Loulé beaches to receive an extra 600,000 cubic metres of sand

The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) will begin adding an extra 600,000 cubic metres of sand to the beaches of Forte Novo and Trafal from Monday, July 13, expanding a previous coastal protection project in Loulé.

The additional sand represents a 50% increase on the volume already deposited between Quarteira and Garrão as part of the first phase of the beach nourishment programme.

According to Loulé Municipal Council, the extra work became necessary because the coastline lost significantly more sand than originally anticipated during the years between the project’s planning and its implementation.

Explaining the need for the additional sand, Mayor Telmo Pinto said: “During the period between the project’s design and the execution of the works, the sea carried away much more sand than expected. This is a way of replacing that sand and giving us much greater peace of mind for a much longer period.”

He also said the opportunity to carry out the additional work arose because the contractor was already operating nearby in Spain.

“This was a unique opportunity,” he said, adding that the work would be completed quickly despite taking place during the height of the summer season.

The operation will involve temporary, phased restrictions on small sections of beach, which will be clearly signposted, the council explains. To minimise disruption for beachgoers, the works will focus on areas close to the cliffs and the shoreline.

The mayor also noted that more than a decade had passed without any major intervention along this stretch of coastline, exceeding the expected lifespan of previous beach nourishment works.

The additional works are fully funded by European Union funds and will not increase the overall cost already allocated to the original project, the council stressed.

It added that beach concessionaires have been kept informed throughout the process and thanked residents, visitors and businesses for their understanding during the temporary disruption.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.