Kennedy praises efforts of staff during tidal surge

Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy has praised the hard work of all agencies involved in the operation to protect the public and vital infrastructure during the recent tidal surges.
Danny KennedyDanny Kennedy
Danny Kennedy

The Minister was speaking as he visited the A2 Whitechurch Road in Ballywalter where a 40 metre section of the road has collapsed after being undermined by the large and powerful waves that battered our coastline over the last four days.

Danny Kennedy said: “Whilst we are all grateful that the tidal surges were not as severe as expected, the last few days have been very challenging for the public and agencies involved.

“My Department’s Roads Service supplied over 20,000 sandbags across the coastal areas of counties Down, Londonderry and Antrim as well as in Belfast. This was a major exercise aimed at protecting infrastructure and enabling councils to help homeowners in the at risk areas.

“Departmental staff worked tirelessly from Thursday lunchtime right through the weekend as part of the multiagency response involving the PSNI, NI Fire and Rescue Service, Rivers Agency, NI Water, local councils and many other agencies. I want to thank all of those who worked so hard and in very difficult conditions to protect us.”

Tidal surges over the last few days resulted in some coastal routes being closed because of the over-topping waves which made driving conditions dangerous.

The Minister continued: “While most roads were only closed temporarily, Roads Service staff are now having to examine roads which could have been undermined by the tidal surge. The A2 Whitechurch Road at Ballywalter has been badly damaged and could potentially be closed for up to three months after a 40 metre stretch was washed away.

“In addition, a number of locations along the A20 Portaferry Road have suffered undermining due to erosion by the high tides and wave action. While these can be repaired without the need for road closures it will be necessary to operate temporary traffic management by way of traffic signals.

“Obviously my main priority now is to ensure any roads affected are repaired and debris is removed as quickly as possible and I ask the public to be patient while we work to carry out repairs.”

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