Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has called for the immediate publication of the new engineering report into the Bray to Greystones cliff walk and for the Government to ensure the funding is provided to secure and restore full access to the route.
Speaking on the issue, Deputy Brady said:
“The Bray to Greystones cliff walk is one of the most iconic coastal routes in the country. It holds huge economic and recreational value for Greystones, Bray, and the wider Wicklow area. Every year it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, benefitting local businesses and the wider economy. Its closure has been a major loss, and people want to see progress towards reopening.”
The new engineering report, prepared by RPS, highlights significant safety issues including fractured rock faces, loose boulders, and ongoing cliff instability. Deputy Brady said this makes it all the more important that the report is published in full, so as the public are aware of the ongoing challenges with remedial works.
“The public deserve transparency. The report should be made public without delay, so that there is clarity about the scale of the works needed and a clear plan can be developed to restore this vital amenity. This report raises significant concerns regarding the future of the Cliff Walk and makes completing these works all the more important. This amenity is one of huge importance to the local communities and local economy, and it is vital the government act swiftly to address it”.
Deputy Brady was also critical of the Government’s handling of the project.
“For years there has been little or no movement from the Government, despite the importance of the cliff walk. Now we see Simon Harris recently taking a public interest in it, but words are not enough. He has had years in positions of influence to drive this project forward, yet nothing has happened. The community cannot afford to see this pushed to one side yet again.”
“The Government must now ensure the cliff walk is not forgotten, and that the funding is provided to carry out the necessary works. This is about protecting public safety, but it is also about protecting an asset of enormous value to Wicklow and beyond. I will continue to work with all stakeholders to hold the Government to account to ensure the Cliff Walk is reopened as soon as possible”.