COASTAL EROSION is threatening the extensive sand dune system in the Co Sligo seaside resort of Strandhill, where the golf course is also now at risk, according to local people.
Sligo-based Fianna Fáil Senator Marc MacSharry has called on the Government to provide emergency funding to avert “an unfolding coastal erosion disaster” which he says is posing a threat to “the integrity of the coastline, the very existence of Strandhill Golf Club and the community in Strandhill”.
Most of the popular walkway at the main beach in Strandhill has been washed away and Sligo County Council has been forced to block access for safety reasons.
A number of “SOS” (Save Our Sand Dunes) signs have been erected throughout the village as locals fear a popular amenity known as the Shelly Valley is under threat.
Strandhill has gained a reputation as one of the leading surfing destinations in the country.
Last year the council received emergency funding of almost €50,000 to protect the dunes and, while protective rock armour was erected, according to local businessman and surfer Neil Byrne, many of the measures taken were “washed out to sea” last month.
Mr Byrne, whose family runs the Strand Bar near the beach, acknowledged that the financial challenge facing the council was daunting.
“The council have tried, but this is a special area of conservation and under European law,” he said. “The State and the local authority have to protect it.” Mr Byrne estimated that up to 400 tourism jobs were at risk in the village.
While rip tides mean bathing is prohibited, there has been a surge in tourism in recent years.
Mr MacSharry told the Seanad last week that hundreds of thousands of euros would be needed to resolve the immediate threat.
Some local people have questioned whether what is happening is a natural phenomenon which happens in cycles over several decades. In the Seanad last week, Minister of State Brian Hayes said studies had shown that sometimes coastal erosion interventions caused problems farther along the coast.
Mr Hayes, who has responsibility for the Office of Public Works, said €45 million had been allocated this year for flood relief schemes and it would be up to the council to make a submission for further funding once a consultants’ report is complete.
Mr Hayes said that the council had received €423,000 for protection works including a rock revetment (barrier) in 2010, while last year a further €47,700 was approved for other works and €11,500 for a coastal study.
The council said a report from specialist consultants RPS was due at the end of next month. A spokesman said the consultants would advise on changes in beach behaviour.