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.