Mckillop Calls For Urgent Action To Protect Portballintrae Coastline And Infrastructure

Councillor Sharon McKillop has called for urgent intervention to address worsening coastal erosion at Seaport Road and Seaport Avenue in Portballintrae, warning that delaying action could place important local infrastructure, a Right of Way and the public purse at greater risk.

The issue was raised at Council amid concerns over active cliff instability along the shoreline, with recent high-resolution 3D digital imaging captured by Council drones indicating significant continuing erosion in the area.

Cllr McKillop has called for immediate short-term remedial works to repair damaged sea defence infrastructure, including the failed palisades, before winter storms arrive.

At the same time, she is asking Council to begin work on a permanent solution, including consideration of land-based stabilisation techniques such as soil nailing.

Cllr McKillop said:

“Portballintrae is one of the most important coastal destinations within our borough, and we cannot afford to wait until erosion becomes an infrastructure emergency before taking action.

“The evidence available to Council shows that this section of coastline continues to deteriorate. This is no longer simply an environmental concern. It could threaten the Right of Way, nearby road infrastructure, and ultimately place a much greater financial burden on Council and the ratepayer if the problem is allowed to worsen.

“My first priority is therefore to see an urgent short-term intervention carried out to repair the damaged sea defences before we enter another winter storm season.

“But repeatedly carrying out temporary repairs cannot be the long-term answer. We also need to properly examine what permanent engineering solution can stabilise this section of coastline and protect it for the future.”

Cllr McKillop has asked Council to use a precedent established in 2021, when Stage 1 inception and Stage 2 feasibility work were progressed in parallel, to accelerate consideration of works on the same shoreline.

She is seeking a dedicated budget for a comprehensive feasibility study into the long-term stabilisation of the area, alongside continued examination of external infrastructure funding opportunities which could help meet the eventual capital cost.

Cllr McKillop continued:

“There is already a precedent within Council for accelerating this process. We successfully did so in 2021 and I believe the circumstances now justify taking the same proactive approach.

“I also want the potential financial exposure to Council properly recognised. If there was ultimately a significant infrastructure failure, the costs associated with emergency works, rebuilding, environmental remediation or potential liability could be considerably greater than taking preventative action now.

“That is why I believe this developing issue should also be properly reflected within Council’s corporate risk management processes.

“Portballintrae’s importance extends far beyond those who live there. It attracts visitors from across Northern Ireland and much further afield and supports businesses, employment and tourism throughout Portballintrae and neighbouring Bushmills.

“Visitor spending supports our shops, hospitality businesses and small independent traders throughout the year. Protecting this area is therefore also about protecting an important part of our local economy.

“This is an opportunity for Council to act before we reach a crisis point. I want to see the immediate danger addressed, officers developing a credible long-term stabilisation plan and every possible source of external funding explored.

“Prevention is better than paying for an emergency afterwards, and I hope there will be support across Council for getting this work moving without delay.”

Council officers are expected to take short-term remedial action and provide a further report outlining options for long-term stabilisation of the area.