Erosion of north Wicklow coast. Possible cause: Greystones Harbour Development?

pixbyjohn

North Beach 15-10-2012 by pixbyjohn, on Flickr

pixbyjohn

North Beach, north of old Gap Bridge 15 th Oct 2012 by pixbyjohn, on Flickr

The Durutti Column

Final collapse of the old water conduit.

Both at same spot as PBJ's. Courtesy of Donna Gorin, 14 October 2012.

BigGeorge

Is there any sense amongst people / boardies in general that the current erosion / harbour / wasteland is an absolute disgrace or is there a belief that WCC & the local politicians are looking after out best interests & it will all be grand?

For 1, I'm shocked when I see these photos, the fencing running for kilometeres & the state of the so called harbour (really its just a big glorified concrete slipway not a real harbour) - its really is no wonder then I've met so many people turning round & heading back to bray on the coastal path

Judgement Day

I'd say by the time the erosion reaches the railway line somebody will have to take notice. The cliffs north of Bray are in the same condition, or they were when I last looked at them about 30 years ago.

Blanchflower

BigGeorge wrote: »

Is there any sense amongst people / boardies in general that the current erosion / harbour / wasteland is an absolute disgrace or is there a belief that WCC & the local politicians are looking after out best interests & it will all be grand?

For 1, I'm shocked when I see these photos, the fencing running for kilometeres & the state of the so called harbour (really its just a big glorified concrete slipway not a real harbour) - its really is no wonder then I've met so many people turning round & heading back to bray on the coastal path

Wicklow County Council has spun a web of broken promises that their deal with Sispar would solve coastal erosion on the north beach. They are an amoral organisation who continue to waste public money with immunity and have no interest in the welfare of the people of Greystones. It is yet another self serving parasitic organ of this bankrupt nation which should be disbanded immediately.

edited to remove allegations

Maudi

Blanchflower wrote: »

Wicklow County Council has spun a web of broken promises that their deal with Sispar would solve coastal erosion on the north beach. They are an amoral organisation who continue to waste public money with immunity and have no interest in the welfare of the people of Greystones. It is yet another self serving parasitic organ of this bankrupt nation which should be disbanded immediately.

talking of costal erosion..the via duct? collapsed into the sea ..at the back /north beach ..looks like five/six tons to me.God forbid if anybody had been standing there!!the mud ramp down to the north beach has collapsed so the whole north beach is inaccessable..i had to turn back three (german i think) walkers who wanted to walk to the harbour along the beach..disgraceful..

recedite

Maudi wrote: »

tlooks like five/six tons to me.God forbid if anybody had been standing there!!the mud ramp down to the north beach has collapsed so the whole north beach is inaccessable.

I used to wash the sand/salty water off my feet in the little waterfall there after walking barefoot on the beach. It always seems to be clean fresh water. Its just as well the ramp went first, making it too difficult for people to get down there, or someone might have been killed.
This could be a problem for the campaign group wanting to get the access restored. Given the accelerated erosion along the cliffs recently,and the narrower beach which forces people right up to the base of the cliffs. If the council keep replacing the ramp, are they then taking responsibility for peoples safety?

The Durutti Column

A further collapse of land at the North Beach Cliffs led the Town Council to declare the Cliff Walk closed until further notice last Thursday 29 November.

https://www.facebook.com/GreystonesTC/posts/503810012983151

An immediate investigation by an external expert is needed to establish the link between this indefinite, possibly permmanent, closure and Sisk's (Sispar as was) deliberately ignoring its promise and planning obligation to place 30,000 cubic metres of capital beach nourishment beneath the cliffs during 2008 to 2010 while the breakwaters were being built, and 6,000 cubic metres per year thereafter.

To date Sisk has placed only 10,000 cubic meters of a possible total of 42,000 cubic metres. That 10,000CM has long been washed away in northeasterlies. Why has the WCC director of services who is Project Manager of this PPP colluded with Sisk in destroying the north beach cliffs by this deliberate negligence?

