Iconic shipwreck to be reburied in sand at Rossbeigh

A 111-year-old shipwreck, displaced on the Kerry coast during winter storms, is to be reburied on a beach.

Ever since the Sunbeam ran aground at Rossbeigh, in 1903, its wooden skeleton has been a feature of the front beach. But, the wreck was torn from its embedded position in the sand by force of wind and wave and moved several hundred metres towards the dunes.

Connie Kelleher, from the underwater archaeological unit of the National Monuments Service, yesterday confirmed what remains of the vessel will be reburied.

However, the likelihood is that it will be laid in the sand on Rossbeigh’s back beach rather than on the front beach.

Ms Kelleher said if the wreck was to stay on the exposed front beach, it would have to be completely buried as there would always be a risk of it being washed up again in storm conditions.

She felt the more sheltered and “benign” back beach was the best option to ensure the preservation of the schooner, if there are no environmental or logistical issues.

The wreck is a protected structure and the beach and dunes are in a Special Area of Conservation, she pointed out. “We will be liaising with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to determine the logistics required to move it.”

Local people are adamant that an outline of the wreck should remain visible.

Rossbeigh-based Cllr Michael Cahill said the majority of locals would like to see the wreck reburied in the front beach.

“The second option is the back beach. I believe it should be reburied somewhere in Rossbeigh and, if it is the back beach, signs could be put up to tell people where it is.

“The Sunbeam is seen as part of local heritage and it should continue to be an attraction in its own right.”

The reburial will be part of an extensive programme to repair storm damage at Rossbeigh, which was battered ferociously during the winter.

Kerry County Council has been allocated €1.3m for repairs at Rossbeigh, €800,000 of which is for coast protection work.

The road to the beach, a car park, children’s playground and viewing areas were also damaged.

The council is working against the clock in an effort to have remedial works completed in beach areas before the start of the tourist season. Staff have been deployed from the council’s roads department to assist with the work.

Beach levels have dropped, with large amounts of sand washed out to sea, and dune lines have been moved back, according to engineers.

The council has also received €114,000 for repairs to 12 piers.