Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, speaking at the Public Meeting held in the Community House in Ballyhalbert, said that it is beyond time for the issue of Coastal Erosion to have a strategic plan put in place and better coordination between government departments. Erosion hotspots are appearing around the County Down coast from Ballyhalbert to Ballyhornan.
The meeting was held by Diane Dodds MEP, Michelle McIlveen MLA and Cllrs Adair and Edmund along with Chief Executive of Ards and North Down Council Stephen Reid who have all been seeking action taken regarding this issue.
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Strangford MP Jim Shannon[/caption]
Mr Shannon said: “The storm of the Winter before last meant that DRD or Transport NI as they are now called saw costs upward of £800 000. The road replacement at Whitechurch Road, Ballywalter cost £280 000, the damage to the Shore Road, Ballyhalbert cost £36 000, Roddens Road £86 000, repairs to road at Portaferry Road Ards, Greyabbey and Kircubbin. The total is up towards £800,000.
“What was once in 20 or 18 years is now one in three and the money needed to repair this is building up. Frustration reigns when neither Transport NI, DOE, NIEA, Rivers Agency or DARD can or will accept responsibility for damage to property or take preventative means to stop flooding. At Saltwater Brig due to high tides many houses and businesses had their properties damaged and insurance claims for that area were in excess of £100 000.
“It is now patently obvious that someone needs to take control and after discussions with the chief Executive of Ards and North Down Council it is intended that the council will be the conduit to pull together all government departments and to address what is needed and be a priority for the council.
“No longer will the sticking plasters be acceptable as this regularity of flooding due to Coastal Erosion becomes common place. The impact upon the local community, on accessibility to the road network, the impact on community life and the tourist potential that is yet to be realized, a potential that can deliver more jobs and a boost to the economy it would be a tragedy if coastal erosion holds that back.
“It is encouraging that the newly installed Chief Executive of Ards and North Down council is prepared to initiate a study on the impact of Coastal Erosion and that prevention is the correct policy. Also it will address the massive expenditure that has taken place as a result of high tides and storm,” added Mr Shannon.
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