10 CASE STUDY Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford
The coastal area of Rosslare consists of Rosslare Harbour and Rosslare Strand. The sea plays a huge role in the economic activities of the area and the results of these activities are evident.
• Rosslare Harbour is a famous port. Passenger ferries and cargo ships use it as a transport hub to the UK and France.
• Rosslare Strand is situated to the north of the port and its 8 km of sandy beaches have Blue Flag status. It has been an important tourist resort for many years.
A sea wall was built at Rosslare Harbour to provide shelter for the port and to ensure that sediment would not block the channel. However, this resulted in the build-up of material south of Rosslare Harbour, and a reduction in sand deposition on the beaches and sand dunes of Rosslare Strand. The beach began to disappear.
To tackle this issue, gabions, rock armour and groynes were put in place. In addition, sand was dredged or dragged up from the seabed about 6 km offshore and used to nourish the beach and build it up again.
This is an example of how human interaction in one area can affect another area.
: Figure 10.30 Rosslare Strand
: Figure 10.29 Rosslare Harbour is an important ferry port
Check out http://beachawards.ie/ to find out how a beach qualifies to get a Blue Flag. ACT VITY
Go to page 41 of your Portfolio and research a flood that has occurred along the coastline. PORTFOLIO ACT VITY 10.2
(i) List two ways people use the sea to their advantage. (ii) List two negative impacts of people interacting with the sea. (iii) Name and explain two methods used to protect the coastline from the power of the sea. (iv) What negative impact can the building of groynes have? (v) Suggest two ways in which people can interact with the coastline in a more sustainable way.
/ I can give examples of how people interact with the sea. / I can explain, using examples, how people try to protect the coastline from erosion.
