Major safety upgrade secured for north Wicklow cove as councillors back €50,000 investment
The Wicklow PeopleA long‑awaited safety upgrade for one of Greystones’ most cherished coastal amenities is now on the way, after district councillors voted to allocate €50,000 toward replacing and upgrading the deteriorating railings around The Cove.
The funding, drawn from the councillors’ discretionary Local Property Tax (LPT) allocation, comes in response to mounting concerns about public safety in an area that has seen significant wear and damage in recent years.
The initiative was brought forward collaboratively by Cllr Louise Fenelon‑Gaskin, Cllr Mark Barry, Cllr Lourda Scott, and Cllr Stephen Stokes, who have been working together to highlight the urgency of the issue. The proposal was formally tabled at the district’s April monthly meeting by Cllr Stokes and Cllr Scott, receiving what was described as “unwavering support” from their colleagues.
The railings at The Cove have been a point of contention for quite some time. Exposed to harsh coastal conditions, they have suffered progressive corrosion and damage, with some sections collapsing entirely.
As far back as 2021, councillors were already warning that the infrastructure was becoming unsafe, particularly for sea swimmers and people with limited mobility who rely on secure handholds and clear boundaries along the shoreline.
Despite intermittent repairs and ongoing calls for action, the deterioration continued. By 2026, entire stretches of railing were missing, leaving unprotected drops and creating what councillors described as a “real danger to the public".
For Cathaoirleach Cllr Lourda Scott, the decision is the culmination of persistent efforts to draw attention to the worsening conditions.
“I’ve been highlighting the condition of the railings at The Cove for quite a while now,” she said after the meeting.
“In some areas, they are completely gone, which poses a real danger to the public. I’m very pleased to see this funding approved so we can begin making the area safe again.”
Her comments reflect the concerns of many local residents who have watched the railings decline year after year, particularly as The Cove has grown in popularity among sea swimmers and visitors. The councillors emphasised that the issue transcended political lines and required a unified response.
Cllr Stephen Stokes described the investment as essential, noting the importance of The Cove to the community.
“This is a critical safety investment,” he said.
“The Cove is one of Greystones’ most popular amenities. It has a special place in the heart of local residents. This issue is particularly vital to those with less mobility. This investment will allow us to restore the railings and better protect everyone who uses the area.”
His remarks highlight the broader accessibility concerns that have accompanied the deterioration, with uneven surfaces and missing railings posing particular risks for older people and those with disabilities.
Cllr Louise Fenelon‑Gaskin also welcomed the decision, stressing the importance of maintaining coastal infrastructure.
“Our coastal amenities are hugely valued by the community, and it’s essential that they are properly maintained,” she said. “I was very happy to support this investment, which will ensure The Cove remains a safe and welcoming space for all.”
Her comments echo a long‑standing sentiment in Greystones that the town’s coastal character is central to its identity and quality of life, and that neglecting such amenities would have a visible and lasting future impact.
The historical context of the issue adds weight to the councillors’ sense of urgency.
Over the past five years, the wider Greystones to Bray coastline has faced significant challenges, including erosion, landslides, and infrastructure failures.
The Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk has been closed since 2021 due to landslides and ongoing instability, underscoring the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure in the region.
While the railings at The Cove are a smaller‑scale issue, they form part of this broader pattern of coastal wear and tear and the need for sustained investment in public safety.
Cllr Mark Barry highlighted the value of using the discretionary fund to respond quickly to such issues.
“This is a great example of councillors working together to address a clear local need,” he said.
“The use of the discretionary fund means we can respond decisively to issues like this, and I’m glad to back a project that will make such a visible and important difference.”
His remarks underline the practical advantage of the LPT‑funded discretionary mechanism, which allows councillors to act without waiting for multi‑year capital budgets or competing with larger county‑wide priorities.
With the funding now approved, the council is expected to progress the works in the coming months.
The project will involve restoring missing sections of railing, upgrading existing structures to a safer and more durable standard, and ensuring the design is resilient to the exposed coastal environment. While timelines have not yet been finalised, councillors have stressed the need for swift action given the current risks.