Some relief for Kerry residents under flooding threat as defence work funding to be sought

Kerry residents facing flooding threats are expected to receive relief as coastal defence applications move forward. Kerry County Council’s CEO said applications are planned for the Office for Public Works next month for defences in Cromane and Rossbeigh, with detailed design targeted for September. Residents have sought additional flood defences for years due to coastal erosion. At a council meeting, councillors raised concerns that erosion has accelerated, leaving dunes extremely delicate and vulnerable. The lifeguard’s hut at Rossbeigh beach was cited as being close to the road, showing urgency. Councillors noted coastal defence works costing nearly €1m and urged the council to be ready if funding is announced. The CEO confirmed minor works applications are expected to be sent to the OPW next month.

"Kerry County Council's (KCC) CEO Ferghal Reidy said they were expecting to apply to the Office for Public Works (OPW) next month for defences in Cromane and Rossbeigh, with a detailed design hoped to be in place by September."

""The rate of erosion has increased in recent months...the dunes are extremely delicate and vulnerable," he said. He referenced the lifeguard's hut at the Rossbeigh beach, where the erosion was almost at the road, emphasising the urgency of the situation."

"Listing off the costs associated with coastal defence works, totalling nearly €1m, Cllr Cahill urged the council to be 'shovel ready' if funding was announced. Councillor Jackie Healy-Rae seconded the motion, adding that the minister in charge of the OPW, Minister Kevin Boxer Moran, was 'proactive' and welcoming of applications."

""All we're asking for is that an application is submitted to the OPW...so then we can pressure the minister again to take action," he said. Mr Reidy replied that they expected an application for minor works to be sent to the OPW next month, with a detailed design by September."

Read at Irish Independent