Repair work begins on fallen seawall

Repair work has begun on a collapsed seawall in a Cork town but an emergency traffic plan will be in place until the year’s end at least.

A €200,000 allocation from the Department of Transport has assisted repair works on an 8m section of seawall in Youghal which fell 40m onto rocks.

Single-lane traffic and an improvised pedestrian pathway system remains in operation. The current repairs are only “a temporarily stabilising measure aimed at preventing further deterioration of the area’s infrastructure,” according to Cork County Council. “The traffic management measures currently in place will, unfortunately, remain after the temporary stabilisation work is completed.”

A permanent remedy to counteract coastal erosion and subsidence depends on government funding. The spokesman ruled out any protection works this year.

Some months ago, the OPW refused a funding application, arguing the collapse was not due to coastal erosion and so therefore fell outside the remit of aid.

Youghal Town Council is hoping, along with the county council, to seek joint funding from the OPW along with the Departments of Transport and Environment and is urging local TDs to lobby for support.