The Gobbins set for repairs as Mid & East Antrim Council approves rockfall safety measures

The Gobbins, Islandmagee

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee has approved a planning application for cliff stabilisation works at The Gobbins, Islandmagee, during a meeting at The Braid, Ballymena, on Thursday.

The proposal involves installing cliff face retention mesh across a 30-metre by 12-metre section of the cliff walk at the council-owned visitor attraction, which remains closed.

A report to the committee stated:

“The application relates to works necessary to introduce additional cliff netting to stabilise the cliffs and improve safety for contractors working and visitors using the coastal path below.”

The site is designated as a Special Countryside Area and forms part of an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), noted for seabirds nesting on the cliff face.

Planning officer Henry McAlister explained that the “main concern with this proposal is with regard to breeding sea birds within The Gobbins Area of Special Scientific Interest, specifically terns, black guillemots and gulls”.

He added that The Gobbins has been subject to regular ornithological monitoring since work on the original cliff path approval in 2013.

However, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s Natural Environment Division confirmed there “never have been any birds nesting within the area of the proposed works” and concluded the proposal “would not be likely to harm any species protected by law”.

Mr McAlister reported that NIEA was “satisfied that the application site is located outside the main bird breeding areas at The Gobbins and that works can proceed”.

He explained that the stabilisation system will use steel mesh held in place with galvanised steel rope and spot anchors drilled into the cliff face:

“It is going to be similar in appearance and design to existing cliff stabilisation structures already in place at The Gobbins.”

Mr McAlister noted that falling rock had damaged a bridge along the route, and the stabilisation works will secure the cliff face, allowing repairs and enabling the path to “safely re-open to the public”.

The committee report added:

“The Gobbins is an example of a tourism asset within the borough and it is to be safeguarded under policy. Due to health and safety reasons associated with cliff instability and rock fall, the lower Gobbins path has been closed for significant periods of time. The proposal would allow the path to re-open and safeguard the tourism asset for the future.”

The recommendation to approve was proposed by Larne Lough Alliance Alderman Robert Logan and seconded by Bannside DUP Councillor Tyler Hoey.

Ald Logan remarked:

“Work has to go ahead and go ahead as soon as possible.”