Council working with University of Galway to tackle erosion at Donegal beach

Donegal County Council says it is “working closely” with University of Galway experts to tackle erosion at a Donegal beach.

Concerns have been raised recently about coastal erosion at Magherawarden/ Ballymastocker Bay beach at Portsalon. At the January plenary meeting of Donegal County Council, 100% Redress Cllr Tomás Seán Devine highlighted that a “huge drop” of up to six feet had appeared on the beach’s sand dunes.

At the February meeting of Letterkenny-Milford MD, the issue was again brought up by Fianna Fáil Cllr Liam Blaney. He asked the council to treat the issue as “a matter or urgency” to prevent more erosion at Ballymastocker Bay.

The motion was seconded by Independent Cllr Pauric McGarvey. In a written response to the motion, it was confirmed that the council is working with experts from the Geography Department of University of Galway on the matter.

It reads: “The team has a solid understanding of the local challenges involved and will provide guidance on practical, tried and tested measures that can be implemented on the ground. However, due to the complex and variable conditions at the site, some level of testing and adjustment will be unavoidable as optimum solutions are developed.”

READ NEXT: Concern over ‘disruption’ caused by bus route not reaching Fanad Lighthouse

Cllr Blaney welcomed the response and said it was “the first step” towards preventing more erosion at Ballymastocker Bay.