And why have elected representatives not already held him and Sisk to account? They were alerted to this situation early last summer and did nothing...

LifeBeginsAt40

Can't get the Facebook link above to work. It doesn't look like the entire URL was copied correctly.

I believe this is the correct link: https://www.facebook.com/GreystonesTC/posts/503810012983151

The Durutti Column

LifeBeginsAt40 wrote: »

Can't get the Facebook link above to work. It doesn't look like the entire URL was copied correctly.

I believe this is the correct link: https://www.facebook.com/GreystonesTC/posts/503810012983151

Thanks, LBAF. I see GTC have removed my comment, similar to that above, from their FB page within 20 minutes of it being made. Censorship is alive and well down at t'Mill Road.

Just putting it back there now... Let's see if it lasts.

Blanchflower

The following is an extract from the minutes of the Greystones Harbour Community Liaison Committee - Meeting No. 9 held on
February 17th 2009...............


http://www.greystonesharbour.ie/pdfs/Minutes%20Meeting%20no%209%20170209.pdf


The hollow broken promises made by Sean Mason (Arup) on behalf of Sispar are there for all to see. The way the very real concerns of harbour resident Ciaran Demery were treated at this meeting was nothing short of a disgrace.





4. Costal Erosion


Sean Mason (Arup) gave a presentation on costal erosion and beach nourishment. Sean stated that the proposal was to manage the rate of costal erosion / retreat and not stop it. Historically erosion has been 0.5m per annum from Greystones to Bray Head. Calculations to keep the erosion at a “no works” level provide for 4,000m3 of nourishment and an additional factor of safety of 50% was provided equalling 6,000m3. An initial 30,000m3 is proposed and the first 10,000m3 was placed before work started at the landfill and gap bridge. In future nourishment will be placed where required. Sean advised that a survey of the entire north beach would be carried out a minimum of once per year with the first survey due in March ’09. Sean explained the monitoring & measurement process and advised that while some accretion had been noted at site, no significant change has been noted at the centre of the beach and there is no substantial movement at the cliffs but that there is considerable loss of beach towards Bray Head. He advised that this 15m movement is nothing more than was expected had work not gone ahead.

Kathleen Kelleher (Wicklow County Council) stated that in her opinion there has been significant erosion and queried whether the blocks stored close to the cliff edge could be stored elsewhere. Brendan Sheehy advised that the blocks are placed 7.5m from the cliff edge on tarmac and that engineers have investigated this and the situation is continually being monitored. Sean Mason stated while the shingle is eroding there is no evidence at the moment of cliff erosion at this location. Ciaran Demery raised the issue of previous slippage to the cliff. Sean Mason advised that this occurred prior to the placing of blocks and was a result of an outlet pipe discharging in the area. Ciaran Demery stated that this was a Sispar outlet, Brendan Sheehy acknowledged this and Sean Mason advised that a study was undertaken and the present situation deemed to be safe. Derek Mitchell queried the drainage to the public park to lessen water discharge and subsequent erosion. Sean Mason responded that the objective is to leave the cliff as 3 natural as possible. Most slippage is occurring at the higher end/flatter slope where water is seeping out. Ciaran Demery questioned whether costal protection would be provided where the damage is occurring. Sean Mason responded that protection would be provided where necessary. Ciaran Demery stated that in September Sispar noted accretion of materials to the South end of the beach as a result of nourishment, he took his own measurements recently and found that there is substantially less material than was originally placed, therefore he concludes there is no accretion evident. Sean Mason responded that since the building of the causeway there is clear evidence of material build up. A certain amount of this is a result of the beach nourishment. Ciaran Demery asked whether some of the material placed had been lost. Sean replied that some of this material has been washed away & some has been redistributed from where it was originally placed. Ciaran Demery stated forcefully that the beach is disappearing. Sean Quirke replied that the beach was eroding prior to Sispar’s presence on site. Ciaran Demery questioned whether Sispar / Arup would give a guarantee that it is safe to walk north of the gap bridge and went on to say that it is a danger to life to walk at ½ tide north of the gap bridge as the cliff is slipping. Derek Mitchell stated that the area was always dangerous and Paddy O’Rourke requested that the meeting move on. Ciaran Demery became quite agitated, Sean Quirke called the meeting to order and reminded Ciaran and all present that the purpose of the committee is to communicate with the local residents and that Sispar / WCC will endeavour to answer any queries as long as they are asked in an orderly fashion.

