A PROTEST meeting on the seafront at Clontarf yesterday was attended by more than 3,000 people demonstrating their concern about the proposed construction of 9ft flood defences that would obscure views of Dublin Bay along the promenade.
Local residents claim that they were never properly consulted about the proposed earthen embankments and walls, which would extend 3km from Alfie Byrne Road to the Bull Wall.
Apart from obstructing sea views, residents also raised concerns about security risks due to walkways that would be invisible from the road.
“This ludicrous project pales on many fronts – security, tourism, business and sea views. If it were to go ahead it would be an irretrievable eyesore and a blight on the area for generations,” said Deirdre Tobin of the Clontarf Residents Association.
The protest was organised by the local residents and business associations and supported by the five Dublin City Councillors in the area. Four TDs – Government Minister Richard Bruton of Fine Gael, Independent Finian McGrath and Labour’s Aodhán Ó Ríordáin and Kevin Humphreys – also attended the protest.
Mr Bruton said that he was “bitterly disappointed” by the manner in which the proposal was handled, particularly the lack of consultation by Dublin City Council with local representatives.
He added that he had raised the issue with Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Brian Hayes.
Mr McGrath said that the “massive turnout” at the protest sent a clear message to those in charge, while he also raised the issue of security problems that could be caused because of stretches of isolated walkways where activity would go unseen.
“The turnout today says to the city manager, says to the Ministers and says to Dublin City Council that we are opposed to this plan full stop.
“There is dangerous potential there for anti-social behaviour if that area is sealed off from the main road,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Ó Ríordáin claimed that the low levels of consultation with local representatives “threatens the very democracy at the heart of city council where we ask for a clear consultation process.
“The last time I stood here addressing a group of people this large was at the head shop protest – we won that battle and we are certainly going to win this one,” he said.
The scheme being proposed is designed to prevent flood damage to homes and businesses along the seafront after the area was badly hit in February 2002 and October 2004.
Speaking yesterday, Mr Bruton said that a “balanced response” was needed to reflect the concerns of households at risk of flooding as well as residents who want to maintain the sea views from the promenade.
Dublin author Roddy Doyle also addressed the gathered crowd, where he asked them to continue the protest to protect what he believes is one of the few areas in the city that can “take your breath away”.
“Dublin doesn’t have all that much spectacle and most of it actually is here down at the bay – there is nothing like it when the boats are out on the bay, it is literally magical.”