The Cove - Remedial Works
Councillors in Greystones have called again for remedial work to be carried out as a matter of urgency at ‘the Cove’, following recent damage by Storm Babet which has left the hugely popular bathing area unsafe for users.
At the September meeting of Greystones Municipal District, Green Party Councillor Lourda Scott and Social Democrats Councillor Mark Barry tabled what was a particularly prescient motion that: ‘A report to be commissioned to design and cost the upgrade of the path, steps and create an area to jump from the rock formation at the cove, the construction of a jump platform to be similar in height to the rock formation. Note: The cove rock peninsula is slowly becoming run down and before becoming not fit for purpose, a forward plan to create a positive space for residents of the town to gather to access and egress the water with ease.’
At the very same meeting, which took place on Tuesday, September 18, regarding the state of the paths at the Cove, Cllr Barry had even said “they should be looking to repairs now before the infrastructure is effectively washed away”.
It was stated however, by District Engineer Ruairi O’Hanlon, that while the Council put in the path to the sea, the concrete path to the rock formation thereafter was not done by the Council. He did accept the path in question was in a bad state and added that infrastructure in a marine environment was always costly, even the handrails that were recently installed came to €15,000.
Cllr Scott, who as far back as last February had raised the issue of turning the Cove into a designated bathing area, said she was not surprised that facilities have finally given way to nature after the recent storms.
"It's no surprise to see the damage at the Cove following this week's storm,” she said. “The area there is hugely popular for swimming. However, in general it has been in need of improvements for a long time now, and needs to be future-proofed against more storm damage.
"Myself and Cllr Mark Barry tabled a motion to the Council asking that the path be upgraded, along with other improvements. It seems that this now needs to be done as a matter of urgency. With climate change, we are going to see more damage from weather events and we have to start planning now."
Cllr Barry also said the area which is used by swimmers to enter the sea is no longer fit for purpose.
“The Cove has become a very important facility for swimmers over the last few years, used extensively for both leisure and training for local sports clubs etc.” said Cllr Barry.
“The recent storms have once again highlighted the need for urgent attention to this most precious local amenity. The existing entrance point to the sea is no longer fit for purpose, with recent storms having further eroded the original steps and railings, and at this stage the facility would represent a safety concern for the many local users.
“Together with Cllr Lourda Scott, I have a proposal waiting to be tabled with Wicklow County Council, for plans and costing to upgrade the existing sea entrance facility.”
"We need to continue to encourage the use of these types of activities, but can only do so with the proper facilities in place. Although this swimming area from the rocks is used year round, it is only realistic to perform remedial works during the fine weather, and with that I will be pushing to have works completed in time for the summer 2024 swim season.”
Meanwhile, following the recent storms, Clean Coasts North Wicklow have put the call out for Greystones residents to join a beach clean, which takes place on Sunday, October 29, at 10am, at Rise at the Cove. All equipment will be provided.
