Matthews confirms protection works and funding for Murrough 

Green Party Deputy Steven Matthews has confirmed protection works and Irish Rail funding for the Murrough in Wicklow Town following disasterous damages in the aftermath of Storm Babet.

“The Murrough coastal walk in Wicklow suffered further serious erosion and loss of the coastal path over the weekend due to Storm Babet,” said Deputy Steven Matthews from his site visit on Monday morning.

“The damage is significant and a new section of pathway has had to be created running close to the rail line and further from the coastal edge.“

“This area has been under threat for years from storm surges and erosion and each year we lose a bit more of the route. This is only going to get worse due to climate change. With sea level rise, and the increasing intensity and frequency of storms and weather events, this will create serious flooding and erosion at low lying land along our Wicklow east coast.“

According to the official, the funding is now available through Irish Rail, and the protection works can proceed.

Also, there is a requirement to extend the rock protection by around 300m to prevent further loss at a vulnerable pinch point near the ‘monkey pole’, added Matthews.