Govt Accused Of Failing To Deal With Coastal Erosion Problem

The government has been accused of failing to deal with the coastal erosion problem throughout Northern Ireland.

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong recently held a meeting with the Coastal Erosion Group and said the lack of investment was "no longer acceptable".

She said: "Across Strangford coastal businesses are suffering, as roads are destroyed or blocked by debris and the cost of flooding from tidal surges continues to increase.


"The Ministers must ensure specific actions and funding are included in the Programme For Government (PFG) delivery plans, signalling they are prepared to finally tackle the issues of coastal defence and management.

"I call for a coastal management strategy to be developed and ask that from today no government official refers to the Bateman Principle - an out of date principle that government uses as an excuse to ignore coastal erosion.

"We need real investment in coastal defences to ensure tourists can access the area on safe roads and local people can get their kids to school, access essential services and have use of well-maintained roads without fear of undermining, road collapse or being struck by marine debris."

(CD/LM)