A project is being launched to help protect properties at The Burrow Portrane in Fingal against the risk of erosion.

The Interim emergency measures, costing in the region of €500,000, involves the installation of 380 "SeaBee" reinforced concrete units along the beach in Portrane above the Mean High Water Level. The "SeaBees" are designed to reduce the force of waves impacting the coastline during stormy conditions. The installations will be carried out in October and November.

Three lines of "SeaBee" units will be placed along a 270-metre stretch, about 15 metres from the face of the sand dunes. The five-tonne reinforced concrete blocks, which are approximately 1.4 metres high and 1.7 metres wide, will be filled with stone to prevent movement and for public safety reasons.

The works will also see the removal of the existing sandbags along the beach, while the Council's own Operations Department will carry out a clean-up of the beach.

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Members of the Fingal Coastal Liaison Group, comprising local councillors and members of communities affected by coastal erosion, were briefed about the project this week and were fully supportive of the planned interim measures.

Fingal County Council has also had extensive engagement with the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) in relation to the emergency measures.

Minister Kevin Moran, Minister for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief said: "I welcome this announcement today that Fingal County Council is implementing interim emergency measures to protect properties at risk from coastal erosion in Portrane with financial assistance from the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. I look forward to the development and implementation by Fingal County Council of a permanent coastal protection option for all those affected by coastal erosion in the area."

Fingal County Council's Senior Parks Superintendent, and chairperson of the Fingal Coastal Liaison Group, Kevin Halpenny added: "These works are not the final solution. This is considered an emergency issue and we are dealing with it on that basis. The advice we have is that this is the best available option and the appropriate approach taking into account all of the circumstances."

"The 'SeaBees' are installed in a staggered formation and work by baffling the waves and significantly decreasing their energy," Mr Halpenny explained.

Director of Planning and Strategic Infrastructure AnnMarie Farrelly said: "It is hoped that within a three-year timeframe, a more long-term or permanent coastal management strategy can be brought forward for the protection of areas at risk from erosion in the Rogerstown Estuary including Portrane."

(CM/MH)