Fears expressed that Wexford’s Crescent Quay will never be cleared of silt – ‘I don’t see it happening’

An estimated cost of €1.8 million was outlined in the document circulated among elected members, for “permanent intervention to prevent the situation.”

However, given the numbers involved, Labour councillor George Lawlor fears the project is one that will be put on the long finger and may never happen.

"As it stands, I don’t see it ever happening at that level,” he said. “The indication I got was that we’re not going to spend €1 million taking silt out of the crescent. I believe we need to do something.

"Can we look at alternative measures to make this happen? I’d like to see how we can reduce costs and still get the desired impact.”

Cllr Lawlor previously noted that while Wexford County Council spent €2.6 million public realm improvements at Crescent Quay, it remains “an eyesore” at low tide as those availing of the newly installed seating look out over a vista of mud and silt.

Providing some update, Acting Director of Services Shay Howell said that “significant samplings have been done to determine the next phase” of action on the Crescent.

"What happens next will depend on what is found. It will determine what permissions and licences are needed.”