Independent Councillor Michael Mac Giolla Easbuig has called for Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief to urgently address the issue of coastal erosion on Maghery strand.
Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig has been in contact with the OPW and has asked that they send someone to Donegal to review the damage caused by storms before and after Christmas.
“We need them to get here as soon as possible,” Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig told Donegal Daily.
“The last number of storms have caused a lot of damage. Between the Council and the community, attempts have been made to remedy the works.
“The concern is how close Ionad an Mhachaire and other properties are to the beach, and something need to be put in to protect the community.
“The posts were useful to a point, but when a storm hits they’re as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike.”
When the posts were first placed on the beach a number of years ago, wiring was attached in order to make dozens of cages. It was hoped that the sand would build up inside the cages and marram grass would grow on the top. The curvature of the marram grass would allow further sand build up. Over time, this is how man-made sand dunes are made.
The issue at Maghery strand is that the recent storms have washed away the sand that built up between the posts rendering them useless, explains the Independent Councillor.
It has been suggested that rock armour may be the way forward, although concern has been expressed that rock armour may simply cause the erosion on another part of the Maghery coastline that isn’t protected by rocks.
“They need to come up with something very quickly.”
Before Christmas, Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig had a private meeting with Minister Moran regarding coastal erosion at Maghery, Magheraroarty, Magheragallon, and Curransport. He is now calling for Minister Moran to take action.
Over Christmas, Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig and Hugh Boyle met with local residents in Maghery on the issue of coastal erosion.
“The OPW need to send someone out right away. This can’t have a top-down approach. Works carried out has to be done in conjunction with the local community – this is vital,” he concluded.
