Dangerous cliff in Waterford to be stabilised, after a number of minor collapses

A harbour viewing dock amenity has also been approved

The harbour at Dunmore East, where a dangerous cliff face is to be stabilised, and a new harbour viewing platform installed.

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026 - 16:22

Darragh Murphy

Remediation works to stabilise a dangerous cliff face in Dunmore East have been given the go-ahead to proceed.

Currently, the cliff face along the West Wharf at Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre, presents a serious and ongoing risk to public safety and harbour operations, and a series of minor collapses have already occurred.

The risk of future cliff collapses is of particular concern given that the cliff edge has encroached to within approximately 1 metre of Dock Road, in an area immediately adjacent to the existing bus stop.

‘Without intervention, the probability of rockfall and larger-scale slope collapse will increase, with potential for personal injury, loss of life, and damage to critical public infrastructure’, planning reports state.

The greenlit cliff project includes remediation and stabilisation of the cliff face, to include the construction of a 44 metre long retaining wall, and installation of rock bolts, slope drainage and dentition.

The demolition and reconstruction of a 126m boundary wall along Dock Road has also been approved.

Ecological enhancement measures will be introduced for the benefit of kittiwakes. The cliff face previously supported kittiwake nesting grounds; however, these have been abandoned for over 10 years, primarily due to ongoing water ingress along the cliff face and predation on nesting birds.

The introduction of a new recreational amenity in the form of a harbour viewing dock with public seating on Dock Road has also been approved.

The planning application, which was submitted under the name of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, was approved today by Waterford City and County Council.