Fine Gael councillor Sharon Tolan has called for urgent action to address worsening coastal erosion along the Laytown to Bettystown coastline, warning that key public infrastructure is now under serious threat.
Speaking following a recent on site inspection in Laytown, she highlighted how erosion has advanced to within close proximity of public lighting and sections of the public footpath. At one location, a lighting pole has begun to lean towards the sea and now stands only a short distance from the eroding edge, which she said shows the coastline is retreating far more rapidly than expected.
Our coastline is disappearing before our eyes, she said. “Every week of delay increases the risk to public safety, public infrastructure and, in many cases, people’s homes. This can no longer be treated as a future issue. It is happening right now.”
She warned that continued inaction could result in the loss of vital public infrastructure, increased safety risks for pedestrians and beach users, significant future repair costs, and further loss of public land, amenity space and private gardens.
She said storms are striking the coastline with increasing frequency and intensity, leaving infrastructure such as lighting poles and pathways dangerously exposed. She added that coastal protection works must now be fast tracked and delivered without further delay.
The councillor is urging Meath County Council and relevant national bodies to accelerate assessments, approvals and funding processes so that long awaited coastal defences can be put in place as soon as possible.
She said the community deserves a safe and protected coastline and that action is needed now to safeguard residents, local businesses and future generations before the damage becomes irreversible.
