Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has welcomed the publication of a new economic report which highlights the significant financial cost of the ongoing closure of the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk. He has called for renewed focus and cross-party cooperation to ensure a clear pathway towards reopening the iconic trail.
“This report lays bare the enormous value of the Cliff Walk, not just as a treasured local amenity but as a key economic driver for the entire region,” said Deputy Brady. “It’s estimated that the national economy has lost tens of millions of euros since the closure in 2021, including around €21 million that would have gone to the Exchequer in tax revenue. That’s a major loss for the State – and it reflects just how important this walk is to our tourism and hospitality sectors.”
He added: “Locally, the picture is just as stark. The report outlines that County Wicklow has missed out on an estimated €14 million, based on annualised spending of €3.5 million by the 350,000 people who used the walk each year before its closure. These are real figures affecting real businesses – cafés, B&Bs, restaurants, and transport providers across Bray and Greystones. We can’t afford to let this continue.”
Deputy Brady commended the work of Friends of the Cliff Walk for commissioning and launching the report. “I want to acknowledge the excellent work done by Friends of the Cliff Walk. They’ve brought much-needed attention to the issue and backed it up with robust, independent economic analysis. This is exactly the type of community-led initiative that deserves to be supported.”
“All stakeholders must now come together with renewed focus and urgency to ensure the Cliff Walk is given the prioritisation it truly deserves. In the lead-up to the general election, there was a flurry of activity—most notably from Tánaiste Simon Harris, who announced the creation of a taskforce dedicated to the immediate reopening of the walk. However, since then, little meaningful progress has been made, and the initiative appears to have amounted to little more than positive PR timed for the election period. What’s needed now is a redoubling of effort and a genuine commitment to action”.
“Reopening the Cliff Walk is not only essential to supporting local jobs and tourism, but also to restoring a vital amenity for both residents and visitors. It’s time for real leadership and collaboration to deliver the outcome the community has long been promised.”