The Durutti Column

Blanchflower wrote: »

4. Costal Erosion

Sean Mason (Arup) gave a presentation on costal erosion and beach nourishment. Sean stated that the proposal was to manage the rate of costal erosion / retreat and not stop it. Historically erosion has been 0.5m per annum from Greystones to Bray Head. Calculations to keep the erosion at a “no works” level provide for 4,000m3 of nourishment and an additional factor of safety of 50% was provided equalling 6,000m3. An initial 30,000m3 is proposed and the first 10,000m3 was placed before work started at the landfill and gap bridge. In future nourishment will be placed where required. Sean advised that a survey of the entire north beach would be carried out a minimum of once per year with the first survey due in March ’09. Sean explained the monitoring & measurement process and advised that while some accretion had been noted at site, no significant change has been noted at the centre of the beach and there is no substantial movement at the cliffs but that there is considerable loss of beach towards Bray Head. He advised that this 15m movement is nothing more than was expected had work not gone ahead.

That is very clear. Basically, no further beach nourishment was placed after the 10,000 cubes in 2008, despite the planning conditions of initially 30,000 cubic metres and then 6,000 cubes per year thereafter and the promises by Sisk at al at the oral hearings. Then, when we got a blow and severe erosion last April, an unspecified amount was placed at the foot of the cliffs. That is now all well gone.

So:

Required initial nourishment — 30,000 cubic metres
Actual initial nourishment — 10,000 m3

Required annual nourishment
2009: 6,000
2010: 6,000
2011: 6,000
2012: 6,000

Actual annual nourishment
2009: 0
2010: 0
2011: 0
2012: not known

Shortfall
Minimum 38,000 cubic metres
Maximum 44,000 cubic metres

That is, the amount of nourishment placed by Sisk under the supervision of Project Manager Sean Quirke of Wicklow County Council, a public servant charged with protecting the public interest, has been between one-fifth and one-quarter of that promised by them and required by the planning permission.

Cerco

Broken promises ignored by the Council who are endowed with our household charges and a major share of the planned property taxes.
Perhaps next year will be different but I am not convinced.

Dunphus

The Durutti Column wrote: »

That is very clear. Basically, no further beach nourishment was placed after the 10,000 cubes in 2008, despite the planning conditions of initially 30,000 cubic metres and then 6,000 cubes per year thereafter and the promises by Sisk at al at the oral hearings. Then, when we got a blow and severe erosion last April, an unspecified amount was placed at the foot of the cliffs. That is now all well gone.

So:

Required initial nourishment — 30,000 cubic metres
Actual initial nourishment — 10,000 m3

Required annual nourishment
2009: 6,000
2010: 6,000
2011: 6,000
2012: 6,000

Actual annual nourishment
2009: 0
2010: 0
2011: 0
2012: not known

Shortfall
Minimum 38,000 cubic metres
Maximum 44,000 cubic metres

That is, the amount of nourishment placed by Sisk under the supervision of Project Manager Sean Quirke of Wicklow County Council, a public servant charged with protecting the public interest, has been between one-fifth and one-quarter of that promised by them and required by the planning permission.

That's a pretty disgraceful attempt at coastal protection. Surely there are environmental rules/laws/guidelines being broken there?

LifeBeginsAt40

Dunphus wrote: »

That's a pretty disgraceful attempt at coastal protection. Surely there are environmental rules/laws/guidelines being broken there?

