Fears storm-damaged beaches will not reopen for Easter

Fears are continuing that some storm-damaged top beaches in Kerry will not be open to the public at Easter time.

The case of beaches in Rossbeigh and Kells was yesterday highlighted by local independent councillor Michael Cahill who called on Kerry County Council to carry out repairs prior to the next holiday period.

“It will be a huge loss to businesses in the Killorglin and Glenbeigh areas and throughout south Kerry if seaside sites are not open to the public in time for Easter,” he said.

Currently, a number of beaches are inaccessible.

Of the €3m allocated to the council for post-storm remedial work, €1.3m has been set aside for Rossbeigh where extensive damage was caused.

The Rossbeigh funding is for coastal protection works, restoring sea defences to pre-storm condition, and repairs to a public road, car park, playground, walls, signage and slipways.

A sum of €150,000 has been allocated for Kells beach, €45,000 for Cromane Lower and €15,000 for the road to Dooks pier.

While welcoming the funding, Mr Cahill called on the council to commence works at the earliest possible date and ensure both Rossbeigh and Kells are reopened without delay.

A council spokesman said given the large number of areas needing repairs, planned works were being prioritised. Rossbeigh, it was indicated, was among the priority areas.

“It’s a question of manpower and resources. The overall aim is to have all the work done by the start of the tourist season,” the spokesman said. “We will be targeting blue-flag beaches of which Kerry has 13, to ensure they retain their flags.”

The council has applied for €14m from the Office of Public Works (OPW) for coastal protection works.

Meanwhile, Kerry county manager Tom Curran emphasised the council is not responsible for the maintenance or repair of flood embankments.

Work had previously been carried out to embankments by the council on an agency basis for the OPW, he said, but had to be wound down when funds were not forthcoming.

Mr Curran said the current priority was to get beaches and other areas reopened and to repair public infrastructure and roads.