Statement from Wicklow County Council
Tuesday 28th July 2026
The Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk Management Committee met yesterday, Tuesday 28th July. The latest updates following that meeting are outlined below.
The Committee received a presentation from Wicklow County Council and Tetra Tech Consultants Ltd. which highlighted progress to date on the project.
On the Bray side, the members welcomed the progress on ongoing procurement of contractors to undertake detailed slope inspections as tender returns are now being reviewed, with continued positive engagement with NPWS and Iarnród Eireann to facilitate the inspections. Ongoing ecological surveys continue.
On the Greystones side, ecological surveys, which commenced in May, are continuing on habitats, flora, protected mammals, invasive species and breeding birds, with the consent of the landowners. Tetra Tech is progressing the rerouting through options assessment, detailed design and cost estimation.
In response to query on a recent Charity walk allegedly traversing closed areas of concern on the Cliff Walk, the members were advised that the Council wholeheartedly supports this worthwhile event and accordingly, had permitted the walk to be undertaken on a specific agreed route, which did not include the closed areas of the Cliff Walk. Allegedly, the walkers did in fact traverse the closed route, which raises serious safety concerns.
Chairperson of the Committee, Cllr. Erika Doyle welcomed the progress to date and reiterated that the Committee is united in its aim of working with Wicklow County Council towards safely reopening the Cliff Walk.
She stated, “As always, today's committee meeting proved useful, both in terms of receiving the most recent updates from consultants and discussing next steps. Given the designated status of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC), extensive environmental assessment is required under the EU Habitats Directive and national legislation. The ecological surveys to date show at least 46 species of breeding birds on the walk and has identified mammals and habitats also. While I understand the frustration from the people who miss the walk, I want to reassure the public that the necessary work is taking place behind the scenes to get us to the next stage of this challenging project. I urge people to take note of the safety advice and not access the walk at this time.”
Wicklow County Council remains committed to progressing with the project in a diligent, safe and environmentally sound manner and in the shortest possible timeframe.
The Cliff Walk remains closed due to the significant safety concerns. An alternative route is available.