Work begins on getting beaches back into shape

Work is to begin next week on priority projects in the city to repair damage wreaked by the storms following a major clean up which will cost an estimated €90m.

Galway City Council has drawn up a list of projects which are an immediate risk to public safety, particularly pedestrians.

Work will start off next week along the Promenade and in Silverstrand to ensure these two Summer hotspots are back in shape ahead of the May inspections to declare its Blue Flag status.

At Silverstrand in Barna ramps and railings that were damaged will be repaired and a wall knocked down will be rebuilt. Along the Prom, the footpath that was damaged at several spots will be relaid so that the cones can be removed.

Workers will also replace lifebuoys and their holders at all spots along the sea and river front.

The second stage of repairs will take a good deal more resources and time, admitted the City Council spokesman.

“We’ve applied yesterday to the OPW [Office of Public Works] for funding for the replacement and repair of rock armour at all places on the Silverstrand and along the Prom, at Grattan Road and at Birdoo, which is the pathway that goes from Blackrock to Gentian Hill,” he explained.

“That was completely destroyed. It has to be replaced first to allow machines to go in to replace the rock armour along this section.”

The OPW is carrying out studies on other interim and longer-term solutions to coastal flooding. They will consult with people in Galway before arriving at a programme of works, likely to be finalised by the summer.

In the short term, the council has to turn its attention to high tides next Friday, February 28, and Saturday, March 1 in Galway Bay.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.