Coastal Works in Dalkey, Co. Dublin Sees Completion of Coliemore Harbour Remedial Repair Project

8th December 2023

The Granite Coast: Engineering workers along the south Dublin coastline at Dalkey’s Coliemore Harbour, used a converted container lowered by crane to access the bedrock, where in recent years a slab of rock sheared off the cliff and dropped to the water below. Due to safety concerns, access was impeded temporarily, so to insert rock anchors into the granite cliff face, but now the south pier is accessible for locals and tourists to take in the scenic views. Credit: Jehan Ashmore

Engineering works which took place over recent months in Dalkey, Co. Dublin involving the Coliemore Harbour Remedial Repair project have been completed this week, writes Jehan Ashmore.

A section of bedrock along the cliff face as Afloat reported in 2020, had collapsed into the water at the stone cut harbour which in medieval times was the port of Dublin. The small harbour is home to local boat users, a seasonal ferry boat service to Dalkey Island and the Dalkey Rowing Club.

The section of bedrock had been supporting the pathway leading to the southern pier which resulted in this part of the harbour to be temporarily closed. Prior to the engineering works starting in September, the ferry-boat service to Dalkey Island was able to operate this season operated by ‘Ken the Ferryman’ using the 12 passenger boat, Emma.

Afloat sought a comment on the project from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (dlr) which are delighted to have completed the Coliemore Harbour Remedial Repair project.

A series of remedial options were considered and that planning permission was subsequently granted for the installation of a series of rock bolts anchored into the granite bedrock.

The completed engineering works at Coliemore Harbour where rock-bolts have been anchored into the face of the bedrock, this permits access to the south pier via a pathway and above a public viewing area that has also been recently reopened Photo: DunLaoghaireRathdownCountyCouncil/Facebook

The coastal engineering works, Afloat adds required the use of a crane to lower personnel to carry out works along the bedrock, noting the varying tidal conditions of the harbour. The large piece of dislodged bedrock that had fallen into the harbour was subsequently removed and is where a boom still remains in place.

The DLR have expressed thanks to their staff across departments for their invaluable contribution in delivering the scheme. In addition to Ove Arup, the lead consultant, and PJ Edwards as the main Contractor in successfully delivering the project in an environmentally constrained marine environment.

DLR also thank local stakeholders and users of the harbour for their support and accommodation in delivering the project.

The harbour project Afloat adds was co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.

On completion of the project, this has also led to the reopening of the public plaza viewing area that overlooks the harbour on Coliemore Road.

Also sited here is a binocular-scope, donated by Dalkey Tidy Towns along with a plaque in memory and celebration of the late Dr. John de Courcy Ireland, the maritime historian who resided locally and is widely regarded as the father of ‘maritime’ Ireland.

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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Dublin Bay on the east coast of Ireland stretches over seven kilometres, from Howth Head on its northern tip to Dalkey Island in the south. It's a place most Dubliners simply take for granted, and one of the capital's least visited places. But there's more going on out there than you'd imagine.

The biggest boating centre is at Dun Laoghaire Harbour on the Bay's south shore that is home to over 1,500 pleasure craft, four waterfront yacht clubs and Ireland's largest marina.

The bay is rather shallow with many sandbanks and rocky outcrops, and was notorious in the past for shipwrecks, especially when the wind was from the east. Until modern times, many ships and their passengers were lost along the treacherous coastline from Howth to Dun Laoghaire, less than a kilometre from shore.

The Bay is a C-shaped inlet of the Irish Sea and is about 10 kilometres wide along its north-south base, and 7 km in length to its apex at the centre of the city of Dublin; stretching from Howth Head in the north to Dalkey Point in the south. North Bull Island is situated in the northwest part of the bay, where one of two major inshore sandbanks lie, and features a 5 km long sandy beach, Dollymount Strand, fronting an internationally recognised wildfowl reserve. Many of the rivers of Dublin reach the Irish Sea at Dublin Bay: the River Liffey, with the River Dodder flow received less than 1 km inland, River Tolka, and various smaller rivers and streams.

