Coastal Protection Works Proposed for Dundalk Bay Area

Louth County Council, Ireland, has announced its intention to carry out coastal protection works at two locations within the Dundalk Bay area.

The first proposed works location is along the shoreline of Dundalk Bay, at an area called Seabank, approximately 2km east of Castlebellingham village.

The second location is in the townland of Salterstown, approximately 2km southeast of Annagassan village.

SEABANK COASTAL PROTECTION WORKS

• Excavation of approx. 1m wide x 1m deep trench, 20m in length, along the toe of the existing shoreline embankment, to form a foundation for receiving the rock armor,
• Placement of rows of rock armor (large 1-3 tonne natural stone boulders) within this excavation and for a further 2m in height at a slope of approx. 30 degrees up the existing embankment to road level, and
• Placement of a layer of geotextile membrane underneath the rock armor to mitigate against any migration of fines.

SALTERSTOWN COASTAL PROTECTION WORKS

• Construction of a temporary stone haul road (approx. 150m in length and 5m wide) to the south of the proposed works location to facilitate access,
• Excavation of approx. 1m wide x 1m deep trench, 80m in length, along the toe of the existing shoreline cliff, to form a foundation for receiving the rock armor
• Placement of rock armor (large 3 tonne natural stone boulders) within this excavation,
• Placement of further rows of rock armor with each row stepped back, to form a sloped wall of interlocking rock armor up the cliff face to a height of approx. 2m above existing beach level.
• Placement of a layer of geotextile membrane underneath the rock armor to mitigate against any migration of fines.
• Removal in its entirety of the temporary haul road on completion of the protection works.

The Council also reported that a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed works.

Plans and particulars, including the Natura Impact Statement completed for both schemes, will be on display at the offices of Louth County Council until February 13th 2020.