Green light for Rosses Point facilities but wait continues for boardwalk to allow permanent access to second beach

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The March monthly meeting of Sligo County Council received updates in relation to a number of projects in Rosses Point following a motion proposed by Cllr Declan Bree with a shelter for swimmer’s at Deadman’s Point set to move to construction this year. It was also confirmed that construction on the planned new outdoor water-based activities facility, providing hot water showers, changing and toilet facilities will commence in September of this year.

There was however, no such positive news in relation to a boardwalk to ensure 24 hour access to the second beach with confirmation received that works remain on hold pending discussions with the golf club.

Speaking on behalf of his motion Cllr Bree commented, “I have been lobbying for particular improvements in Rosses Point for quite some time particularly with regard to the upgrading of facilities at the Deadman’s Point Swimming Pool in addition to the provision of a Boardwalk to allow 24 hours safe access to the second beach. With the increase in people participating in year-round sea swimming following the pandemic it became obvious that there was a need to improve facilities at Deadman’s Point.

“I first brought the matter to the attention of Council officials back in October of 2022 when I was contacted by swimmers who pointed out the need for a shelter or covered area which would give them protection when changing in inclement weather.”

Cllr Bree outlined some of the challenges associated with this project saying, “Given the fact that Deadman’s Point is located in a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area it was obvious that numerous issues would have to be addressed so as to comply with the law before the Council could even consider carrying out improvement works. And I am aware of the onsite meetings which Council staff had with representatives of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and with the Environmental Consultants so as to consider improvements.”

Welcoming the news that the Deadman’s Point project is on course to proceed to construction this year Cllr Bree remarked, “I am pleased to note today that plan for the proposed shelter is progressing and that subject to the positive outcome to an environmental assessment we will see the project proceed to construction this year. I wish to thanks Directors of Services Emer Concannon and Brian Flynn, for progressing the project.”

There was no such good news in relation to the proposed Boardwalk that would allow uninterrupted access to the second beach at Rosses Point with Cllr Bree stating, “I have to say I am extremely disappointed with the lack of progress on this project. We are all aware that since the protective rock armour was installed by the Golf Club in Rosses Point, access to the second beach has been significantly reduced.

“The existing concrete ramp is the only public access to the beach and access is restricted during high tides when the lower section of the ramp is under water. People can now only safely access the beach for the short period when the tide recedes. The alternative is to climb over a concrete fence or to climb over the rock armour. For many people it means the enjoyment of walking the second beach is denied to them.”

Outlining some of the background to the campaign to have a boardwalk installed Cllr Bree recalled, “Consultants were appointed to carry out the preliminary design for the proposed boardwalk in 2024 and at the beginning of 2025 I was advised that a potential route for the boardwalk had been identified and this was to be discussed with relevant stakeholders including the National Parks and Wild Service and the County Sligo Golf Club.

“However in September last when I sought an update on the project I was told that extensive works carried out by the golf club had a significant impact on the design work which had been carried out and the Boardwalk project had been placed on hold. Today we have learned that the project is still on hold pending discussions with the golf club.”

Noting that “The works carried out by the golf club were unauthorised and did not have planning permission,” Cllr Bree expressed his anger and frustration at the delays preventing the project from being fully realised.

“Clearly it is unacceptable to leave this project on hold any longer. I am now asking that work continues to identify a corridor suitable for the boardwalk so as to allow the Council to complete the design work and seek the necessary funding to construct the boardwalk. And I would appreciate if we could have a progress report on this matter for our June monthly meeting.

Cllr Bree finished with some news with regard the new water-based activities facility “Which will provide hot water showers, changing and toilet facilities - we were first advised that funding had been allocated for this project back in 2021.

“I note from the report we have received today that the tenders the Council recently received for the construction of the facility were significantly above budget and that it will be re tendered in the coming months. I also note and welcome the positive opinion that construction work on the facility will commence in September of this year.”

The motion was supported by Cllr Thomas Walsh who said, “Deadman’s Point, it is good to see it progressing, good work is happening in Rosses Point,” adding, “Second beach access needs to be progressed.”

Cllr Tom McSharry also offered his support saying, “There are a lot of people using the second beach. It is important to keep the pressure on.”

Cllr Marie Casserly also voiced her backing for the motion saying, “It is important that once something is announced, if possible, that it is moved on as quickly as possible.”

The debate in relation to the motion concluded with Cllr Bree asking to be furnished with an update in relation to the boardwalk in three months.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.