Sandymount Strand has a new weapon against pollution and sea erosion Once a week, a sand cleaning machine is driven from Costello’s Beach to Merrion Gates by Aidan O’Neill. The machine which is a Barber Surf Rake is pulled by a Seme 95 hp tractor.

Seaweed that has been raked up is spread over the marran grass along the sea shore The seaweed helps the grass roots to bind and so stops the sea from washing it away. The machine also has a fork grab for large clumps of seaweed and debris.

The Barber Surf Rake is a project of Dublin City Council Parks Division in Ringsend. It has been up and running for the past four months and has proved to be a great success. Another sand cleaning machine is also in operation at the Bull Wall.