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East Derry MLA's welcome £1.2m for Barmouth Moles repairs
This comes after the announcement of £1.2 million in funding to carry out essential health and safety works on the historic Barmouth Moles near Castlerock.
East Derry MLA's welcome £1.2m for Barmouth Moles repairs
Reporter:
Aoife McManus
30 Sept 2025 5:00 PM
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced £1.2 million funding to Coleraine Harbour for essential health and safety works at the Barmouth Moles near Castlerock.
The Barmouth was constructed in the 1880’s to maintain navigability on the River Bann so boats can come from the sea into the river. The Barmouth Moles are the stone-and-concrete breakwaters that protect where the River Bann and the Atlantic Ocean meet.
Minister Kimmins said: “The current condition of the Barmouth Moles poses a health and safety risk which is why I am allocating £1.2 million in funding to ensure that this work is taken forward as a matter of priority. This significant investment will help protect the surrounding environment and reduce the risk of tidal flooding for these communities. This work is also important for the development of the local economy and the future of Coleraine Harbour.”
East Derry MLA's have welcomed the announcement of £1.2 million in funding to carry out essential health and safety works on the historic Barmouth Moles near Castlerock.
SDLP Cara Hunter MLA said:
"Today's announcement of £1.2 million for essential repairs to the Barmouth Moles is a positive and welcome development for our community. These structures play a crucial role in protecting the River Bann and our coastline from flooding, while also preserving the precious habitats that support our local wildlife and natural heritage.
"That said, this action has been long overdue. Our local environment faces many pressures, from flooding risks to habitat degradation, and timely investment is vital to prevent further damage. Confirmation of this funding will come as a great relief to the local community, and I hope it marks the start of a sustained commitment to safeguarding both our environment and local economy."
Independent MLA Claire Sugden said:
"I am delighted that £1.2 million has been confirmed for essential health and safety works at the Barmouth moles on the River Bann. The Barmouth is a vital sea defence protecting Castlerock, Portstewart and Coleraine from flooding and coastal erosion. This funding means urgent repair works can now move ahead, safeguarding homes, businesses and our community for years to come. I have written to and met with the Infrastructure Minister about this project, and I am pleased she has recognised how important it is for the North Coast. This investment will strengthen our sea defences, support local jobs during the works and build on the tourism potential of the North Coast."
DUP MLA for East Derry Maurice Bradley welcomed the funding saying:
"As far as I am aware, the last repairs were carried out some 30 years ago. Anyone who has walked the area will know how badly the moles have deteriorated in recent years.
"I met with the Harbour Commissioners recently on this matter with my party colleagues, Alan Robinson MLA and Deborah Erskine MLA, who was the Chair of the Infrastructure committee at the time.
"The maintenance and repair are under the remit of the Harbour Commissioners, and from my time on that Board there has always been concern at the cost of repairing the Barmouth Moles. It is not just the River Bann entering the Atlantic Ocean, but without the Barmouth pier and moles, prestigious ground at Castlerock and Portstewart Golf Club could be liable to flooding and erosion.
"There are sections where large stones have been dislodged, concrete has been washed away, and parts of the structure now present a real hazard to those using the river or coastline.
"This funding is not only a matter of safety but also of economic importance. The River is tidal from the Barmouth to the Cuts at Castleroe, considering the volume of water that flows through Coleraine to the sea, maintenance and protection of the moles is of the utmost importance.
“I will continue to press for these works to be carried out without delay so that this vital coastal defence, which has served our community for nearly 150 years, is secured for the future.”
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The funeral cortege of Derry republican socialist Tommy McCourt draped by the Starry Plough flag, making it way from his home. PHOTO: Tom Heaney, nwpresspics
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