Simon Harris Welcomes New Report on Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk

Wicklow County Council has been under pressure to restore access to the area  iconic cliff walk for over four years.

The Tánaiste is welcoming a new report on the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk. The Wicklow TD says its publication is a further important step in bringing much-needed clarity and urgency to this issue.

Wicklow County Council has been under extensive pressure to restore full public access to the iconic Bray to Greystones cliff walk. It was partially closed to the public in early 2021 after a landslide. A further rockfall in November 2022 that sent three large boulders crashing onto the path.

A new engineering report raises serious safety concerns about the famous coastal walk. The RPS Group identified several areas with rock fractures likely to lead to more danger. It highlights:

 

"... the entire cliff slope shows signs of landsliding. Meaningful remediation of the coastline regression in this area would require extensive coastal protection on the foreshore.

"...initial examinations suggest potential for more failures as a result of adverse intersection of discontinuities."

Tánaiste Simon Harris says the findings underline the scale of the challenge but also the need for urgency.

The report confirms what we all know in Wicklow, this walk is an essential amenity, hugely valued by local residents, businesses and visitors and we must put our shoulder to the wheel for its restoration.

For far too long, this unique walk has been closed. This has caused huge frustration, especially for businesses nearby the walk who have suffered from this closure.

This latest report highlights the scale of work that still needs to be done but let me be clear: we need to get on with it.

I welcome the fact that consultants and Wicklow County Council are actively engaged in this process, and I along with Fine Gael Councillors in the area, will continue to push to ensure the restoration of the Cliff Walk happens as quickly as possible.

The Cliff Walk is an essential amenity in our county and must not be left idle.

The Tánaiste concluded by saying:

“I share the determination of the local community and campaigners to see it reopened and will continue to make it a top priority. I will keep working with all stakeholders until that happens.”

It's understood the report is being reviewed by Wicklow County Council and Iarnród Éireann for comment.