Emergency repairs are under way at Dún Laoghaire's West Pier after storm damage opened a significant hole in the northern sea wall of the historic Roundhead.
The breach was discovered during an annual low-water drone survey of the harbour's East and West piers, carried out by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC).
The West Pier is one of Ireland's largest protected structures and a landmark feature of Dún Laoghaire Harbour.
According to DLRCC, the damage resulted from storms that struck during January and February this year.
Fix In Sight: Emergency repair works under way at Dún Laoghaire's West Pier Roundhead after storm damage breached the northern sea wall. The project is expected to continue for several weeks. Photo: Afloat
The council said repair works began this week and are expected to continue for several weeks.
"DLRCC is committed to safeguarding the structural integrity and historical value of the West Pier," the local authority said.
The council said the emergency intervention is intended to prevent further deterioration and ensure the long-term preservation of the structure.
Roundhead Risk: An aerial view of Dún Laoghaire's West Pier Roundhead showing the location of storm damage discovered during a routine low-water drone survey. Photo: DLR Coast Guard Unit
Pedestrian access to sections of the pier may be disrupted while the works are completed.
DLRCC said every effort will be made to minimise inconvenience and maintain safe access where possible.
The repairs come six years after major restoration works were carried out on the Roundhead following damage caused by Storm Emma in 2018.
As Afloat previously reported, concerns were raised after that storm that visible damage around the Roundhead could indicate more extensive undermining beneath the structure.
The latest breach has renewed attention on the vulnerability of the historic harbour walls to increasingly severe storm events.
Mara exemption rule
The project is also among the first emergency coastal infrastructure works to proceed under new exemptions introduced by the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), allowing urgent repairs to commence without the delays associated with a full maritime consent process.
MARA representatives visited the site this week. DLRCC will notify the authority on completion of the works, in accordance with the exemption provisions.
