Last week’s storm damage bill for North Wexford is estimated to be in the region of €1 million, however, the good news for seaside resorts and coastal communities is that all repairs are expected to be carried out in time for the start of the summer tourism season.

Tourism groups and business sources dependant on visitor numbers to the area, who had a bumper year in 2013, had expressed concern as the high tides and strong waves battered the coastline last week.

Gerry Forde from the Environmental Section of Wexford County Council said that assessment of the damage was carried out over the weekend and had not been completed up to this evening.

Wexford County Council is responsible for 250 kilometres of coastline from Kilmichael Point, north of Courtown, to Duncannon beach.

However, a reliable source told THE ECHO that the entire bill is expected to cost €3 million, one-third of which will be spent between Morriscastle and Arklow.

Coastal erosion has long been a matter of serious concern along the eastern coast where large numbers of holiday homes and holiday parks are located close to the sea.

Full coverage of storm damage this week in THE GOREY ECHO.