£1.2m Barmouth Moles works completed to protect Lower Bann from flooding and erosion

(L-R) Lisa McLaughlin, Harbour Master, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Robert Skelly, Chair of Coleraine Harbour Commissioners.

A major £1.2 million project to secure the historic Barmouth Moles at the mouth of the River Bann has been completed, reducing the risk of tidal flooding, coastal erosion and disruption to vessels using Coleraine Harbour.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins visited Castlerock Pier to see the finished marine engineering works, which were prioritised after the loss of protective rock armour left the structures increasingly vulnerable.

The Barmouth Moles form two substantial stone-and-concrete breakwaters where the River Bann meets the Atlantic Ocean. Dating from the 1880s, they help keep the river entrance navigable while protecting the estuary and surrounding coastline from the force of the sea.

The Department for Infrastructure committed £1.2 million over two years towards the health and safety project.

Risk of structural failure

Explaining why intervention was necessary, Minister Kimmins said deterioration of the rock armour had raised concerns about the future integrity of the structures.

She said:

“These essential health and safety works have been taken forward as a priority due to the significant investment provided by my Department. Loss of rock armour over time increased the structural vulnerability which could have led to structural failure.

“Without intervention this could have resulted in impeded vessel access, increased erosion at key tourist beaches and elevated flood risks along the lower Bann.”

The importance of the moles extends beyond Coleraine Harbour itself. Their position at the meeting point of the river and Atlantic means deterioration could have had consequences for communities along the Lower Bann as well as nearby North Coast beaches.

Minister Kimmins added:

“I am pleased that the works have been completed, which will help protect the surrounding environment and reduce the risk of tidal flooding for local communities, work which is also important for the development of the local economy and the future of Coleraine Harbour.

“I commend the Commissioners for taking forward this vital project as a matter of urgency and ensuring timely completion.”

Victorian infrastructure still protecting the coast

The Barmouth dates back to the 1880s and was constructed to maintain navigability at the entrance to the River Bann, allowing vessels travelling from the sea to enter the river.

More than a century later, its two moles continue to perform that role while acting as breakwaters against Atlantic waves and helping protect the estuary and nearby coastline.

Robert Skelly, Chair of Coleraine Harbour Commissioners, described the recently completed scheme as a significant and technically challenging marine engineering project.

He said:

“We are delighted to welcome Minister Kimmins to Coleraine and to have the opportunity to show her the completed Barmouth Moles project.

“This was a significant and technically challenging marine engineering project, and its successful completion on time and within budget is a credit to everyone involved.

“We are particularly grateful to the Minister and the Department for Infrastructure for recognising the importance of the Barmouth Moles and providing the £1.2 million investment required to secure this vital infrastructure for future generations.”

Attention turns to Coleraine Harbour’s future

With the immediate protection works now complete, Coleraine Harbour Commissioners say they want to use their relationship with the Department for Infrastructure to support further development of the harbour.

Mr Skelly said:

“The project demonstrates what can be achieved through a strong working relationship between the Department and the Harbour Commissioners. We now want to build upon that relationship as we look towards the next chapter in the development of Coleraine Harbour.

“Coleraine has enormous potential as a harbour, a destination and an economic asset for the wider North Coast. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Minister and her Department as we seek to realise that potential.”

Completion of the Barmouth Moles project therefore secures infrastructure which has helped keep the mouth of the River Bann open for well over a century, while reducing risks to vessels, beaches and communities around the Lower Bann.

Attention will now turn to what further investment could follow as the Harbour Commissioners pursue their longer-term ambitions for Coleraine Harbour.