Debate contribution: Sea Defences: Donaghadee
Debate contribution by Ms Liz Kimmins on .
- MLA
- Ms Liz Kimmins
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 13 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Sea Defences: Donaghadee
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5789839
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I was delighted to be down there to see the completion of the works at the Barmouth moles, and what a beautiful part of the country it is. That came about after engineering surveys found substantial degradation and displacement of the protective rock armour, which left the concrete structures increasingly exposed to wave action, saltwater weathering and further cracking. Without that intervention and with continued deterioration, there was a real risk of structural failure, which would mean displaced rock and debris potentially making the entrance to the River Bann unsafe or impassable for commercial and recreational vessels. Failure of the moles could also result in stronger currents and more severe wave action, particularly during storm and high tides, presenting a direct danger to people who live, work or undertake activities near the river and coast. It is a very busy coastal area. Structural failure would also restrict the discharge of water from the Lower Bann through the Barmouth and increase the risk of sudden or severe flooding along the Lower Bann and in Coleraine. That has the potential to endanger people's homes, businesses and the road and the railway line between Coleraine and Castlerock, impeding access for emergency services. The works reinstated approximately 7,500 tons of rock armour around the concrete moles, maintaining their structural integrity and protective function for an estimated 25 to 30 years. Having visited it both before and after the work, I know that it is superb. It is a beautiful part of our country. The work that was done was absolutely essential, but, aesthetically, it is gorgeous and a credit to everybody who has been involved in ensuring that it happened.
276 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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