Action finally taken on dangerous Coast Road railings in Larne – Danny Donnelly MLA

Alliance East Antrim MLA Danny Donnelly on the Antrim coast

Alliance East Antrim MLA Danny Donnelly has welcomed confirmation that long-awaited action will finally be taken to replace the dangerous and rusted railings along the Coast Road in Larne.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has confirmed that an external contractor has been instructed to assess seven sections of railings identified as being in a poor and unsafe condition, and to begin the process of replacing them.

Concerns had been raised about the severely corroded and sharp metal railings, which had become a potential hazard for pedestrians and road users along one of the area’s busiest and most scenic routes.

Mr Donnelly, who has been pressing the Department to address the issue, said:

“These railings have been in a shocking state for some time and there was a real risk that someone could have been seriously injured. I’m glad to see that the Department has at last recognised the danger and taken steps to get the process moving.”

He added that while the confirmation was welcome, the work would take time and depend on available funding.

“This is not going to be a quick fix. The Department has made clear that this will take time and will depend on budget being available, so I will continue to press them to ensure this work is carried out properly and without unnecessary delay.”

Mr Donnelly said the move marked an “important step in the right direction” towards improving safety along the route but stressed that further work was needed.

“This is an important step in the right direction but there is still a lot more to do to make sure the Coast Road is safe for everyone.”

The Coast Road, which runs between Larne and Glenarm, is a key coastal route popular with commuters and tourists alike.

Calls for repairs have been growing in recent years due to the visibly deteriorating condition of infrastructure along several stretches of the road.