Probably but as mentioned elsewhere, we have landfill falling into the sea at Bray (Woodbrook area) and not a lot is being done about that either.

Well, that is until dolphins wrapped up in plastic waste, wash up on the beach when the kids are playing. That might ring a bell, then again probably wouldn't.

Saddening isn't it how everyone sits around and argues as the land falls into the sea, fences, bricks, waste pipes, landfill.

The Durutti Column

LifeBeginsAt40 wrote: »

Probably but as mentioned elsewhere, we have landfill falling into the sea at Bray (Woodbrook area) and not a lot is being done about that either.

Well, that is until dolphins wrapped up in plastic waste, wash up on the beach when the kids are playing. That might ring a bell, then again probably wouldn't.

Saddening isn't it how everyone sits around and argues as the land falls into the sea, fences, bricks, waste pipes, landfill.

Recedite has a couple of pics of recent erosion at http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=82196114&postcount=19.

Indeed it is sad. State agencies should be doing something, but they are passive. It should not be the case that such agencies do nothing until concerned citizens jump up and down over issues. They should be proactive, and out there investigating negligence or malfeasance and enforcing the law of the land. But they are not, so we have to do this needless agitation which should not be necessary.

pixbyjohn

North Beach 17th Feb 2013 (2) by pixbyjohn, on Flickr

pixbyjohn

North Beach 17th Feb 2013 (3) by pixbyjohn, on Flickr

Blanchflower

What is Wicklow County Council doing to make Sispar place the beach nourishnment material on the North Beach as required by their planning approval. Alas Wicklow County Council have no motivation to take Sispar to task. With this level of coastal erosion it won't be too long before the railway line is undermined.

pixbyjohn

North Beach 17th Feb 2013 (10) by pixbyjohn, on Flickr

pixbyjohn

North Beach 17th Feb 2013 (13) by pixbyjohn, on Flickr

Judgement Day

Won't be long before that fence is down on the beach.

AJAYC

Great photo John, apologies for not recognising you earlier, I was the guy with the disappearing dog!

pixbyjohn

AJAYC wrote: »

Great photo John, apologies for not recognising you earlier, I was the guy with the disappearing dog!

Nice to meet you too

loobylou

Blanchflower wrote: »

With this level of coastal erosion it won't be too long before the railway line is undermined.

Perhaps thats the plan? When it gets to that stage it will be someone elses responsibility?

The Durutti Column

loobylou wrote: »

Perhaps thats the plan? When it gets to that stage it will be someone elses responsibility?

Well, once that fence goes the erosion is eating into Mr George Sisk's private property, the building site. Maybe then his company will do something. Any bets?

darter

The Durutti Column wrote: »

Well, once that fence goes the erosion is eating into Mr George Sisk's private property, the building site. Maybe then his company will do something. Any bets?

Looks like we'll be getting our North Beach back after all...

New harbour, marina opening, no apartments, what's not to like?

The Durutti Column

darter wrote: »

Looks like we'll be getting our North Beach back after all...

New harbour, marina opening, no apartments, what's not to like?

What's not to like is the contents of the old dump, which are not inert, leaching onto the beach and into the marine environment, and then the actual objects in there being strewn all over by the tides once the sea gets behind that inadequate rock revetment.

The effectiveness of the rock revetment was based on the assumption of the required beach nourishment being placed. Do your sums. If only 10,000 out of the required 54,000 cubic metres has been placed, as is the case, then the rock wall, the fences, and Darcy's field will be gone fairly soon. Another winter like this one should make great inroads.

The Durutti Column

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blanchflower
With this level of coastal erosion it won't be too long before the railway line is undermined.

loobylou wrote: »

Perhaps thats the plan? When it gets to that stage it will be someone elses responsibility?

You might think Irish Rail. But then, as there is deliberate negligence by WCC and Sisk, and failure to observe planning conditions, Irish Rail can sue these bodies for all costs and losses.