Bray-Greystones Cliff Walk Closure Costs Economy €73M: Future Uncertain
The Extended Closure Of The Bray-Greystones Cliff Walk In County Wicklow Has Resulted In A staggering €73 Million Loss To The Local Economy. This equates to over €50,000 per day, according to Economist Jim Power’s recent analysis. The popular scenic route has been shut as February 2021, impacting tourism and local businesses.
Economic Fallout From cliff Walk Shutdown
The Closure Of The 7km Cliff Walk, A favourite Among locals And Tourists, Has Had A ripple Effect.Mr. Power, an Economic Advisor To The Irish Tourism industry Confederation, estimates that €21 million Of The Total Loss Would Have Been Generated In Tax Revenue For The exchequer.
Local Businesses Are Feeling The Pinch. Nigel Spendlove, Who Operates A Coffee Shop In greystones Harbor, Noted An Immediate Negative Impact. Claire Cullen, Owner Of The Fat Fox Cafe And Cake Shop, Reported Losing Approximately 500 Customers Per Week.
Breakdown Of Economic Losses
The Economic study, Commissioned By The Friends of The cliff Walk, Provides A Detailed Breakdown Of Losses. An Estimated €4 Million Was Lost By Local Shops, Restaurants, And Coffee Shops Alone, Based On A Yearly Visitor Spending Of €3.5 Million.
Mr. Power’s Analysis Incorporated Fáilte Ireland Reports, Visitor Statistics, and Direct Interviews With Affected Businesses. The Study Also Considered Spending Patterns Of Overseas Visitors (€105 Daily), Domestic Tourists (€92 Daily), And Local Walkers (€10 Daily).
Wicklow County Council’s Response
Wicklow County Council Has Acknowledged The Issue And Is Taking Steps To Address The Problem. The Council Is currently In The Process Of Appointing Consultants To advise On Both Short-Term And Long-Term Solutions To Stabilize The Affected Sections Of The Cliff Walk.
the Council Stated That It Has Identified Unsafe Areas, Implemented Temporary Closures, And Provided Signposted Alternative Routes.Securing Funding For The Necessary Repair Work is Also A Priority.
Impact On Tourism And local Jobs
The Economic Study Points Out That The Closure Has Had A “Very Significant” Impact On The Economies Of Bray And Greystones. A Projected €3.5 Million Local Spend Supported Approximately 77 Jobs In Tourism And Hospitality.
The Resulting Wage Injection Into The Local Economy Was Estimated At €1.54 Million, Assuming An Average Wage Of €20,000. The Suspension Of Cliff Walk Activity Is Disrupting This Critical economic Driver.
Cliff Walk Closure: A Summary Of The Economic Impact
| Impact Area | Estimated Loss |
|---|---|
| Total Economic Loss | €73 Million |
| Loss To exchequer (Taxes) | €21 Million |
| Losses To Local Businesses | €4 Million |
| Jobs At Risk | 77 |
What Steps Can Be Taken To Expedite The Reopening Of The Bray-Greystones Cliff Walk, And How Can Local Businesses Be Further Supported During This Challenging Period?
With the Cliff Walk’s closure Drastically Affecting Local Economies, how Can Wicklow County Council Improve Dialog With Businesses And Residents About The Repair progress and the Expected Reopening Timeline?
understanding The Importance Of Coastal Walks
coastal Walks Like The Bray-Greystones Trail Offer More Than Just Scenic Views; They Provide Numerous Benefits. These Walks Encourage Physical Activity, Promote Mental Wellbeing, And Connect People With Nature. A 2023 Study By The National Trust Showed That Coastal Paths Contributed £1.2 Billion To The UK Economy.
the Preservation And Maintenance Of Such Trails Are Crucial For Both Local Communities And The Tourism Industry.Investing In Coastal Infrastructure Ensures Long-Term Economic And Social Benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bray-Greystones Cliff Walk Closure
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