Council Planning to Replace Cranfield Beach Sea Defences

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is planning to replace damaged sea defences at Cranfield beach outside Kilkeel.

An Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT) is to be appointed to begin work on the scheme’s detailed design and an environmental assessment to secure approval for the necessary repairs from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

Cranfield beach is adjacent to an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) which requires NIEA approval for the new sea defences.

A recommendation to approve capital funding for the work and appoint consultants was endorsed at a meeting of the Council’s Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee on 14 May and is due to be considered by the full Council when it meets next month.

Coastal defences and embankments at Cranfield, which is an award winning Blue Flag beach, were extensively damaged during Storm Bram last December, with the Council preparing to put the building blocks in place for major repairs to address health and safety concerns.

A marine engineer who carried out a visual inspection of the beach on behalf of the Council has outlined high level repair and coastal defence replacement options.

To advance the scheme and secure NIEA and other associated approvals, the consultants’ detailed designs will illustrate the scale, size and extent of the proposed sea defences to provide protection from future storms.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Philip Campbell said, “The proposed repair of the sea defences is critical not only to protect the beach from further damage and erosion but minimise disruption and inconvenience to residents and visitors and protect an important access road.

“Cranfield beach is hugely popular given its stunning location and it’s important repair work can start as soon as all the necessary approvals are in place.”

Cllr Campbell said strengthening the sea defences will play a pivotal role in protecting the coastline and help preserve the beach, while ensuring the area remains safe, accessible and resilient to coastal erosion.