It is of great concern to Wicklow County Council to learn there is a report stating that the closure of sections of the Cliff Walk between Greystones and Bray has resulted in a contraction of economic activity in Greystones, and even more concerning that it is being reported that it is affecting individual businesses. Wicklow County Council was not involved in the preparation of the report and the Chief Executive has not received a copy.

Wicklow County Council have initiated the procurement of independent consultants to assess the safety issues relating to the Bray Greystones Cliff Walk and to advise on both short term and a long term sustainable solution. The tender process requires a standstill period, which was extended in accordance with statutory procedures. In accordance with the procurement process the successful consultant will be appointed in the coming week, if no further queries or observations are received, and will commence work immediately. Wicklow County Council will then seek the considerable resources that will be required for a sustainable solution, which may include permanent re-routing of the walk.

Wicklow County Council only closed the sections of the Cliff Walk that were dangerous and only where the safety concerns left no alternative.

In the meantime, Wicklow County Council have signposted an alternative walk from Greystones to Bray utilising other pathways on Bray Head.

Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman, stated “the consultants will advise as to whether there are any feasible immediate actions that could be undertaken relatively quickly in order to reopen the route to the public such that it could be deemed safe to do so”.

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Paul O'Brien stated “Wicklow County Council as part of the cliff walk taskforce are working together to drive the re-opening of the Bray Greystones Cliff Walk”.

IMAGERY

Photo: Bray Head