Strandhill emergency works aims to tackle erosion as fears emerge caravan park and waste water treatment plant could potentially be lost to the sea

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

A plan to tackle coastal erosion at Sligo’s popular Strandhill beach includes the installation of tonnes of rock armour.

The plan has been described as a temporary solution to the problem which was exacerbated by last winter’s storms.

The report recommends works including the, “placing of 2,500 tonnes of 1-3 tonne rock armour onto a 90 metre section of the upper foreshore.”

Erosion of the coast in Strandhill has been significant over the past number of years and the report states that potential loss of up to 50m land to the sea could result in the partial but significant loss of the Cummeen Strand/ Drumcliff Bay SAC, Strandhill Camping and Caravan Park and potentially threaten the Strandhill Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Councillors were presented with the Emergency Works Report at the monthly meeting of Sligo County Council.

Director of Services Jim Molloy told councillors, “This is a standalone project, it is a temporary solution.”

Referring to the deterioration that has occurred and the need for urgent works to be carried out, Mr Molloy said, “It came to a head last winter.”

Prior to the publication of the report, a public consultation was held with nine submissions lodged with the Local Authority in relation to the proposed works.

A submission from Strandhill Surf Club raised concerns regarding future access to the sea and the potential negative impact of the works on the area’s world-famous surf.

A summary of the submission included in the report calls for, “provision of safe access to surfing either at existing or a new location.”

It is feared further damage may be caused to Strandhill beachfront if emergency works are not carried out. © Carl Brennan

In relation to potential negative impact on the waves, the submission says the Ccouncil should “assess the potential impact of the works on wave reflection, currents, scour, beach profile on the main beach on the various surf breaks along the Strandhill seafront.”

“We ask that County Sligo Surf Club be formally included as a stakeholder in discussions with the Ccouncil regarding all current and future proposed coastal works at Strandhill.”

The Chief Executive’s response to the submission reads: “Sligo County Council will review separately to this project opportunities to repair or provide a new access point subject to available funding.”

It also stated the Local Authority, “will continue to engage with stakeholders in the Strandhill area.”

In relation to concerns expressed regarding the potential impact on wave reflection, currents, scour, beach profile on the main beach on the various surf breaks along the Strandhill seafront, the report stated, “Sligo County Council notes this response.”

Concern has been expressed that emergency works could effect the world class surfing at Strandhill. © Carl Brennan

Describing the location where works are urgently required, the report notes, “The site is located in proximity to a number of European sites including Ballysadare Bay SAC, located 200 m south-west, and the Cummeen Strand/Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) Special Area of Conservation (SAC), located 200m north. Ballisodare Bay Special Protection Area (SPA) and Cummeen Strand SPA are located 150m southwest and 1.1km north, respectively, from the Proposed Development. In accordance with the Sligo County Development Plan 2024-2030 (‘the Sligo CDP’) the Proposed Development is located within a visually sensitive area.”

Other proposed works include: Associated hardstanding areas; Site access via Strandhill Promenade with associated visibility display and fencing; temporary construction compound and associated site development works and compound.

The report notes that, “The Sligo County Action Plan has outlined that coastal erosion and coastal flooding already pose a significant risk for County Sligo and has resulted in disruption of transport networks and damage to coastal habitats, particularly at Strandhill.

“Rising sea levels will increase the rate of coastal erosion and frequency of coastal inundation, resulting in an increased coastal erosion and flood risk for County Sligo.”

Referring to the impact of coastal erosion if no remedial action is taken the report states, “The existing coastal defence structures are estimated to have a residual design life of 12 years with erosion resuming at an average rate of 0.94metre per year upon their failure. The rock revetment and seawall at Strandhill are estimated to have a combined residual design life of 24 years.

“Based on historical rates, the coastline between Strandhill and the Waste Water Treatment Plant revetment could retreat by up to .94m over the long term. Future climate change and rising sea levels could result in an additional 15 – 50m of coastal retreat over the long-term.

“Erosion of this magnitude could result in the partial but significant loss of the Cummeen Strand/ Drumcliff Bay SAC, Strandhill Camping and Caravan Park and potentially threaten the Strandhill WWTP if the existing rock revetment was not maintained.”

The report concluded by stating, “It is considered that the proposed development would be consistent with the policies and objectives of the County Development Plan and the Strandhill Village Plan 2024 - 2030 and with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

“There is therefore no objection to the proposal progressing in accordance with the documents, plans and particulars which went on public display.”

The report was welcomed by Cllr Declan Bree who agreed urgent work is needed to address the issue of coastal erosion in Strandhill in order to prevent further damage and to allow the OPW to develop and implement a long-term plan to alleviate matters.

“It is obvious that the proposed works are vital and that this intervention is urgently required to halt the severe coastal erosion that directly threatens Strandhill’s public infrastructure.

“Over the past number of years, powerful Atlantic storms and rising sea levels have aggressively eaten away at the upper foreshore, bringing the coastline closer and closer to the pedestrian footpath and car park.”

Evidence of the erosion along Strandhill beachfront. © Carl Brennan

“Without the placement of the rock armour, further high tides risk undercutting and undermining the coastline, which could cause severe, long-term damage.

“In this context, the proposed emergency works have been welcomed by local residents and business owners.

“Securing this short, vulnerable stretch of coastline will provide some peace of mind and will buy crucial time for the Office of Public Work to support the implementation of a long-term, sustainable coastal management strategy for Strandhill,” concluded Cllr Bree.

Speaking in favour of the report, Cllr Fergal Nealon remarked, “What we are talking about here is the Shore Road, the Caravan Park, the sewage plant, Strand Celtic. I don’t want to be sitting here in February talking about what we lost over the winter.”

Cllr Nealon also noted the submission from the surf club in which they outlined their concerns regarding safe access to the sea.

Cllr Ann Higgins also spoke in favour of the report when she said, “Strandhill is a key tourism destination but first and foremost it is home. The emergency works are so badly needed.”

Cllr Donal Gilroy expressed reservations but also welcomed the report saying, “I always have a concern about rock armour; the sea doesn’t stop.”

Cllr Gilroy expressed the view that an element of coastal erosion in Rosses Point can be put down to the placement of rock armour adding, “This is a very important peninsula that has to be protected.

“Rock armour is a temporary solution,” he said, adding, “I still support doing it, but we have to be very careful and vigilant.”

Cllr Marie Casserly thanked Minister of State. Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, “who has committed funding,” adding, “It is for the protection of residents and businesses.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.