Wicklow County Council Urged To Purchase Site At Magheramore Beach

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD, John Brady, has called on Wicklow County Council and the Department for the Environment to take immediate action to secure the 21-acre site at Magheramore Beach.

The site is due to go to public auction later this month.

 Deputy Brady highlighted the importance of bringing the site into public ownership, ensuring that it is protected from future development and that the public’s right-of-way to the beach is safeguarded for future generations.

 “In 2021, Wicklow County Council unfortunately lost out on the opportunity to purchase this site when it was outbid, with the final sale price reportedly exceeding €700,000—more than three times the original asking price.

A subsequent planning application to develop the site was rightly rejected by both Wicklow County Council and An Bord Pleanála due to the significant environmental concerns associated with this sensitive location,” Deputy Brady stated.

 “With the site now back on the market, it is critically important that Wicklow County Council and the Department for the Environment act decisively to ensure its purchase. This will prevent any future threat of development on this environmentally sensitive site and secure public access to Magheramore Beach for generations to come.”

Deputy Brady has written to the Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council and the Minister for the Environment, urging them to take the necessary steps to be able to bid and acquire the site when it comes up for auction later this month.