Erosion threatens Clipper send-off at Magilligan

Limavady Council is in a race against time to repair damage at Magilligan Point ahead of a major maritime event at the end of the month.
Sign of Errosion at Magilligan beach. INLV0614-114KDRSign of Errosion at Magilligan beach. INLV0614-114KDR
Sign of Errosion at Magilligan beach. INLV0614-114KDR

The Sentinel reported earlier this year how recent tidal surges and rough conditions had caused serious erosion at Magilligan Point over the winter months.

Now, the wooden steps which provided pedestrian access to the beach have had to be removed altogether, such has been the damage caused by erosion at Magilligan.

A report prepared by Director of Development at Limavady Borough Council, Valerie Richmond, notes that time is running out to repair the damage before a major maritime event associated with the Clipper around-the-world yacht race. The report also notes, meanwhile, that a long term plan of action has still to be put in place.

Ms Richmond states: “The erosion at Magilligan Point caused by tidal surge and sea conditions over the winter months has continued to have an impact on the site. The wooden steps have had to be removed as they were unstable due to the movement of material on the beach.

“Visitors wishing to access the beach are being directed through the paths leading to Martello Tower. Magilligan Point continues to be popular with visitors all year round.

“Therefore it is vital that the pedestrian access to the beach is reinstated. This is further required given the Clipper race start will be taking place on June 29 at the mouth of Lough Foyle. In addition some of the rock armour will also have to be reinstated to offer protection in the short term.

“Development Directorate staff have discussed this matter with colleagues in Environmental Services who are now preparing a specification for the necessary works.

“This work will be undertaken in consultation with one of the landowners whose property was impacted on by the tidal surge. This is a short term solution and it would be prudent for council to consider some longer term actions for the site and identify relevant funding opportunities to resource any such actions.”

Farmers in the area, meanwhile, have consistently bemoaned the steady erosion caused by the sea. Ian Mark is a farmer in the Myroe area along the Lough Foyle. Back in March, he told the Sentinel that, while the his land is in an area that has flooded a number of times, the protection offered by the sea wall means he has not lost land to erosion. Farmers in the Magilligan area, he explained, cannot even erect coastal defences of their own because of the restrictions in an Area of Special Scientific Interest.

Related topics: