Devlin calls for clarity over rock climbing ban

Dún Laoghaire TD Cormac Devlin has called on Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council to urgently explain its decision to prohibit rock climbing at Dalkey Quarry from Monday, 11th August.

The Fianna Fáil TD said the move has caused “real frustration” among local residents, youth organisations, and climbing groups, particularly as the Council was actively promoting climbing at the quarry as recently as July.

“Dalkey Quarry is a nationally significant climbing venue and a vital part of our local sporting culture since the 1940s. The Council’s own publications and social media were highlighting it as ‘the perfect outdoor activity’ only weeks ago. The sudden closure, without public consultation, is a major blow to community sport, youth development, and local tourism,” Deputy Devlin said.

Deputy Devlin has written to the Council seeking:

• The reasons for the prohibition and whether specific incidents triggered it
• The scope and timeline of the safety assessment now underway
• Consultation with Mountaineering Ireland, user groups, and affected businesses
• Consideration of interim measures that would allow responsible access while the review is carried out

“Public safety matters, but so does consistency, transparency, and proportionality. If the quarry was considered safe enough for promotion last month, we need to understand what has changed, and ensure the community is consulted before any long-term decision is made,” he added.