AN opportunity to "change the face of Bray" in Co Wicklow by restoring its beach front was outlined at a public meeting in Bray Town Hall this week.
The Bray coastal protection scheme, as outlined by consultants Kirk McClure Morton, would restore the beach to the condition of 100 years ago with opportunities for water sports, bathing and the provision of a marina.
The Kirk McClure Morton plan was put forward as an alternative to a similar Department of the Marine scheme.
Both schemes envisaged reinstatement of the beach.
However, it was accepted that the Department of the Marine scheme envisaged a beach with a steeper gradient and less amenity value.
Mr Liam Brennan, a local resident, said the consultants scheme was the only one which would satisfy the needs of local homeowners.
Work could be well advanced by the end of this year's summer season, affording them a measure of protection from next winter's storms.
For Bray Sailing Club, Mr Tony Foran also opted for the consultants' scheme.
Mr Foran said it brought with it an opportunity to develop a marina "that would be the Kinsale of the east coast" and he urged the council to consider spending an extra £500,000 to develop this.
Mr Paddy Darcy of the group Bray Beachwatch, which campaigned against the Department of the Marine's proposal, said the consultants' plan would "allow Bray to be brought into the future of tourism. This would be a user friendly seafront and allow for the development of water sports".
The council will now receive written submissions on the plans which are both costed at about £2.5 million.
A decision on the scheme is to be made by councillors at their meeting on March 7th.
