A promenade between Ballyheigue and Banna could help solve the issue of coastal erosion in the area.
That’s according to Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Leane, who said the sand dunes in Ballyheigue have lost 15ft in the last 18 months to erosion.
Other county councillors highlighted the impact coastal erosion is having on other communities, at the recent meeting of Kerry County Council.
Fianna Fáil councillor Tommy Cahill asked the council for a breakdown of all submissions it’s made to the Office of Public Works relating to flood protection or coastal erosion mitigation works.
The council replied that Coastal Flooding and Erosion Risk Management Scheme studies have been carried out in Tralee Bay and Castlemaine Harbour, and it’s taking steps to progress these projects.
Sinn Féin councillor Deirdre Ferris said these studies were done three years ago and nothing has started yet.
The Tralee Flood Relief Scheme is estimated to be completed in 2032 at a cost of €33 million, while the Kenmare scheme is due to be completed in 2031, for a total of €5.4 million.
Part of the Clieveragh Flood Scheme has been finished, and it’s due to be done next year.
The OPW is reviewing the viability of a flood relief scheme for Abbeydorney, while the council is going to engage a consultant to develop a scheme for Banna.
Cllr Cahill said he’s deeply concerned not to see Rossbeigh and Cromane included for flood protection schemes.
His party colleague, Cllr Michael Leane, said the car park in Ballyheigue was destroyed by Storm Bram, and the council needs to get submissions in for funding.
He said they can build promenades in Spain, and a promenade between Banna and Ballyheigue would give people the chance to walk between them no matter where the tide is, and it would protect the sand dunes.
He said the dunes in Ballyheigue had lost about 15ft since he first was elected to the council, around a year and a half ago.
