Newly-Installed Cliff Walk Gate Is Lifted Out Just Days After Installation

The new gate is pulled out mere days after its installation sparked further fume from those fed up of the ongoing cliffwalk closure

A controversial metal gate installed last week on the Greystones to Bray Cliff Walk has been removed days after it was erected, following a strong backlash from walkers and campaigners.

The heavy-duty gate, which appeared on the route last Thursday (May 28th), was taken down sometime after Saturday evening. It had not yet been fitted with locks and was reportedly being held open with a wire tie.

According to Friends of the Cliff Walk on Instagram, the gate was later found removed from its metal post and left in bracken above the railway line. It is not known who took it down.

The structure had been installed by a subcontractor working for Wicklow County Council.

Friends of the Cliff Walk claims landowner permission was neither sought nor granted for workers to cross private property in order to erect the gate.

The group said the gate was extremely heavy and had to be transported into position using a mechanical digger.

Its installation triggered widespread anger among regular users of the Cliff Walk, with many describing it as another attempt to block access to the popular route.

Campaigners say the Council has pursued a policy of enforced closure on the Cliff Walk for more than five years, rather than adopting a managed-risk approach involving warning signs and protective fencing.

Supporters of continued access argue the route is a long-established public right of way used daily by walkers, joggers and tourists.

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