New sea defences planned at 17 sites along East Antrim railway corridor

Sea defences at 17 locations along the Belfast to Larne railway line are set to be reinforced under new Translink proposals aimed at protecting the vital transport corridor from coastal erosion and increasingly severe weather conditions.

Plans for the East Antrim Sea Defences Project were unveiled during a series of public consultation drop-in sessions, the last of which was held at Glynn Village Hall outside Larne on Wednesday.

The consultation events were organised to provide information and gather feedback from local communities on the proposed works along the railway section between Carrickfergus and Larne.

The project will involve constructing new protective rock slopes using large interlocking boulders weighing between three and six tonnes. The rocks will be placed over a specialist fabric layer, with smaller rocks used to fill any gaps beneath the larger armour.

Proposed works locations are in the vicinity of Boneybefore Accomdation Crossing (1), South West of Kilroot Energy Park (2), South West of Salt Mines (3), South East of Salt Mines (4), Cloghan Point Oil Terminal (5), South of Beach Road Nature Reserve (6), South of County Antrim Yacht Club in Whitehead (7), Newmills Country House (8), South of Oldmill Bay (9), Nouth of Oldmill Bay (10), Sea Embankment of Oldmill Bay (11), South East of Blossoms at Larne Lough (12), Shore Road Cottages (13), North of Magheramorne Village (14), Magheramorne Train Station / Sailing Club (15), Larne Rugby Football Club (16), and Coalyard to Howden’s Oil Depot in Larne (17).

Project manager Jack Chapman told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that two sites — one in the Magheramorne area outside Larne and another near the salt mines outside Carrickfergus — were “badly affected” during stormy weather in February, resulting in temporary rock armour having to be installed.

However, he said maintenance and strengthening work is required at 17 locations between Carrickfergus and Larne.

“For the betterment of the track, for health and safety reasons and to keep the public safe, what we are doing is safety-critical for everybody involved,” he said.

Describing the works as “essential”, Mr Chapman warned that without intervention the railway line and surrounding land would become increasingly vulnerable to damage.

He also noted that much of the repair work could be carried out during weekends to minimise disruption.

“This part of the track is one of the most important lines as it is a feeder into Belfast,” he added.

Planning consultants Gravis Planning, which organised the consultation events, said online:

“Translink is investing in essential sea defence works along the railway line between Carrickfergus and Larne to help protect and strengthen this important transport corridor for the future.

“Protecting critical railway infrastructure is a key part of Translink’s role, particularly in coastal areas vulnerable to climate change, erosion and increasingly severe weather conditions.

“The proposed East Antrim Sea Defences Project involves the construction, improvement and extension of sea defence assets.

“The scope of the project includes strengthening the existing sea defences, repairing and replacing existing rock armour which has been affected by erosion and climate change and constructing new sea defences where required to protect the railway line.”

No additional structures are planned as part of the proposals.