Dublin Bay FAQs

What beaches are there on Dublin Bay?

There are approximately ten beaches and bathing spots around Dublin Bay: Dollymount Strand; Forty Foot Bathing Place; Half Moon bathing spot; Merrion Strand; Bull Wall; Sandycove Beach; Sandymount Strand; Seapoint; Shelley Banks; Sutton, Burrow Beach

Where are the public slipways to launch a boat on Dublin Bay?

There are slipways on the north side of Dublin Bay at Clontarf, Sutton and on the southside at Dun Laoghaire Harbour, and in Dalkey at Coliemore and Bulloch Harbours.

Who is in charge of Dublin Bay?

Dublin Bay is administered by a number of Government Departments, three local authorities and several statutory agencies. Dublin Port Company is in charge of navigation on the Bay.

How big is Dublin Bay?

Dublin Bay is approximately 70 sq kilometres or 7,000 hectares. The Bay is about 10 kilometres wide along its north-south base, and seven km in length east-west to its peak at the centre of the city of Dublin; stretching from Howth Head in the north to Dalkey Point in the south.

What piers or harbours are there on Dublin Bay?

Dun Laoghaire Harbour on the southside of the Bay has an East and West Pier, each one kilometre long; this is one of the largest human-made harbours in the world. There also piers or walls at the entrance to the River Liffey at Dublin city known as the Great North and South Walls. Other harbours on the Bay include Bulloch Harbour and Coliemore Harbours both at Dalkey.

Are there marinas on Dublin Bay?

There are two marinas on Dublin Bay. Ireland's largest marina with over 800 berths is on the southern shore at Dun Laoghaire Harbour. The other is at Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club on the River Liffey close to Dublin City.

What ferries operate on Dublin Bay?

Car and passenger Ferries operate from Dublin Port to the UK, Isle of Man and France. A passenger ferry operates from Dun Laoghaire Harbour to Howth as well as providing tourist voyages around the bay.

Are there Islands on Dublin Bay?

Dublin Bay has two Islands. Bull Island at Clontarf and Dalkey Island on the southern shore of the Bay.

What is the river that flows into Dublin Bay?

The River Liffey flows through Dublin city and into the Bay. Its tributaries include the River Dodder, the River Poddle and the River Camac.

What are the popular kitesurfing spots on Dublin Bay?

Dollymount, Burrow and Seapoint beaches

How many pleasure craft are there on Dublin Bay?

Approximately 1,500 boats from small dinghies to motorboats to ocean-going yachts. The vast majority, over 1,000, are moored at Dun Laoghaire Harbour which is Ireland's boating capital.

Is Dublin Bay a UNESCO Biosphere?

In 1981, UNESCO recognised the importance of Dublin Bay by designating North Bull Island as a Biosphere because of its rare and internationally important habitats and species of wildlife. To support sustainable development, UNESCO’s concept of a Biosphere has evolved to include not just areas of ecological value but also the areas around them and the communities that live and work within these areas. There have since been additional international and national designations, covering much of Dublin Bay, to ensure the protection of its water quality and biodiversity. To fulfil these broader management aims for the ecosystem, the Biosphere was expanded in 2015. The Biosphere now covers Dublin Bay, reflecting its significant environmental, economic, cultural and tourism importance, and extends to over 300km² to include the bay, the shore and nearby residential areas.

What yacht clubs are on Dublin Bay?

On the Southside at Dun Laoghaire, there is the National Yacht Club, Royal St. George Yacht Club, Royal Irish Yacht Club and Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club as well as Dublin Bay Sailing Club. In the city centre, there is Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club. On the Northside of Dublin, there is Clontarf Yacht and Boat Club and Sutton Dinghy Club. While not on Dublin Bay, Howth Yacht Club is the major north Dublin Sailing centre.

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