Popular cliff side walk faces closure as locals deem it to be a ‘massive loss’

A POPULAR cliff side walk in Co Wicklow is at risk of being closed as locals claim it to be a “massive loss”.

Local authorities have said that despite the route being closed for a number of years, they are still trying to find alternative ways to reopen.

Wicklow County Council has said that they may need to acquire new land before they are able to reopen the Bray-Greystones cliff walk.

Many locals have said that its closure over the last number of years has proven to be a huge loss for businesses.

The 7km walk allows for views of the east coast of Ireland and runs from Greystones to Bray.

It has been closed since February 2021 after landslides made the route dangerous and unstable.

Locals have said that the route has now been closed for too long, with one resident telling RTE: “It’s scenically beautiful, it just gets you away from the hustle and bustle of everything and you’re beside the sea and it’s just a complete switch off so having it gone is a massive loss.”

As well as this, Nigel Spendlove, owner of Spendloves Café in Greystones, also told the broadcaster that due to his cafe being on the route, it has impacted him majorly since its closure.

He said: “The impact was instantaneous; you see it in your takings at the end of the day and it would have also had a big impact on the other businesses here.”

In a statement, Wicklow County Council have said they are yet to decide how or when the route will reopen.

They added that on the Bray side, there needs to be rock bolts and steel meshing installed which could take until July at the earliest to be completed.

As for the Greystones side, the council are considering land acquisition from local landowners or looking into a diversion route.

They said: “Unfortunately, the walk from both sides remains closed for safety reasons.

“Officials from both the Bray Municipal District and the Greystones Municipal District are working together to find a solution to reopen it from both sides.

“Once tenders have been received and assessed a clearer picture will emerge and options can be further considered by both municipal districts for a cohesive approach.”