Locals in Wexford have warned that the much of Rosslare Strand is at risk of from coastal erosion unless a flood defence scheme is urgently completed. 

Every summer, thousands of people flock to the county to enjoy the sunshine and spend time on Rosslare Strand. 

However, locals are warning coastal erosion is putting the very existence of the beach at risk. 

On The Hard Shoulder, Lisa McDonald, Fianna Fáil Councillor for Rosslare, described the situation as “very severe”.  

“In the last 12 months, we've lost three metres in places from our soft, sandy, golden beach that was Rosslare Beach,” she explained. 

“The sand has been washed away, the dunes have been eroded further and now we're in a situation where businesses such as Kelly's Hotel are under serious threat for their mere existence. 

“So, we really need emergency repair works forthwith to protect the position.” 

Rosslare Strand. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Wexford County Council and the Office of Public Works have signed off on a preliminary Rosslare Coastal Erosion and Flood Relief Scheme. 

An Environmental Impact Assessment Report has been scheduled for the autumn and the council hopes work can begin in late 2028 - if planning permission is granted. 

“What's required here in Rosslare is the old groynes that are there to be repaired essentially,” Cllr McDonald continued. 

“So, that they can then once again gather the sand that can maybe naturally protect the beach itself.

“Some low-lying rock armour along the piece that's most vulnerable to be covered with sand. 

“Then maybe the locals hopefully will take part in planting soft measures such as marm grass. 

“So, there's a lot of things that we can do to protect it immediately.”

Rosslare Strand. Picture by: Alamy.com.

If work commences in 2028, the OPW estimate the work could be completed by 2030. 

However, Cllr McDonald warned that the beach “can't wait until this happens in 2030”.  

“The problem in Ireland is we don't have any coordinated approach,” she said. 

“We don't have investment forthcoming at all times and there's no adaptation or resilience plan at all. 

“If Rosslare Strand is a national treasure, well, Kelly's Hotel is the jewel in the crown. 

“There are 240 people employed there; there's another 100 in various different places, including golf courses and businesses. 

“This has an economic effect if it's not saved.” 

Cllr McDonald added that the lack of urgency is especially concerning, given how coastal erosion is likely to intensify in the years and decades ahead. 

“We're not going to be able to save everywhere along our whole coast,” she said. 

“But like 30% of Ireland's coastline is vulnerable, there's no plan in place on how to protect it. 

“And of that 30%, 99% of the Wexford coastline, Barhook Head is included in that.”

Main image: Rosslare Strand. Picture by: Alamy.com.