he said.

The agreed approach adopts a clever, phased strategy, prioritising the most vulnerable sections of the coastline rather than attempting to address every at-risk area at once, a move which avoids further delays associated with additional studies and assessments.

These Phase 1 works will be: protecting the most vulnerable area 90metres north of current promenade revertment (parallel to the private car park).

Phase 2 which is due to begin next year includes:

· Upgrading existing revetment structures in front of the promenade with heavier stone, extending their lifespan and improving resilience to current and future wave conditions;

· A 90-metre extension of the existing rock armour revetment north of the current protection near the car park (reinforcement of phase 1 works).

· The construction of a dune boardwalk to manage pedestrian movement and protect natural coastal defences.

Councillor Nealon noted that additional options to extend protection north towards the wastewater treatment plant seawall have also been identified, but will require further studies in relation to sand and sediment movement and environmental impacts, and will be progressed in later phases.

“This project is ultimately about protecting Strandhill’s village amenities, our caravan park, roads, businesses, and recreational facilities , in a way that combines solid engineering solutions with natural coastal protection measures,” he said.

He added that the phased approach effectively ‘buys time’, allowing the necessary consents and permissions to be secured while ensuring immediate vulnerabilities are addressed without delay.

“The OPW has confirmed its commitment, funding is in place, and there is now a clear consensus on the best path forward,” Councillor Nealon said.

Reflecting on the journey to date, Councillor Nealon acknowledged the persistence required to reach this milestone.

“Since being elected in 2024, I have consistently raised concerns about the urgency of this issue and the length of time it has taken to reach this point. I am pleased to see that this sustained effort is now delivering results,” he said.

Councillor Nealon also paid tribute to those who played a key role in advancing the project.

“I want to acknowledge the work of the Strandhill Community Development Association subcommittee on erosion, the three Government TDs and two Ministers Harkin and Feighan, the Environmental Services and Engineering teams within Sligo County Council, and OPW officials, many of whom have strong local connections for their commitment and cooperation,” he said.

He also thanked local media for maintaining focus on the issue.

“Local coverage, helped keep this issue firmly on the agenda and ensured momentum was maintained.”

Councillor Nealon concluded by emphasising the importance of continued collaboration.

“This project shows what can be achieved when local communities, local authorities, and national agencies work together. The message for Strandhill is clear, there is a plan, it is moving forward, and the village is being prioritised.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.