Commencement of additional Interim Emergency Works to combat Coastal Erosion in Portrane

Fingal County Council has engaged contractors to install an additional 800 ”SeaBee” reinforced concrete units along the beach in Portrane above the Mean High  Water Level.  The “SeaBees” are designed to reduce the force of waves impacting the coastline during stormy conditions.

Members of the Fingal Coastal Liaison Group, comprising local councillors and members of communities affected by coastal erosion, were briefed about the project in recent weeks and are supportive of the additional measures.

Installation will be carried out during April and early May.  It should be noted that these works are considered critical in the context of the COVID-19 restrictions and associated construction exemptions apply.  The works will be progressed in line with the HSE recommendations and requirements.

Three lines of “SeaBee” units will be placed along the Beach to protect an additional 565 linear meters of the coastline vulnerable to erosion during storms and high tides.

Fingal County Council has had extensive engagement with the Office of Pubic Works (OPW) and the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) in relation to the emergency measures.  The Council is applying to the OPW for grant funding to cover the cost of the works.

In addition to these Emergency Works, consultants appointed by Fingal County Council have prepared a plan to address significant and long-term Coastal Change in the Rogerstown Outer Estuary including the Rush coastline.  Due to the ecological sensitivity of the site and the complexity of the issues involved, it is likely that the assessment of this plan which will include extensive public consultation, environmental evaluation and the relevant consent processes will take over a year to complete.