Ballycastle Sea Wall Repairs Planned After Structural Concerns

A section of sea wall along Ballycastle’s promenade has been undermined by tidal and river activity, according to a report due to be presented to councillors next week.

The update will be provided to members of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Leisure and Development Committee on 18 March. The report is for information and outlines planned repair works at the mouth of the Margy River.

Council officers became aware in November that part of the reinforced concrete retaining wall, which also acts as a seawall along the promenade walkway, had become compromised. The structure sits on large stones which form the beginning of the eastern breakwater of Ballycastle marina.

According to the report, the damage appears to have been caused by a combination of sea action and water flow from the Margy River. The river is described as a “spate river”, meaning it can experience sudden and significant increases in flow due to the steep and rocky nature of its catchment area.

Following the discovery, council estates staff instructed Ivan Scott Associates Ltd to carry out a visual inspection of the minor sea wall at the beach.

The engineers reported that water scour had undermined the wall by up to 1.7 metres in places, with some voids beneath the structure exceeding 0.4 metres in depth.

To address the issue, the report outlines a series of repair works designed to stabilise and protect the structure.

These include clearing debris and loose material from the area, installing reinforcing bars to support formwork beneath the wall, and pumping structural concrete into the voids that have formed beneath the base. A heavy-duty geotextile layer will also be laid before placing large rock armour stones, each weighing at least five tonnes, to help protect the area from further erosion.

The works are expected to be carried out during a period of low daytime tides to allow a small excavator to access the beach safely.

Council officers say the repairs are essential to protect the integrity of both the seawall and the promenade.

The project is expected to cost under £30,000, funded as a capital expenditure within the current financial year, with completion anticipated by May 2026.

Councillors are being asked to note the contents of the report when it comes before the committee next week.