The Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk Committee met on Tuesday, May 26th 2026, to receive a project update from Wicklow County Council and Tetra Tech (formerly RPS) Consultants.
The committee reviewed the extensive technical, environmental, and engineering work currently underway to address the ongoing closure of the popular coastal path.
Key Project Updates
Progress is being made behind the scenes across multiple phases of the project, including environmental assessments, structural evaluations, and route planning:
- Environmental & Ecological Assessments: Crucial ecological surveys are currently ongoing.
- Bray Side Structural Assessment: A specialised rope access scope and tendering document for the Bray side of the walk are currently being developed. An Appropriate Assessment Screening Report is being created in conjunction with this work.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Wicklow County Council is maintaining continuous engagement with both Irish Rail and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
- Storm Damage Review: A drone survey of the recent storm damage has been successfully completed, and the resulting data is currently being assessed.
- Inland Route Design: Discussions are ongoing regarding the essential design tasks required for potential inland routes, covering planning, environmental impact, and engineering design.
Important Safety Notice:
Further erosion on the Greystones side of the cliff walk has been identified, and an updated safety message has been issued. Despite the physical challenges of the terrain, there is highly positive news regarding the proposed rerouting on the Greystones side:
- Wicklow County Council is actively and positively engaged with affected landowners.
- These negotiations are progressing at pace—a development that was welcomed by the committee members.
North Beach Steps Proposal
The committee discussed the proposal to install steps from North Beach. A technical report on this proposal was reviewed by Wicklow County Council, and an updated report will be issued shortly. The Council noted that while the proposal is being evaluated, it remains strictly subject to procurement, environmental, and ecological constraints. The Council is legally and financially obliged to ensure both absolute feasibility and value for money in any public project undertaken.
Chairperson of the Committee, Cllr. Erika Doyle welcomed the progress achieved to date and reiterated the shared mission of the group: “The Committee is united in its aim of working alongside Wicklow County Council towards safely reopening the Cliff Walk.”
Wicklow County Council remains committed to progressing with the project in a diligent, safe and environmentally sound manner and in the shortest possible timeframe.
The Cliff Walk remains closed due to significant safety concerns. An alternative route is available; you can learn more here.